Living in a Restricted Occupational World: The Occupational Experiences of Stroke Survivors who are Wheelchair Users and Their Caregivers

Abstract

Background. In order to meet the responsibilities of understanding and enabling occupation, occupational scientists and therapists must conduct research that is framed within an occupational perspective. Purpose. This paper reports the results of a qualitative investigation of the occupational experiences of stroke survivors (n=16) who use wheelchairs and their primary caregivers (n=15). Results. Inductive analysis of data collected via in-depth interviews resulted in two major themes related to occupation, specifically: living in a restricted occupational world and challenges to participation in occupation. These results highlight the overall experience labeled occupation by default, and the intricate interconnections or spill-over effect between the occupations of stroke survivors and caregivers. Practice Implications. In addition to providing empirical support for the importance of having a sense of control over occupation and the connection between occupation and identity, the results have implications for practice aimed at enabling occupation and directions for future research. As well, the results illustrate that occupational therapy services need to extend beyond wheelchair prescription in order to enable occupation with clients.