Ambivalence During Transition: Adult Children's Narratives When Their Elderly Parent Transfers From Home to a Nursing Home

ABSTRACT

Aim

To explore the narrated experiences of adult children during the initial phase of their transition process when their elderly parent transfers from home to a nursing home.

Design

The article describes part of a qualitative study with a narrative, longitudinal, prospective design.

Methods

Narrative interviews were conducted with a sample comprising eight adult children at three time points between February and July 2022. Narratives from the first interviews obtained during the initial transition phase are presented. This article explores the narratives of one woman and one man. The data were analysed using a thematic narrative approach. A constructed timeline gave a narrative chronology and facilitated the generation of three storylines and a unifying plot.

Results

The narratives provide insight into a complex, emotionally demanding, and morally challenging initial transition phase. This generated the following three storylines: doubting the decisions, a shift in the filial responsibilities and an emotional roller coaster. These storylines were closely intertwined, and they shaped the unifying plot of experiencing persistent ambivalence.

Conclusion

Adult children encounter significant burdens due to shifting roles and experiences of intergenerational ambivalence during the initial transition phase when their elderly parent transfers from home to a nursing home. Informal caregivers are crucial for maintaining and developing a sustainable health-care service, which makes it necessary to allocate resources and provide systematic support to enable adult children to continue their care responsibilities.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Nurses and other health-care personnel need to acknowledge the challenges and heavy burdens experienced by adult children when their elderly parent transfers from home to a nursing home. This should be addressed through systematic follow-up and dialogue with adult children.

Impact

This study provides knowledge that will enable health-care personnel to recognise adult children in this situation and support them during this phase.

Reporting Method

Reporting was performed in accordance with the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ). There were no patient or public contributions.