Iatrogenic loneliness and loss of intimacy in residential care.
Citizenship
intimacy
nursing leadership
older adults
residential care
sexuality
Journal
Nursing ethics
ISSN: 1477-0989
Titre abrégé: Nurs Ethics
Pays: England
ID NLM: 9433357
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
Sep 2021
Sep 2021
Historique:
pubmed:
30
1
2021
medline:
26
11
2021
entrez:
29
1
2021
Statut:
ppublish
Résumé
There is an international trend for frail older adults to move to residential care homes, rather than ageing at home. Residential facilities typically espouse a person-centred philosophy, yet evidence points to restrictive policies and surveillance resulting in increased loneliness and diminished opportunities for intimacy and sexual expression. Residents may experience what has been termed social death, rather than perceive they are related to by others as socially alive. To consider how the loss of intimacy and sexuality in residents' lives contributes to iatrogenic loneliness experienced in residential care, and the importance of considering these issues together. The study utilised a constructionist methodology, investigating the meanings associated with intimacy, loneliness, and ageing. Qualitative data used in this study are drawn from a larger dataset of a mixed-methods study. Interviews were completed as follows: staff, 21 individual interviews, and two groups with a total of 13 additional people; residents, 26 interviews with 28 people; and family members, 12 interviews with 13 people. Five key themes were identified in the data analysis: loneliness and relational identity, loneliness and functional relationships, loneliness and disrupted intimacy, loneliness and liminality, and loneliness and the built environment. The study was approved by a University Human Ethics Committee. Participation was voluntary. Consent was gained and confidentiality upheld. Residents' expression of intimacy and sexuality can be compromised through paternalism, ageism, restrictive policies, care-rationing and functional care, alienating residents from sustaining and developing significant relationships. Attitudes and cultural beliefs of staff and family members about ageing and intimacy, compounded by architectural design, may intensify loneliness. Nurses have a pivotal role in ensuring policies and practice enhance social citizenship.
Sections du résumé
BACKGROUND
BACKGROUND
There is an international trend for frail older adults to move to residential care homes, rather than ageing at home. Residential facilities typically espouse a person-centred philosophy, yet evidence points to restrictive policies and surveillance resulting in increased loneliness and diminished opportunities for intimacy and sexual expression. Residents may experience what has been termed social death, rather than perceive they are related to by others as socially alive.
AIM
OBJECTIVE
To consider how the loss of intimacy and sexuality in residents' lives contributes to iatrogenic loneliness experienced in residential care, and the importance of considering these issues together.
RESEARCH DESIGN
METHODS
The study utilised a constructionist methodology, investigating the meanings associated with intimacy, loneliness, and ageing.
PARTICIPANTS AND RESEARCH CONTEXT
METHODS
Qualitative data used in this study are drawn from a larger dataset of a mixed-methods study. Interviews were completed as follows: staff, 21 individual interviews, and two groups with a total of 13 additional people; residents, 26 interviews with 28 people; and family members, 12 interviews with 13 people.
FINDINGS
RESULTS
Five key themes were identified in the data analysis: loneliness and relational identity, loneliness and functional relationships, loneliness and disrupted intimacy, loneliness and liminality, and loneliness and the built environment.
ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
METHODS
The study was approved by a University Human Ethics Committee. Participation was voluntary. Consent was gained and confidentiality upheld.
DISCUSSION
CONCLUSIONS
Residents' expression of intimacy and sexuality can be compromised through paternalism, ageism, restrictive policies, care-rationing and functional care, alienating residents from sustaining and developing significant relationships. Attitudes and cultural beliefs of staff and family members about ageing and intimacy, compounded by architectural design, may intensify loneliness.
CONCLUSIONS
CONCLUSIONS
Nurses have a pivotal role in ensuring policies and practice enhance social citizenship.
Identifiants
pubmed: 33509027
doi: 10.1177/0969733020983394
doi:
Types de publication
Journal Article
Langues
eng