Elderly women's way of relating to assistive devices

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Häggblom Kronlöf, Greta^{; *} | Sonn, Ulla

Affiliations: College of Health and Caring Sciences, Department of Rehabilitation, Göteborg University, Box 111, SE 405 30 Göteborg, Sweden

Correspondence: [*] Tel.: +46 31 7735728; Fax: +46 31 7735723; E-mail: grhk@ufhs.gu.se.

Abstract: Objective:The objective of this study was to describe how elderly users of assistive devices perceive and relate to their assistive devices in occupational performance. Study design:The research approach used was phenomenography, which endeavours to describe different ways of peoples experience. Result:User attitude is described as: the assistive devices are well incorporated; the elderly are forced to accept; the necessity of using the device gives the feeling of inadequacy. Accommodation to the use of assistive devices in daily activities are described as: modification and resignation. The Support of assistive device is perceived in three different ways; external safety, internal security and respect. Conclusion:Elderly women’s experience of what it is like to rely on an artificial device is important when planing for support. The main feature that appears is an endeavour to gain control of, or a feeling of being able to take control of, one’s occupational performance.

Keywords: assistive devices, elderly, user perspective, environment, occupational performance

DOI: 10.3233/TAD-1999-10304

Journal: Technology and Disability, vol. 10, no. 3, pp. 161-168, 1999