The impact of social network change due to spousal loss: A qualitative study on experiences of older adults who are aging in place

Abstract

Spousal loss due to nursing home admission or death is challenging for the well-being of the remaining partner and for aging in place. We explored: “How does social network change due to spousal loss impact older adults who are aging in place?.” In-depth interviews were held with six older women who were aging in place and who lost their spouses in the past two years. Narrative analysis was conducted. Results indicate that the impact varies in three dimensions and that variations within dimensions follow three themes. The results emphasize the complexity of impact and the urgent need for a person-centred approach toward older adults after spousal loss.

Acknowledgements

This research received no specific grants either from a funding agency or from a commercial or not-for-profit organization. We are grateful to the participants, for welcoming us into their homes and for sharing their personal stories. Furthermore, we would like to thank the Surplus, Joriszorg, Zorgboog and Sint Annaklooster home care organizations for their efforts with the recruitment of participants. The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.