The lived experience of having a parent in a residential home – the daughters’ perspective

Abstract

Introduction: Immediate family members are a critical source of support and informal care in late life, such family members play an important role in the admission and transition of the older person into residential homes (RH). Research has shown that, after spouses, daughters of older people are usually those who take up most of the responsibilities of care within the care-receiver's family. This study therefore aimed at exploring the lived experience of daughters whose parents were currently living in a RH. Methods: A qualitative method using interpretative phenomenological approach was adopted. Data was collected via audio recorded individual semi-structured interviews with six participants who were recruited through purposive sampling from the state residential home. Results: Results highlight the stressful nature of tending to one's frail relatives. The findings uncovered a variety of ele­ments that influence the subjective quality of the participants· experience with care-giving and residential home placement. A sense of filial obligation and duty to care were found to be central motives for care-giving. Furthermore, spirituality was a common method of coping. Finally, having control with the par­ents, over the decision for admission to residential care, coupled with positive relationships with formal carers and non-familial residents, were found to appreciably enhance the resultant over­all experience of RH. Conclusion: The study emphasises that open communica­tion between informal caregivers and service providers is criti­cal to avoid conflicting views of care and enhance the overall experience for all parties involved by taking their needs preferences into consideration.