Role of family in elderly care - Thesis

ROLE OF FAMILY IN ELDERLY CARE[1]

Bachelor's Thesis

Authors Sunita Gurung & Sudha Ghimire Year 2014

Sunita Gurung & Sudha Ghimire

Degree Programme of Nursing

Kemi 2014

Abstract of Thesis

Family is an integral part of everyone’s life. The purpose of thesis is to explore the roles of family and significance of their participation in elderly care. The aims are to increase awareness of nursing students, nurses and families regarding involvement of family members in elderly care and to find out experience of elderly residents when family members visit them.

Research method used in this thesis is quantitative research in which questionnaires were used to collect data from elderly people. Mainly questions were about family visit and its importance, loneliness and involvement of family members in their care. Data was collected from two different elderly homes in Oulu. The research questions were: - How do elderly feel about loneliness at elderly home? How are family visits implemented? What effects do family visits have on the elderly? What expectations do the elderly have on family visits?

The study included two elderly homes of Oulu and the sample of 68 residents. The findings of the research showed that most of the elderly feels loneliness in elderly home. However, there were also elderly residents who mentioned that they do not feel loneliness at all. It was identified that the difference in loneliness feelings among elderly was greatly influenced by the number of family visit and support received by them. Further, this study helps to determine that elderly preferred to be visited by their family members as frequently as possible and they think that family visit is important for their happiness and well- being.

This research will help health care students, nurses and family members to understand value of regular family visit in elderly home, family roles and support needed to maintain the quality of life of elderly residents. In addition, nurses will involve family members in elderly care as well as family will be encouraged and motivated to participate actively.

Key words

Family, elderly, loneliness, family visit, family participation, family support