Hunter, SW, Meyer, C, Divine, A et al. (4 more authors) (2020) The experiences of people with Alzheimer’s dementia and their caregivers in acquiring and using a mobility aid: a qualitative study. Disability and Rehabilitation. ISSN 0963-8288
Abstract
Purpose: Cognitive deficits and gait and balance problems are progressive in people with Alzheimer’s dementia. Yet, mobility aids are associated with an increased falls risk in people with dementia. Our objectives were to identify the perceptions of people living with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s dementia, and their caregivers, on the use of mobility aids.
Methods: A qualitative study using semi-structured, face-to-face interviews was conducted. Community-dwelling older adults with dementia attending a day hospital program were recruited. Thematic analysis was conducted and the text was coded into broad themes aligned with the research questions. The coded text was examined for patterns and similarities, and grouped to form inductive themes.
Results: Twenty-four people (12 living with dementia and their 12 caregivers) participated. Five themes were identified: (1) acknowledgement of need; (2) protecting a sense of self; (3) caregiver oversight and relief of burden; (4) healthcare professional involvement; (5) environment and design of aids.
Conclusions: The findings suggest that people with Alzheimer’s dementia and their caregivers regard mobility aid use as increasing independence. There is a role for healthcare professionals to be involved in the prescription, provision and training for use of mobility aids among people living with dementia to ensure uptake and safety.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2020 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. This is an author produced version of a paper published in Disability and Rehabilitation. Uploaded in accordance with the publisher's self-archiving policy. |
Keywords: | Mobility, assistive technology, Alzheimer’s dementia, qualitative research, balance, gait |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Leeds |
Academic Units: | The University of Leeds > Faculty of Biological Sciences (Leeds) > School of Biomedical Sciences (Leeds) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Publications |
Date Deposited: | 28 Apr 2020 14:46 |
Last Modified: | 01 Apr 2021 00:38 |
Status: | Published online |
Publisher: | Taylor & Francis |
Identification Number: | 10.1080/09638288.2020.1741700 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:159804 |