Occupational performance and strategies for managing daily life among the elderly with heart failure
Sammanfattning
Aim: The aim of this study was to describe experiences of limitations in occupational performance and strategies for managing daily activities among the elderly with chronic heart failure (CHF). Methods: Ten
participants from primary healthcare with a confirmed diagnosis of CHF were interviewed. The interviews were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results: The first theme, "Redefining an active life, aware of
one’s impaired body", was based on four sub-themes: realizing one’s limited activity ability; striving to preserve an active life; focusing on meaningful activities; and changing vs. not changing habits and roles. The
second theme, "Planning activities and balancing the degree of effort", was based on three sub-themes: limiting, organizing, and rationalizing activities; adjusting activities to today’s ability; and using technology and
adapting the environment. Conclusions: Elderly people with CHF are struggling with an ongoing process of occupational adaptation due to periodical physical decline and fluctuating day-to-day ability. This highlights a
need for information on strategies from a holistic perspective and client-centred occupational therapy interventions.