Dignity from the perspective of institutionalized elderly and their families: an integrative review

revisión integradora

Authors

Abstract

Human dignity is constituted by what is lived and experienced; therefore, it is relevant to investigate the
relationships between sense of dignity by elderly and institutionalization. This review aimed to identify
international articles on dignity in long-term care institutions from the perspective of institutionalized
elderly and their families. The empirical material, selected in June 2024, consisted of 18 studies
published between 1998 and 2023. The data were coded and analyzed according to thematic similarity.
Two thematic units were established: dignity for aged adults and their families from the perspective of
the external dimension, and dignity for elderly and their families from the perspective of the internal
dimension. It is concluded that the quality of care, environmental conditions, family support, and psychoemotional
and spiritual experiences play a fundamental role in the preservation (or not) of dignity.

Keywords:

Homes for the Aged, Respect, Aged, Review, Homes for the aged. Respect. Aged. Review.

Author Biographies

Júlia Brombila Blumentritt, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas/RS, Brasil.

Júlia Brombila Blumentritt – Mestranda – juliabrombilablumentritt@gmail.com
0000-0001-8455-5596

Franciele Roberta Cordeiro, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas/RS, Brasil.

Franciele Roberta Cordeiro – Docente – franciele.cordeiro@ufpel.edu.br
0000-0001-6194-5057

Julia Marlow Hall, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas/RS, Brasil.

Julia Marlow Hall – Graduanda – juliamhall17@gmail.com
0009-0007-1655-391X

Manuela Stifft Przybylski, Federal University of Pelotas

Manuela Stifft Przybylski – Graduanda – manuelaprzybylski@gmail.com
0009-0009-5705-4257

Vol. 34 (2026): Continuous publication

Published:

2026-07-27

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/1983-803420264071PT

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How to Cite

1.
Brombila Blumentritt J, Roberta Cordeiro F, Marlow Hall J, Stifft Przybylski M. Dignity from the perspective of institutionalized elderly and their families: an integrative review: revisión integradora. Rev. Bioét. [Internet]. 2026 Jul. 27 [cited 2026 Aug. 25];34. Available from: https://revistabioetica.cfm.org.br/revista_bioetica/article/view/4071

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