Caregiving Spouses and the Experience of Involuntary Separation

We explored the meaning of the experience of involuntary separation, as defined formally by the Canadian government and informally by our participants, in formerly caregiving spouses whose partners had been admitted to long-term care. Our goal was to explore their lifeworld experience of separation, including factors influencing well-being as spouses shifted from at-home caregiving to involuntary separation.

Guided, semi-scripted personal interviews were conducted with 10 individuals who had become involuntarily separated up to 4 years prior to the interview. A psychological-phenomenological analysis of participant narratives was conducted following procedures set out by Giorgi (2009).

Themes included access and continued involvement with spouse post-admission; seeking connections with family, friends, and spiritual resources; adaptability in the face of change and loss; and the immediate and long-term emotional impact of involuntary separation. Regular involvement with spouses, resources and connections with others, and adaptability contributed to well-being, but the experience was nonetheless described as an "emotional bomb."

Participants experienced involuntary separation as an overwhelming burden marked by ongoing losses, from connections with spouses and social supports to shifts in identity and financial security. Greater understanding of the unique needs and experiences of involuntarily separated spouses may help individuals cope in practical ways with their shifting situation and highlights the value of meaning-focused support.