Tímarit hjúkrunarfræðinga - 2020, Page 119

ritrýnd grein scientific paper
tímarit hjúkrunarfræðinga • 3. tbl. 96. árg. 2020 119
The purpose of this article is to review ideas around the home as
an environment that shapes well-being and the ability to lead a
good life among frail older persons. This article draws on an in-
terdisciplinary exploration of the home, focusing on ideas, con-
cepts and understandings that influence discussions of the homes,
particularly of frail older people. A comprehensive search was con-
ducted using five databases: Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed,
CINAHL and Leitir.is (based in Iceland). In addition, reference
lists in articles and citing studies of key articles were reviewed.
This search yielded 1052 titles which were reviewed, and of these,
40 items were analysed in the synthesis presented here. The analy-
sis was guided by key theoretical concepts in the field, i.e., space,
place, “at-home-ness” and protection of privacy.
Results: Two main ideas were identified. The first relates to the
home as a material and built space; the second conceptualises the
home as a place to which people feel connected, a place invested
with meaning. Studies focusing on frail older persons’ homes as a
material environment draw on understandings of space and how
design and organization meets the needs and wishes of people who
receive health care services at home. Studies addressing one’s re-
lation to the home, and its meaning, have explored the impact of
“at-home-ness” on identity and well-being.
Conclusion: This is a synthesis of interdisciplinary concepts, the-
ories and research findings related to how the design of homes, as
well as emotions and experiences, shape the possibilities of older
people to lead a good life in their homes. The synthesis has the
potential to benefit the organizing of nursing in private homes.
Keywords: environment, home, space, place, “at-home-
ness“, home care nursing
Correspondent: kristbj@hi.is
English Summary
Bjornsdottir, K.
The homes of frail older persons who receive health care services: a review