Evaluation of Participation in Occupations of Older Adults Receiving Home-Based Services

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this article was to study aspects of the evaluation of participation in occupations of older adults with beginning functional decline who receive home-based services. The aspects of evaluation studied were importance of, satisfaction with, and choice in participation. Method: A cross-sectional interview-based survey of 155 older adults receiving home-based services, administered through the Participation Survey/Mobility. The data were analysed with descriptive statistics. Findings: Moving around in the house, being in charge of personal care, and participating in leisure activities were perceived as the most important occupations for participation. Respondents were most satisfied with their participation in managing money, and least satisfied with their participation in leisure and social activities. Participation in leisure activities afforded them more choice than participation in physical activities. Few significant differences were found between gender, age, and level of functioning. Conclusion: In general, participation in both personal care and leisure activities was perceived as important, and the respondents felt they had choice when performing these occupations. They were less satisfied with their participation in social occupations, supporting the need for occupational therapists to enhance participation in this area.