OLDER Not Over: Recovery Experiences of Abandoned Elderly in Residential Care Facility

Abstract

The research examines the challenges, perception, and ability to cope of abandoned elderly in the process of recovery in Residential Care Facility. This study sought to understand the new beginning and experience of abandoned elderly to achieve recovery. The researchers employed a phenomenological approach and utilize a non-probability sampling method. Following this, data is collected from 16 abandoned older adults participants using semi-structured interviews. Data saturation was achieved after interviewing the 13th informant, with additional insights gained from the first two, although redundancy occurred with the third informant. The raw data were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using Colaizzi’s (1978) method. To ensure the credibility of the research, the researchers implemented member checking, comprehensive documentation of the research processes, bracketing, and an audit trails. The significant experiences of recovery have converged into a central theme, OLDER Not over, which encompasses five emerging themes (i.e., “OLDER”). (1) Obstacles Faced in Institutional Life illustrates the difficulties they faced during the recovery process. (2) Learning Diverse Coping Strategies to Manage Emotional Distress outlined the key methods and interventions they used to alleviate feelings of loneliness and helplessness. (3) Discovering Pathways of Emotional Resilience emphasized their capacity to explore new methods for maintaining emotional stability. (4) Exhibiting Anchors of Inner Strength focuses on their sources of hope and resilience while confronting internal challenges. (5) Rediscovering Meaning and Well-being in Recovery underscores their recognition of personal growth and improvement as they navigate their recovery. The findings from this study highlighted the role of Residential Care Facilities and their staff, such as nurses, social workers, and house parents, in addressing the fundamental needs of abandoned elderly individuals. In conclusion, the challenges in emotional and psychological state of abandoned elderly from past and present experiences had a significant impact in the speed of their recovery. This stressors and environmental factors altered their ability to cope that influence their mental health and the process of healing.