In my graduation thesis, I focus on the attitudes of older people towards their own mortality in institutional care. The theoretical part presents the concepts of age and ageing, the needs of older people, loneliness and social networks, institutional care, and the role of social work in addressing mortality, dying, and death. The empirical part is based on qualitative research conducted through partially standardized interviews with ten residents of the Janko Škraban Home for older people in Beltinci and a social worker employed at the home. The results show that residents mostly perceive death as a natural and inevitable part of life and do not burden themselves emotionally with it to a great extent. They are less concerned with death itself than with the process of dying, particularly the possibility of pain. No pronounced fear of death itself was observed among the participants; rather, calmness and acceptance were the predominant responses. Death remains a taboo topic that residents rarely discuss, even with those closest to them, while faith represents an important source of support for some. The social worker plays an important role in creating a safe space for conversation and in recognizing emotional distress, although residents rarely approach her directly; however, they are generally satisfied with her work. Extensive bureaucracy and frequent staff turnover were identified as obstacles to the social worker's work.
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