Participation and autonomy of people who live in residential therapeutic services: contributions from occupational therapy1

Abstract

Introduction: Therapeutic Residential Services (RSTs) represented a great advance in the Brazilian deinstitutionalization process, but it is necessary to invest in discussions that contribute to these devices being powerful spaces for housing and for valuing the subjectivity of its residents. Objective: To investigate the participation and exercise of autonomy of residents of type II RSTs, based on their own perception. Method: This is qualitative, exploratory, and documentary research, carried out through the collection of documentary data and interviews. Eight residents of type II RSTs participated in the study. The material produced was submitted to thematic analysis. The concept of Daily Life underlies the study, from the perspectives of Occupational Therapy, the Theory of Daily Life by Agnes Heller, and Psychosocial Rehabilitation. Results: Prolonged institutionalization is closely related to the participants' little participation and autonomy in their daily lives, with little or no ownership of the SRT, and with the perception, they have of themselves as patients and not as residents of their homes. The exercise of autonomy by the participants is related to their performance and functionality in carrying out daily activities and pre-established comprehensive care for type II SRT. Conclusion: It was concluded that Occupational Therapy brings fundamental contributions related to the participation and autonomy of people who, due to prolonged institutionalization, are in an important situation of chronicity. Participation in daily activities and the possibility of exercising autonomy in the SRT is the first step towards the definitive possibility of social inclusion for its residents.