Ida Kåhlin1, Anette Kjellberg2, Jan-Erik Hagberg1. 1. a National Institute for the Study of Ageing and Later Life (NISAL), Department of Social and Welfare Studies , Linköping University , Norrköping , Sweden ; 2. b Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Social and Welfare Studies , Linköping University , Norrköping , Sweden.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Many people ageing with intellectual disabilities (ID) age in place in group homes. Participation is a central concept in support and service to people with ID, but age is often a determining factor for participation among this group. Choice and control are dimensions of participation. AIM: The aim of this article is to explore how choice and control in the everyday life of people ageing with ID is expressed and performed in the group home's semi-private spaces. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Participant observations and interviews with residents and staff were conducted in four different group homes in Sweden that had older residents. RESULTS: Four categories were found that can be understood as aspects of choice and control in the group home's semi-private spaces in the everyday life of people ageing with ID. These categories included aspects such as space and object, time and routines, privacy, and a person-centred approach. CONCLUSION AND SIGNIFICANCE: People ageing with ID are vulnerable when it comes to maintaining choice and control in various situations in the home's semi-private spaces. It is argued that occupational therapists should include this occupational arena in their evaluations and interventions for people ageing with ID.
BACKGROUND: Many people ageing with intellectual disabilities (ID) age in place in group homes. Participation is a central concept in support and service to people with ID, but age is often a determining factor for participation among this group. Choice and control are dimensions of participation. AIM: The aim of this article is to explore how choice and control in the everyday life of people ageing with ID is expressed and performed in the group home's semi-private spaces. MATERIAL AND METHODS:Participant observations and interviews with residents and staff were conducted in four different group homes in Sweden that had older residents. RESULTS: Four categories were found that can be understood as aspects of choice and control in the group home's semi-private spaces in the everyday life of people ageing with ID. These categories included aspects such as space and object, time and routines, privacy, and a person-centred approach. CONCLUSION AND SIGNIFICANCE: People ageing with ID are vulnerable when it comes to maintaining choice and control in various situations in the home's semi-private spaces. It is argued that occupational therapists should include this occupational arena in their evaluations and interventions for people ageing with ID.
Entities:
Keywords:
Autonomy; decision-making; developmental disabilities; empowerment; group accommodation; later life; occupational justice; older adults; participation