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Age and Ageing Advance Access originally published online on October 30, 2007
Age and Ageing 2008 37(1):72-76; doi:10.1093/ageing/afm137
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Copyright © The Author 2007. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Geriatrics Society.

Older adults and carers' perceptions of pre-discharge occupational therapy home visits in acute care

Anita Atwal1,, Anne Mcintyre1, Christine Craik2 and Jacki Hunt3

1 Lecturer in Occupational Therapy, Mary Seacole Building, School of Health Sciences and Social Care, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK
2 Director of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Science and Social Care, Mary Seacole Building, School of Health Science and Social Care, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK
3 Head of Occupational Therapy Services for Hounslow PCT, Top Floor, O Block, West Middlesex University Hospital, Isleworth, Middlesex TW7 6AF, UK

Address correspondence to: Anita Atwal. Tel: 01895 268737; Fax: 01895 269853. Email: Anita.atwal{at}brunel.ac.uk

Background: pre-discharge occupational therapy (OT) home visits are an integral part of the discharge process for older adults in acute care. There is limited quality research demonstrating that these pre-discharge visits enhance the health and well being of older adults. This paper outlines the perceptions of older adults and carers of the home visit process from the exploratory phase of an ongoing research project.

Method: this qualitative study utilised 22 semi-structured interviews with 15 older adults and 7 carers. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis.

Findings: older adults are not fully prepared to undertake home visits, but carers offer them reassurance about the discharge process. For carers, the home visit process appeared to eradicate anxiety, whilst some older adults perceived the process as demoralising, daunting and increasing their anxiety. In addition, older adults were often reluctant to accept changes or to have valued occupations stopped.

Conclusion: the findings suggest that the current model of pre-discharge home visits does not promote health and well being. For some older adults the home visit provoked anxiety, however home visits are important to carers.

Keywords: pre-discharge home visit, occupational therapy, acute care, carer, older adult, elderly

Received 8 January 2007; accepted in revised form 27 June 2007.


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