Not just things

The Roles of Objects at the End of Life

Bibliographic Data

ID2249378
AuthorsHelena Cleeve (0000-0001-6650-8606, Karolinska Institutet NVS Division of Occupational Therapy Sweden, corresponding author), Carol Tishelman (0000-0003-4161-0342, Karolinska Institutet LIME MMC Innovative Care research group Stockholm Sweden), Alastair Macdonald (0000-0001-9282-6229, The Glasgow School of Art Glasgow UK), Olav Lindqvist (0000-0002-8549-1886, Karolinska Institutet LIME MMC Innovative Care research group Stockholm Sweden), Ida Goliath (0000-0001-8245-5479, Karolinska Institutet LIME MMC Innovative Care research group Stockholm Sweden)
Year2018
Volume40
Issue4
Pages735-749
Publication date2018-05-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSociology of Health & Illness (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0141-9889 • E-ISSN: 1467-9566
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/1467-9566.12719
PMID29480548
OpenAlexW2789562707
LanguageEN
Citations received8
References cited41

While the study of objects in care contexts is an emerging research field, it is largely overlooked in end of life (EoL) care. In this study, we empirically and inductively explore the roles of objects at the EoL from the perspective of bereaved family members. Open individual interviews were conducted with 25 family members recruited from palliative in-patient and homecare units, as well as residential care facilities. After verbatim transcription, the interviews were analysed thematically. Based on these interviews, we conceptualise the roles of objects as relating to temporality, transformations of the everyday, and care. Through analysis we offer two main insights, the first relating to interdependency between objects and people, and the second to the recognition of objects as simultaneously flexible and stable in this interdependent relationship. The capacity and challenge of objects as part of EoL care lies in their ability to encompass various viewpoints and relationships simultaneously. This might provide valuable insights for staff caring for dying persons and their families. We propose that staff's ability to navigate objects in care practices could be meaningful in supporting the relationships between individuals in EoL situations

End-of-life care · Epistemology · Everyday life · Interdependence · Palliative care · Perspective (graphical · Social science · Sociology · Temporality · Viewpoints · Computer Science · Geriatric Care and Nursing Homes · Grief, Bereavement, and Mental Health · Medicine · Nursing · Palliative Care and End-of-Life Issues · Psychology