FROM NEED TO DECISION –NEGOTIATING CONTROL IN EVERYDAY LIFE WHEN DECIDING TO APPLY FOR A HOUSING ADAPTATION

Background: A housing adaptation can enable independent living in one’s own home but deciding to change the home environment can be an ambivalent matter. The aim of this study was to explore the applicant’s perspective of... [ view full abstract ]

Background:
A housing adaptation can enable independent living in one’s own home but deciding to change the home environment can be an ambivalent matter. The aim of this study was to explore the applicant’s perspective of the decision-making process behind a housing adaptation grant application.

Method:
Seventeen persons were interviewed in connection to their application for a housing adaptation grant. They were purposefully selected to optimize variation and to include information-rich cases. The data was analyzed using a constant comparative approach.

Results:
The findings illustrated how they negotiated control in everyday life when they went from need to decision to apply for a housing adaptation grant. Before making up their minds, alternative solutions to their needs were negotiated as well as their expectations on the effect of a housing adaptation

Conclusion:
This study shows that deciding to apply for a housing adaptation grant was for some fast and straightforward but for others a lengthy process with years of negotiations with oneself and others.

Application to practice:
Understanding of the individuals’ process to come to a decision to apply for a housing adaption grant is useful for professionals and caregivers to support persons during this process. Especially for occupational therapists working with clients in their homes it is important to have deep knowledge about the meaning of home and decision-making process in order to support the clients’ decisions.