Older adults’ experiences of a reablement process. “To be treated like an adult, and ask for what I want and how I want it”

Abstract

This is a follow-up study of intensive home-based rehabilitation from older people’s perspectives. The aimwas to explore older adults’ descriptions of interactional needs related to autonomy in life. The purpose was also to explore the importance of significant others in the reablement process. The sample consisted of 23 women aged 72–92 who were included consecutivelyin the first project year. Data were collected through face-to-face semi-structured interviews that were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using qualitative latent content analyzes. The results show that regaining autonomy through reablement was achieved by the interviewees although not always to the same extent as before. Three themes related to interactional needs were identified: (1) Transitional relations, referring to encounters with staff in time-limited relations. (2) More stable relations with significant others without limitation of time. (3) The acceptance of growing older and of death as a “natural departure”. Transitional relations with professionals, and more stable relations with significant others, are important parts of the reablement process according to older adults. In conclusion, professionals within gerontology need to recognize the social and historical context including the symbolic meanings each older person gives to life’s necessaries. Older adults appreciate reablement which includes rehabilitation goals related to the person’s stable relationships and larger life context.