Meaning in life of older adults living in residential and nursing homes

Carlos I. Man-Ging*, Jülyet Öven Uslucan, Eckhard Frick, Arndt Büssing, Martin Johannes Fegg

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to contribute to the analysis of older people’s Meaning in Life and the implications of dwelling in residential and nursing homes. The transition from one’s private home to a residential or nursing care facility is a challenge for many older people. An individualized (not standardized) approach to meaning in life programming can help professionals in developing tailored interventions to support residents and their families. Participants: The participants (n = 106, 76% women, mean age 84.4 ± 6 years, 93% Christians) were living in residential (52%) and nursing homes (48%). Methods: An anonymous cross-sectional survey was conducted in nine care homes in Southern Germany using validated instruments such as the Schedule for Meaning in Life Evaluation (SMiLE) and Religious Trust (SpREUK-15 subscale). Results: Leisure time, nature experience, and family were the most important meaning-giving areas. Spirituality was also perceived as a major resource. Conclusions: Residents living in retirement homes were more spiritually satisfied than those living in nursing homes. It will be necessary to specifically support individuals living in institutional-care in their spiritual and psychosocial dimension to improve their feelings of security and to meet their core needs.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)305-322
Number of pages18
JournalJournal of Religion, Spirituality and Aging
Volume31
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 3 Jul 2019

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2018, © 2018 Taylor & Francis.

Keywords

  • Aged care
  • family
  • older adults
  • spirituality

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