The Experience of Senior Stroke Survivors: Factors in Community Participation among Wheelchair Users

PURPOSE: This qualitative study investigated the lived experience of senior stroke survivors who used prescribed wheelchairs in their home and community. METHODS: The study involved semi-structured, in-depth interviews that were conducted with 10 participants, aged 70 to 80, who had used a wheelchair for a mean of 5.6 years. All participants used manual wheelchairs and two additionally used a power wheelchair and a scooter. RESULTS: A constant comparative inductive method of analysis of the data yielded several themes which are examined within the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health framework of body functions and structure, activity limitations, participation, and contextual factors. Overall, the wheelchair, manual or power, was an enabler of community participation among the participants. However, the wheelchair's use also created problems, such as limiting destinations and creating increased dependence on others. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: A balance scale model was proposed to facilitate an understanding of how the factors affecting community participation interact in this population. This model can assist occupational therapists who prescribe wheelchairs for stroke clients for use in the community.