Stair negotiation by community-dwelling older persons living in multi-storey buildings : a case study

Abstract

With Malta having a growing elderly population, it is crucial to focus more research on what is limiting older persons within their home and community. There is ample international research on stair negotiation and ageing, but local research is scarce. The purpose of this study is to explore stair negotiation by community-dwelling older persons living in multi-storey buildings. A collective case study was carried out consisting of 10 participants living in different contextual situations, but all residing in the locality of Qormi, Malta. Qualitative data from each case was obtained for thematic analysis using semi-structured interviews, which were supported by standardised staircase evaluations carried out prior to the interviews at each participant‟s dwelling. Findings showed that stair negotiation can be quite challenging and risky for the participants because of a complex interaction between physical, psychosocial, behavioural, and structural factors. A limitation in one of these factors may generally trigger off other inadequacies in any of the other factors, leading to a decrease in stair negotiation ability. Furthermore, a decline in stair negotiation ability was associated with a decline in safety, consequently leading to an increased risk of stair falls in the majority of cases. However, it is apparent that participants tend to either deal with these problematic situations relatively well by adopting adaptive strategies, or view them as realities rather than problems. Ultimately, stair negotiation may be regarded as a complex, multifaceted task that is unique for each and every individual, considering that it is highly dependent on individual experiences, perceptions, preferences, and environments. The findings of this study should serve to shed light on this locally neglected issue in an effort to propose recommendations for future research and practice promoting functionality and safety during stair negotiation by older persons.