Open AccessA phenomenological–hermeneutic study exploring caring responsibility for a chronically ill, older parent with frailty
Author(s) -
Andersen Helle Elisabeth,
Hoeck Bente,
Nielsen Dorthe Susanne,
Ryg Jesper,
Delmar Charlotte
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
nursing open
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.55
H-Index - 12
ISSN - 2054-1058
DOI - 10.1002/nop2.467
Subject(s) - lifeworld , reciprocity (cultural anthropology) , duty , psychology , interpretative phenomenological analysis , general partnership , developmental psychology , social psychology , sociology , qualitative research , social science , philosophy , theology , finance , economics
Aim To provide lifeworld insights into experiences of adult children with caring responsibility for an 80+‐year‐old chronically ill parent with frailty. Background Informal care is common in Nordic welfare countries; however, little is known about adult children's experience of caring responsibility in this setting. Design A phenomenological–hermeneutic study based on Reflective Lifeworld Research. Methods Diaries and semi‐structured interviews with 12 adult children. Results Caring responsibility is identified as “a condition of life, filled with uncertainty.” Three constituents contribute to this phenomenon: (a) balancing love, duty and reciprocity; (b) being the parent's advocate and manager; and (c) experiencing concerns and bodily strain. Conclusion Adult children work hard to provide care and enhance the well‐being of their parent. Heidegger's concept ‘Fürsorge’ may help us understand how by showing how caring responsibility means balancing different roles vis‐à‐vis the parent, one's own life and the health and social systems. Caring responsibility changes the relationship between parent and child.