End-of-life care experiences among Korean social workers in elderly long-term care facilities

ABSTRACT

This qualitative study explored the experiences of social workers in elderly long-term care facilities in Korea during their end-of-life (EOL) care. The study utilized in-depth, face-to-face interviews with 15 social workers in elderly care facilities located in three metropolitan areas in South Korea. The themes of the EOL experiences were (a) the tough and tiring life of primary caretakers; (b) elders’ resentment toward and longing for their adult children; (c) inefficient filial piety care; (d) supporting family caretakers; and (e) feelings of grief and exhaustion. Social workers lack any protocol and educational guidelines for EOL care. This study suggests that educational efforts should be made to equip social workers to deal with EOL care. It also suggests that healing programs and/or self-support should be provided for social workers’ grief and exhaustion.