Martinsen Bente, Norlyk Annelise, Gramstad Astrid
Department of Public Health, Research Unit for Nursing and Healthcare, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
UiT The Arctic University of Norway & Centre for Care Research, Tromso, Norway.
West J Nurs Res. 2023 May;45(5):388-394. doi: 10.1177/01939459221135325. Epub 2022 Nov 4.
Becoming dependent on homecare in old age is a radical life change that requires complex adaption. The purpose of this study was to explore the existential dimension of being dependent on homecare with a particular focus on what makes dependency bearable. In total, 15 older people living in Denmark or Norway were interviewed using a phenomenological approach. The material was analyzed employing Max van Manen's meaning-giving approach coined "Phenomenology of practice." During the analysis, four themes emerged: pure acceptance of an inevitable situation, acting independently as much as possible, negotiating to receive good care, and gratitude toward caring caregivers. The results point to a need for respectful and individualized homecare leveling out the subordinate position in which dependency on homecare tends to place older people.
