Abstract
Dignified care is a central issue in the nursing care of older adults. Nurses are expected to treat older adults with dignity, and older adults wish to be treated in a dignified manner. Researchers have recommended investigating the concept of dignity based on specific contexts and population groups. This meta-synthesis study aims to explore the understandings of dignity from the perspective of older adults in the Nordic countries. Synthesising findings from qualitative studies on older adults’ experiences of dignity has provided important insight into what can be essential for dignified care in a Nordic context. The importance of visibility and recognition for the experience of dignity is an overarching theme in all the studies. The participants’ descriptions mostly implicated an existence dominated by a lack of recognition. The older adults do not feel valued as people or for their contribution to society and strive to tone down their illnesses in an attempt to become more visible and acknowledged as people. Toning down their illnesses and masking their needs can protect their independence. At the same time, becoming less visible can leave them without a voice. The metaphorical phrase protected and exposed by a cloak of invisibility is used to express the authors’ overall interpretation of the findings. Lack of recognition and being socially invisible is a genuine threat to older adults’ dignity.
Highlights
A person’s health and well-being are essential to living as full a life as possible
The dignity policies related to the quality of care for older adults in Denmark focus on the quality of life, autonomy, interdisciplinary and integrated healthcare, food, nutrition, and dignity in death.[4]
It can be pertinent to ask if older adults in the Nordic countries are recognised and respected
Summary
A person’s health and well-being are essential to living as full a life as possible. Older adults are no exception. The legislation aims to ensure that older adults are treated with dignity when receiving health and care services.[2] In Finland, the Act for Elderly Care and Services[3] came into force in 2013 and, concerning long-term care, states that older people should be cared for in such a way that they can live in dignity and experience their life as safe and meaningful. The dignity policies related to the quality of care for older adults in Denmark focus on the quality of life, autonomy, interdisciplinary and integrated healthcare, food, nutrition, and dignity in death.[4] The National Board of Health and Welfare in Sweden has adopted a clause to the law on Social Services Act regarding fundamental values in caring for older adults.[5] These values embrace the right to a dignified life that includes the possibility of experiencing well-being. The self-determination, participation and individualisation of older adults must be respected and supported, and caring staff must be responsive and empathetic in their meetings with older adults.[5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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.
