The relatives` voice: a qualitative study of relatives` experiences of reablement

Reablement is an early and time-limited homebased intervention with emphasis on intensive, goal-oriented and multidisciplinary assistance for persons in need of rehabilitation or at risk of functional decline. When... [ view full abstract ]

Reablement is an early and time-limited homebased intervention with emphasis on intensive, goal-oriented and multidisciplinary assistance for persons in need of rehabilitation or at risk of functional decline. When rehabilitation takes place in the persons' own home, in contrast to an institution, the relatives may take responsibilities to help and support the family member. Whilst there are evidence showing that relatives, such as spouses and children, experiences burdens and demanding situations, there are currently few publications exploring relatives` experiences of reablement. The aim of our study was to explore and describe how relatives experienced their role in the reablement process in Norway. Eight relatives participated in semi-structured interviews. A qualitative content analysis was used as the analysis strategy. Three main themes emerged that summarizes the relatives` experiences of reablement: “Involvement”, “Sharing responsibility” and “Lack of follow-up program”. The findings highlights the lack of involvement of relatives in reablement. The relatives want to get and give information, to collaborate with the professionals, though conflicting expectations creates boundaries for involvement. However, when professionals are in house, this represent a form of sharing responsibility, that offered an opportunity for a break and reenergizing, and security. The relatives are worried about the lack of a follow-up program after ending reablement. Our findings highlights the collaborative process between health professions, the older adults and the relatives, and have practical significance for politicians, relatives and health care professionals. The municipal health and care services has to consider a system or a program for this collaboration.