Abstract
Object: Elderly aphasic patients and their families are often overlooked by the medical community and are easily isolated from society. In this study, acquisition of the developmental process of information among wives of elderly aphasic men is described in order to gain insight in their nursing.
Methods: Ten wives living with elderly aphasic husbands were interviewed, allowing them to freely express their thoughts on their husband and his treatment. A qualitative and inductive method was applied for analysis.
Results: A graded process consisting of 9 categories could be ascertained. Initially, wives experience ‘feelings of frustration caused by insufficient communication’ with their spouse. Then they use knowledge to ‘escape the frustration and inconvenience they feel.’ By using such knowledge, wives can ‘recognize that their husband suffer from aphasia.’ Next, they ‘attempt to overcome their frustration.’ In their attempt, wives ‘realize the limitations of continuing to do their best.’ However ‘wives are living and feeling easy realizing that they are supported by many people surrounding them’ through ‘living together as much as possible.’ This condition enables the husband and wife to ‘communicate with each other without verbal communication.’ Finally ‘they live independently and they are gradually interested in other families of aphasic patients.’
Discussion: Wives in this study accumulated experience and knowledge regarding living with elderly aphasic husbands at each progressive stage of their experience. It is suggested that the process characterizes to deepen their marital relationships and releasing from their verbal communication as time accumulates.
