Helena Larsson

Research

Since 2015 I am a doctoral student in health sciences at Kristianstad University and Malmö University, where I am registered. My thesis is part of the project Existential loneliness – a challenge in the care of frail older persons. My part of the project focuses on the experiences of significant others.

Background

I finished training as a nurse in June of 2000, graduating from Ersta Sköndal Unviersity College. As a nurse I have mainly worked in geriatric care and specialised palliative care. Since 2009 I have been working as lecturer on the nursing programme at Kristianstad University.

My main field of interest is working to improve care. I am especially interested in the well-being of old persons and issues surrounding end of life. I believe it to be important to highlight existential needs. Old persons often have someone who is very close to them. These persons tend to be forgotten despite being an important resource, not just to the old person but also to the health and medical services and society in general. It is important to me to listen to the experiences of significant others, cooperate with and involve them in contemporary research.