Deconstruction and Remodelling: A Grounded Theory Exploration of the Family Resilience of Disabled Elderly People in China.

Aims and objectives: This study aims to understand the family experiences of disabled elderly people facing adversity from the perspective of family resilience and to develop a theoretical model to explain the constitution of family resilience.

Background: Family resilience is the ability of families to cope with, adapt to, and recover from significant stressors and challenges. Although some studies have focused on disabled elderly people, the components of their family resilience have received little attention.

Design: A grounded theory.

Methods: A total of 30 participants were selected by theoretical sampling, and all participants were from families with disabled elderly people in Chengdu, China. Data were obtained via semi-structured interviews. The COREQ checklist for qualitative research was followed.

Results: A theoretical model of family resilience for disabled elderly people was established based on three categories: family organisation, family beliefs, and family relationships. Family organisations include the organisation model and resources; family beliefs include coping styles and adversity remodelling; and family relationships include communication and atmosphere.

Conclusions: These categories suggest that there are several similar components of family resilience for disabled elderly people, which can be used to understand how families cope with this challenging experience by adjusting their roles, resources, and perspectives. Our findings are believed to offer significant theoretical and practical implications for improving the resilience and well-being of families with disabled elderly members, improving the effectiveness of caregiving services, and guiding strategies for disabled elderly individuals, their families, caregivers, and researchers.

Relevance to clinical practice: Healthcare professionals must recognise that disability impacts not only the individual but also the entire family system. The process of disability is slowed by early intervention, and psychological counselling services are provided to relieve stress and anxiety. Training in practical skills can be provided to build social support networks to help them cope with challenges.