The master's thesis addresses the topic of grief experienced by residents of homes for older people following the death of a fellow resident. The topic stems from the observation that, although death is a common occurrence in institutional settings, the impact of a co-resident’s death on other residents is often overlooked or addressed only superficially. The aim of the study was to explore how residents of a home for older people experience the death of a fellow resident, how they cope with the loss, and what role staff members and social work play in this process.
The theoretical framework of the thesis covers old age and ageing, life in institutional care, dying as a part of the life process, communication about death and grief, various theories and models of grief, emotional experiences in old age, relationships among home residents, support networks, and the role of social work in institutional care. Attention is given to contemporary models of grief, which emphasize the individuality of the grieving process, the importance of social support, and the maintenance of symbolic bonds with the deceased. The thesis also presents the specific characteristics of grief in old age, when individuals are often confronted with multiple consecutive losses and reflections on their own mortality.
The study employed qualitative research design. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with eight residents who had experienced the death of a fellow resident. The collected data were analysed using open and axial coding, enabling an in-depth understanding of their experiences, emotions, and perceptions of loss.
The findings revealed that meaningful interpersonal relationships frequently develop among residents, often evolving into friendships and serving as an important source of emotional support. Consequently, the death of a fellow resident represents a significant loss for many individuals, accompanied by feelings of sadness, distress, loneliness, and reflections on their own mortality. The intensity of grief was often associated with the closeness of the relationship between the resident and the deceased co-resident. The study also found that residents most commonly cope with loss through conversations with family members and friends, reminiscing about shared memories, and employing their own personal coping strategies.
An important finding of the study is that staff support following the death of a fellow resident is often limited primarily to informing residents of the death and offering condolences. Participants expressed a need for more opportunities for conversation, greater empathy and humanity, a more active role of the social worker, and organized forms of support such as self-help groups, memorial activities, and opportunities to say goodbye to the deceased. The results also indicated a certain degree of death taboo within the institution, as death and grief are often not discussed openly, which may contribute to feelings of loneliness and uncertainty among residents.
The recommendations emphasize the importance of a more active role for the social worker, the establishment of systematic support for bereaved individuals, the organization of discussion and self-help groups, and the provision of opportunities for a dignified farewell to the deceased. Further development of social work theory and methods in the field of grief within institutional settings is also proposed, along with additional research into residents’ needs and the effectiveness of various forms of support. The aim of these recommendations is to contribute to a more holistic and compassionate approach to the grieving process in homes for older people.
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