Meaning & Purpose in the Lives of Care Home Residents

Nurses have identified that they feel provision of spiritual care is an important part of their care, however they feel unprepared for assessing and providing such care.

Other studies have also identified that patients may have difficulty in articulating what their spiritual needs are. From a review of studies that examined patients’ perspectives on spirituality a recurring theme that was identified was that patients defined spirituality as enhancing meaning and purpose in their lives.

It may be more useful and of practical significance to have a primary focus on care that enhances meaning and purpose in the lives of older people, than to use spirituality related terminology that nurses and patients feel unsure about.

The study involves action research in two care homes in which residents and staff have participated in activities and collaborative groups to illustrate aspects of meaning and purpose in residents’ lives, and those activities that can enhance life quality.

Project Lead: Natalie Yates-Bolton

Contact: Professor Martin Johnson