Background

In the ordinary everyday existence of individuals, life usually goes by without them reflecting on its fragility or their relationships. Individuals in a close relationship are united with each other in a mutual dependency and share memories from the past, perceptions of the present and dreams and hopes for the future. When one of them suddenly seriously ill and thereby assumes the role of seriously ill patient while the other takes on the role of close relative, their normal life is changed into an extraordinary situation. Everyday life can be complex when next of kin are preoccupied with taking responsibility of the care, which in turn lead to a changed life situation and restrictions in everyday life. The summary of the current knowledge highlighted the importance of understanding of next of kin´ coping approaches during responsibility for caring at home. 

Aim and method

This study explores the process of changes for next of kin´ in a care home for older relatives from the perspectives of the responsibility for caring. Data were collected using narrative interview with 8 next of kin’ at home. The following questions were asked: Please describe the changed situation you have gone through, when you having the difficult care situation and what did you do to cope with your situation? The individual interviews were nearly all transcribed verbatim, a few were listen to and taking notes during listening. The data set were analyzed by using thematic analysis.

Findings and conclusion

Four themes revealed from narrative interviews with the next of kin´. The four themes were: Sources of responsibility related to family interaction; Consequences of changes for everyday; Importance on maintaining their own conditions; Roles and relationships over time. Based on a synthesis of data the themes and basic transitions that emerged were termed “re-constructing roles and relationships”. This highlights the subtle and dynamic way of changes and reinforces the importance of understanding the transitions from multiple perspectives. The results of the study may encourage people to engage themselves in self-help activities and strengthen them to believe they are to care for each other.