Lived experience, perceptions, and expectations of close relatives of nursing home residents and strength-based nursing, a phenomenological approach

Abstract

Dissensions between residents' families and professionals are frequently described in nursing homes. This phenomenological study aims to describe and understand experience, expectations and needs of residents' relatives. Forty-three interviews were conducted in the 6 selected nursing homes. The main expectations from the 43relatives was the respect of "humanity" of their loved one by the nursing home and improving family-staff communication. This study yielded original findings that are poorly described in the literature, namely the need for psychological help for relatives when their love one enters the nursing home. Relatives wanted the administrative formalities to be separated in time from the moment of their loved one's admission. They wanted psychological support and training to better understand their loved one's illness. Finally, relatives aimed to be a collaborative partnership with the team in the nursing home. These expectations fit the Strengths-Based philosophy. Thus, training professionals, directors and leaders to apply this paradigm shift could improve the relationship between relatives and nursing home care.