The Development of the Retire Well Program for First Responders

Background: First responders experience challenges during retirement transition because of exposure to stress and trauma on the job and a high level of identification with their work. Our objective was to develop a client-centered retirement transition program for first responders and their families. Method: Using a participatory research approach, data were collected from two focus groups of health care providers and retired first responders and analyzed using a content analysis approach. Results: Data yielded themes and subthemes leading to the development of an outline of a retirement transition program: The Retire Well program, an occupation-based program that assists in adaptation to postretirement life. Iterative, participant-driven research provided authenticity to the program, founded on peer support and collaboration between health care practitioners. Conclusion: First responders can benefit from retirement preparation to adjust to retirement. Occupational therapists can play a vital role in meeting the need for retirement transition assistance for first responders.