Conversations with Holocaust survivor residents

J Gerontol Nurs. 2011 Mar;37(3):36-42. doi: 10.3928/00989134-20100730-02. Epub 2010 Aug 23.

Abstract

Traumatic events in one's younger years can have an impact on how an individual copes with later life. One traumatic experience for Jewish individuals was the Holocaust. Some of these people are moving into long-term care facilities. It was within this context that the research question emerged: What are Holocaust survivor residents' perceptions of a life lived as they move into a long-term care facility? For this qualitative study, Holocaust survivors were individually interviewed. Findings emphasize that nursing care needs to ensure that Holocaust survivor residents participate in activities, receive timely health care, and receive recognition of their life experiences.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological*
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anthropology, Cultural
  • Canada
  • Holocaust / psychology*
  • Homes for the Aged*
  • Humans
  • Jews / psychology*
  • Long-Term Care
  • Nursing Homes*
  • Survivors / psychology*