Home, or just homely? The meaning of home for residents in aged care, from a spiritual perspective

A few years ago, whilst visiting residents in an aged care facility, the conversation turned to "home." Several residents felt content, saying "This is my home now," while others expressed sadness and longed to return to their former lives. Some referred to dying and "going home to God." Hearing these residents speak of home sparked my curiosity: what was it about that particular aged care facility that made it home for some residents, but not others? Feeling at home went deeper than being content or resigned about current living arrangements. It seemed linked to who they were, deep down, and their outlook on life, making me think that the meaning of home was, in fact, a spiritual concept. I was eager to explore residents' understandings and beliefs around home, and what home actually meant for them. The only way to find out was to ask.