The Meanings of Home in the Stories of Older Women

Abstract

The concept of home emerged as a theme in the stories of inner strength told by older women. In this study, 12 women over the age of 65 (7 European American and 5 African American) were asked to tell a personal story that exemplified the meaning of being strong. The concept of home, which was an aspect of finding strength, comprised powerful stories about making a home, leaving home, losing one's home, staying home, and coming home. In this article, the meanings of home are presented in detail, as they emerged in this research. Conclusions concern the universal human need for creating a home and implications for nurses.