In this way they worked as bridges between JNJ-26481585 molecular weight the hospital and the community health care. However, this was an unintended role that made them insecure

and frustrated. It points to the significance of persisting efforts to exchange accurate and complete information across health care settings (Naylor, 2006). Next of kin reported a high number of home care nurses in the initial time after discharge and perceived this as a threat to the quality of care. Nolan et al. claim that in the context of a caring relationship next of kin need to be ensured that competent standards of care are provided, and that the patient’s dignity and integrity, well-being, and personhood are maintained (Nolan et al., 2008). Our findings indicate that next of kin were uncertain whether the older person received care that maintained well-being and safety in the transition process, and thus felt it necessary to observe and assist the professional care. Continuity of care is important for establishing positive relationships (Naylor, 2006). Consistent access to the same professionals after discharge is therefore essential. Continuity of care enables the health care professional to better monitor the situation and to establish a relationship with both the patient

and the next of kin. This makes continuity of care fundamental to provide care informed by insight in the other’s experiences and needs. That is lifeworld insights, or insight Sotrastaurin based on the complex experiences of lives lived as a whole (Galvin & Todres, 2013). In our narratives it became clear that next of kin struggled with their own emotions connected to the altered

situation and simultaneously endeavoured to be supportive agents for the patient in transition. Facing physical and mental changes in the older person and in the relationship with them, together to with worries for the present situation and the future evoked feelings of sadness and also of insufficiency. At the same time, their willingness to take responsibility, to be flexible, and to deal with the changed situation was prominent in their stories. Next of kin’s devotions and profound feelings of responsibility for the older person in transition are also reported in a study by Eika et al. (2013). Even if the older person had been moved from home to a nursing home, they kept on feeling responsible and kept an eye on things and also supported their older relative in circumstances that threatened their dignity. This demonstrates how exposed the older person in transition is perceived by the next of kin, but it also reflects their own vulnerability. To avoid neglecting vulnerability, health care professionals must be aware of the meaning of the transition for those who are involved.