70. Perceptions of health and independence and factors that influence quality of life for older people following stroke (414)

Dympna Casey, Senior Lecturer, Nursing and Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, National University of Ireland, Galway, Galway, Ireland
Co authors: Kathy Murphy, Eamon O' Shea & Adeline Cooney
dympna.casey@nuigalway.ie

Abstract:

Introduction:

In Ireland there are 30,000 individual living with residual disability. It is therefore important to ascertain their experiences so that health care structures and policies may be devised and implemented which are appropriate to and meet the needs of this vulnerable group.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to explore older people’s perception of their health and level of independence following a stroke as well as illuminate the factors that enhanced or diminished their ability to maintain quality of life after their stroke.

Methods:

Semi structured interviews were used to collect data and a grounded theory approach was used to guide sampling and analysis. Twenty participants over the age of 65, who were living with a stroke, were interviewed in March 2006. Data were analysed using the constant comparative technique. Open codes were grouped into axial codes to form tentative categories. The criteria devised by Lincoln and Guba (1985) were used to maintain rigor.

Results:

The analysis of the data revealed three main categories, concepts of health and independence, sense of loss and environmental factors.

Discussion:

Many factors moderated perceptions of health including the extent to which a performance function was retained in relation to self-caring activities. Loss of independence led to reduced self-confidence, depression and helplessness, fear of becoming a burden or of being forced to move into care. Environmental factors including the availability of transport and social connections had a significant impact on quality of life.

Conclusion:

Most stroke survivors were still struggling to adapt to their disability in a climate far from supportive. The need for health professionals to counsel stroke survivors and support them as they advance through stroke trajectory is therefore of vital importance. There is a need to target more resources on enhancing the social environment for older adults with a disability.

Biography:

My area of expertise in nursing is in care of the elderly and working in developing countries providing basic nurse training programmes. I have worked in England, Australia and most recently as a primary health care programme co-coordinator in Africa. I am a lecturer in the School of Nursing & Midwifery Studies NUI, Galway since 1997. My specialist subjects are health promotion and research. I teach across a range of programmes from diploma to master’s level. I also supervise students undertaking research projects from undergraduate to PhD level. My research interest include health promotion, case study and action research , issues relating to care of the elderly and service learning.