Coping Strategies of Disabled People in Residential Environments after Injury Events

Abstract

The study explored the lived experiences of people with injury events in their residential environment. Participants were 65 people with disabilities and chronic diseases in Sweden with residential living injuries (females = 40 (61.5%), men = 25 (38.5%), age range 20–90 year old). They completed qualitative interviews on their experiences of injury events in their residential environment. Thematic analysis of the data yielded evidence to suggest the following issues: (1) individual coping resource preferences; (2) support services; and (3) family engagement needs. Participants coped utilizing positive reframing of their living with injury and the incidents they experienced. Social support functions were important for safety in the housing environment. Rather disconcerting is the fact that participants would not always tell their social network about the risks and injuries they experienced.