Abstract
This study explores the adaptive strategies in daily occupations from the perspectives of middle-aged and older adults following stroke. The findings help occupational therapists design intervention consistent with the clients' expectations and needs. This study is part of a research project funded by National Science Council. 5 women and their 7 primary adult child caregivers were purposefully selected from the original 18 adults who met the criteria of "living in the community, at least one-year-post-stroke, and no significant language and cognitive impairments. Both patients and caregivers were interviewed and observed one to two times each year for two years. Grounded theory was adopted as an analytic reference. Five women were aged from 60 to 89, and four hired foreign domestic helpers. The adaptive strategies were "limit or cease participation in activities that may contribute to negative outcomes or impose caregiving burdens," "emphasize activities that maintain or improve physical health and function," "maximize participation in the activities with which they felt competent," "ask for the assistance of foreign domestic helpers," and "regularize daily routines." We use "Selection, optimization, and compensation model" to examine the data further. A combination of selection, optimization, and compensation strategies were used according to the activity characteristic, personal values, and caregivers' expectations. Limited participation in occupations and receipt of assistance is associated with adaptive and positive meanings, contrary to the traditional occupational therapy approach that emphasizes restoration of previous valued occupations and maximization of functional independence after stroke.
Translated title of the contribution | Occupational Adaptation Experiences of Persons with Stroke |
---|---|
Original language | Chinese (Traditional) |
Pages (from-to) | 9-34 |
Journal | 職能治療學會雜誌 = Journal of Occupational Therapy Association R.O.C. |
Volume | 32 |
Issue number | 1 |
Publication status | Published - 2014 Jun 1 |