Abstract
Loneliness is a concept recently capturing the attention of nursing and other healthcare professionals due to its unfavorable effects on health outcomes. The purpose of this article is to convey the story of one widow named Audrey (pseudonym) and to describe her experiences of profound loneliness. Narratives from this single case study are reported as part of a larger qualitative, phenomenological study on loneliness in community-dwelling older adults. Findings from Audrey's story reveal intense periods of loneliness, longing and loss primarily resulting from the death of her spouse. Excerpts from these narratives uncover Audrey's coping strategies for loneliness, which included watching television, telephoning her children, reading the paper, and finding comfort in her faith. Audrey's story is essential for all home healthcare professionals to understand, as it illustrates the powerful impact of loneliness on the quality of life and health of an older adult.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
