In:
Canadian Journal on Aging / La Revue canadienne du vieillissement, Cambridge University Press (CUP), Vol. 27, No. 4 ( 2008), p. 347-357
Abstract:
Aim: This study was undertaken to determine the care needs of Canadian seniors living at home with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Background: COPD is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although hospitalizations for illness exacerbations and end-stage care may be common, most persons with COPD live out their lives in the community. Little is known about the care needs of this significant population. Methods: This study was guided by the research question: “What are the care needs and care priorities of senior citizens with end-stage COPD?” An ethnographic qualitative approach was used to address this question. Twelve community-dwelling seniors living in a Canadian city and diagnosed with advanced COPD were interviewed three times in their homes over an eight-month period in 2006. Findings: Three themes emerged, each with concrete care needs: (a) self-reliance and independence through adaptation, (b) stable health through maintenance, and (c) living with constraints. The predominant theme was that all participants wanted to maintain their independence. This required considerable adaptation, as well as assistance from others. Conclusions: Ensuring and improving assistance is important to prevent additional suffering and reduce exacerbations requiring hospitalization, a particularly important aim given the high and rising incidence of advanced COPD. A number of other insightful findings reveal the significance of learning directly from the persons who live with chronic illnesses about their lives.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0714-9808
,
1710-1107
DOI:
10.3138/cja.27.4.347
Language:
English
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Publication Date:
2008
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2166531-X
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