Abstract
D.Cur. (Nursing)
Parents whose children have emigrated face numerous challenges, mainly because
their children were an important source of support. These parents are usually middle
aged or older when their children emigrate. This is also a phase in their lives when
various adjustments have to be made, for example retirement, grandparenthood,
changing of roles, and physical health that demands increasing attention.
When their children emigrate, a large part of the parents’ support structure suddenly
disappears. Very often some of these parents use the media to share their stories of
loneliness. Some parents only see their children once a year or less and, some never
again. Their grandchildren who were born overseas are very often only seen on
photographs or video recordings. Now that the parents are left with more time on their
hands, their children are away and can only be reached by means of technological
apparatus.
Qualitative, explorative, contextual and descriptive research was performed in order to
develop a Psycho Educational Programme for parents to facilitate their mental health.
This study was performed in five phases, namely
• a situation analysis was done regarding the parents’ experience,
• a model was developed for the Psycho Educational Programme,
• the implementation of the Psycho Educational Programme on the radio-medium,
• the evaluation of the programme, and
• reflecting is done regarding the process together with equally advanced Psychiatric
Nurses.