The meaning of pre-discharge home visits : an explorative study about the experiences of older persons with physical disabilities, their care givers and the occupational therapists.

Abstract

This article presents the findings of an explorative qualitative study which aimed at gaining descriptions and understands the meanings of home visits from the experiences of some Maltese physically disabled older persons, their care givers and occupational therapists. Three different group categories were the participants of this study. Each category consisted of 6 participants (n= 18). Data was collected from all the individual participants independently using open in-depth interviews. The data was analysed using the constant comparative method whereby 4 main themes emerged: 'In touch with Reality', 'Feeling of a Positive Aura', 'Negative Experiences' and 'Close to Home'. The findings showed that overall the three participant groups described home visits as being beneficial and satisfactory. The service users increased their awareness about inaccessible housing and the ways in which it can be altered. However the home visit at times left the participants feeling confused and doubtful about the future. A home visit was considered as part of a discharge plan. The results also lead to implications in the area occupational therapy practice and research. Keywords: Malta, Core Component, Rehabilitation