How older women who live alone with dementia make sense of their experiences: An interpretative phenomenological analysis
Frazer, S.M. Cleary, A.
Frazer, S.M.
Cleary, A.
Publication Date
2011
End of Embargo
Supervisor
Rights
Peer-Reviewed
Yes
Open Access status
closedAccess
Accepted for publication
Institution
Department
Awarded
Embargo end date
Collections
Additional title
Abstract
This paper investigates the subjective experiences of older women living alone with Alzheimer’s disease, vascular or mixed dementia. Eight women were interviewed to explore how they managed their identities and coped with day-to-day living, in the absence of a significant co-resident other who might reflect them back to themselves. Through interpretative phenomenological analysis themes emerged about loss, embodiment, adapting, awareness, safety, relationships, exclusion and loneliness. Memory loss had the most significant impact through loss of independence. However, the women were actively engaged in re-constructing their sense of self, using a variety of coping strategies. Relationships with friends, neighbours and attendance at memory clubs were important. A search for meaningful relationships was apparent, conflicting with feeling vulnerable and a consequent desire for self protection.
Version
No full-text in the repository
Citation
Frazer S M, Oyebode JR and Cleary A (2011) How older women who live alone with dementia make sense of their experiences: An interpretative phenomenological analysis. Dementia. 11 (5): 677-693.
Link to publisher’s version
Link to published version
Link to Version of Record
Type
Article