Emme-Li Vingare and Õie Umb Carlsson
The purpose of this paper is to explore the lived experiences of adapting to care dependency among adults receiving health and social care in ordinary housing.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the lived experiences of adapting to care dependency among adults receiving health and social care in ordinary housing.
Design/methodology/approach
This was done by conducting a phenomenological study by interviewing ten adults, receiving home care services in ordinary housing.
Findings
Participants not only adapted by becoming a “good patient” but they had four strategies they used: sociability, distance, competence and compliance, contributing to a sense of dignity and personal safety.
Research limitations/implications
Further research is needed regarding how to preserve quality of care with adults with various ways of adapting to care dependency.
Practical implications
The relationship between professionals and adults in care dependency is a dynamic process where a need for understanding different modes of adaptation is vital. Good treatment and quality care may be different things to different adults, depending on what aspects of the process of adaptation concern them the most, and depending on their individual adaptation strategy.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to the understanding of modes of adaptation to care dependency from the perspective of adults indicating that working person centered may include respecting strategies not traditionally being associated with “the good patient.”