Older persons' experiences of care encounters in their home: A multiple‐case study

Abstract

Aim

To explore and describe older persons' unique experiences of care encounters with home care nurses in a real-life context.

Background

The increasing number of older persons in society contributes to increases in age-related impairments compromising their quality of life. Future care consists of “hospitals at home” where care encounters occur in a person's private domain, partly becoming a clinical workplace. Scant research has focused on how older persons experience care encounters with home care nurses and needs to be highlighted.

Design

Multiple-case study.

Methods

The cases relied on replication logic and five purposive sampled older persons were interviewed. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis and differences within and between cases were explored and findings across the cases were replicated.

Findings

The cross-analysis emerged in three categories: “Nursing routine rules the care encounters”, “Lack of knowledge and information” and “Dependency on support from others”.

Conclusions

Our research has found that older persons face challenges while receiving home care, including limited engagement in their care and the need for enhanced support. Implementing person-centred care in homes poses ethical challenges that require careful consideration. Home care nurses should prioritise understanding each patient individually, recognising them beyond their patient role, which necessitates more thorough and time-sensitive care encounters.

Reporting Method

Findings were reported using COREQ guidelines.

Patient or Public Contribution

Patients were interviewed and contributed with data for this study.

Implications for the Profession and Patient Care

This study emphasises the need to prioritise individualised care in home settings and listen to the voices of older individuals to enhance quality.