A Phenomenological Inquiry into the Embodied Nature of Occupation at End of Life

Abstract

Background. Occupational therapists propose that occupation is a basic human need across the lifespan. However, there is limited understanding of how occupation contributes to the end-of-life experience. Purpose. The purpose of this study was to examine the embodied nature of occupation at end of life from the perspectives of Canadians 60 years of age or older who are diagnosed with a terminal illness. Methods. The study adopted a phenomenological methodological approach to conduct semi-structured interviews with eight participants. Findings. Six themes were identified. Participants described orientations toward occupations that involved: living with death, reworking everyday life, being guided by the will of the body, giving priority to relationships, attending to the small things, and engaging existential orientations. Implications. This study contributes to knowledge about occupation at end of life and offers a starting point to guide practice that is attentive to the lived dimensions of occupation at end of life.