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IHSRC - International Human Science Research Conference, Molde University College June 17-20 2009
How can the experience of being old and suffer from comorbidity challenge our understanding of care
Summer, M.1; Dahlberg, K.2; Fagerberg, I.1
1Malardalens University, School of Health Care and Social Welfare, Box 833, 721 23,
Vasteras, SWEDEN;
2Vaxjo University, Departement of Caring and Public Health Sciences, Georg Luckligs Vag
3, 351 95, Vaxjo, SWEDEN Background
Comorbidity in older population has been addressed more often in the past years by naturalistic and health care sciences because it is considered as a major threat to older peoples' quality of life and the healthcare systems of western countries. In caring and nursing science we need to explore older peoples' experience of suffering from
comorbidity in order improve their quality of care. Objectives
The aim of the study was to explore and understand older peoples' experiences of being old, suffer from comorbidity and living in their ordinary housing.
Method
This study used a caring science perspective and reflective life world approach based on phenomenological philosophy. Interviews with ten women and seven men, aged 75-99 years, diagnosed with comorbidity and living in ordinary housing were used for data analyses.
Results
The presentation will include results from this phenomenological study that reveals how older people experience comorbidity and what is important for their experienced well-being. The essence of this phenomenon can be understood as an struggle for remaining ones identity in a changed life situation. Ageing and comorbidity change their
experience and control of their body and show itself in a struggle for independence, safety, being oneself, regaining meaningfulness in the activity of daily life. Ordinary housing is experienced as a place where they can be themselves, feeling independent but others and the frail body constitute a threat that overshadows the suffering by their illnesses and even a dread for death. The essence is illuminated by the following
meaning constitutes: living with a frail body, struggle for independence, living at home and being oneself, to last in needs for help and aids, to live in community and isolation. Conclusions
The presentation will highlight how comorbidity as lived experience of older people offer a different understanding towards the common understanding by medical practice that is dominating the health-care institutions.
Biosheet
Martina Summer Meranius is doctoral student at Vaxjo university, Department of Caring and Public Health Sciences and Malardalens University, School of health, Care and Social Welfare. She is RN and has a Degree of Master of Social Science with major in Caring Education. Her studies are about the lived experience of being old and suffer from comorbidity and living in ordinary housing and nursing homes.
