Shaping Quality of Life with Nursing Assistance. A Grounded Theory Approach to Nursing Care for People with Physical Disabilities and Interactions with Carers in Long-Term Care

Abstract

<strong>Context:</strong> Although the number of people with physical disabilities who need nursing support is increasing, there is a lack of empirical knowledge about how they experience necessary care support. This knowledge is a prerequisite for enabling self-determination in the provision of care and for providing care based on needs and requirements. People with physical disabilities live in residential institutions and their own homes with the support of care services, and they are dependent on permanent nursing assistance. <strong>Objective: </strong>This qualitative grounded theory study describes the importance that people with physical disabilities ascribe to the provision of care and how they organise their cooperation with caregivers. <strong>Methods:</strong> Twenty-seven problem-centred interviews with people who had a permanent physical disability and a need for care were analysed using the grounded theory approach. <strong>Findings: </strong>People with physical disabilities and a need for care want to enhance their quality of life with assistance. Quality of life is influenced by their wishes regarding assistance, acceptance of the physical disability, (previous) experience with assistance and the possibility of actively influencing the implementation of necessary assistance. The development and maintenance of a friendly relationship with professional carers represent a strategy for achieving quality of life. <strong>Limitations:</strong> This study focuses on people with physical disabilities who receive care from a professional service. Questions about the influence on family carers remain unanswered. <strong>Implications: </strong>For successful social participation, people with physical disabilities should be supported by nursing professionals to identify and express their priorities and needs.