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

Abstract

Conflicts between residents' families and professionals are frequently described in nursing homes. This phenomenological study aims to describe and understand the experience, expectations and needs of residents' relatives. Forty-three interviews were conducted in six selected nursing homes. The main expectations voiced by the 43 relatives was that the nursing home respect the "humanity" of their loved one and improvements in communication between the family and staff. This study yielded original findings that are poorly described in the literature, namely the need for psychological assistance for relatives when loved ones enter a nursing home. Relatives wanted the administrative formalities to be separated in time from the time when their loved one entered the home. They wanted psychological support and training to better understand their loved one's illness. Finally, relatives strove to be a collaborative partnership with the staff team in the nursing home. These expectations fit the strengths-based philosophy. Training professionals, directors and leaders to apply this paradigm shift could improve the relationship between relatives and nursing home care.