Exploring Goals and Functional Changes in Reablement for People with Fractures and People with Dizziness and Balance Problems

Abstract

Selma Licina,1 Ingvild Kjeken,1 Oddvar Førland,2 Eva Langeland,3 Hanne Tuntland1,4 1Department of Occupational Therapy, Prosthetics and Orthotics, OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway; 2Centre for Care Research Western Norway, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway; 3Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway; 4Department of Health and Functioning, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, NorwayCorrespondence: Hanne Tuntland, Tel +47 55587839, Email [email protected]: Although older people often have challenges with fractures and dizziness/balance problems, knowledge concerning the impact of reablement of people with these conditions is limited.Aim: To explore functional changes in reablement for older home-dwelling people with fractures and dizziness/balance problems regarding 1) occupational performance and satisfaction with performance, 2) physical function and 3) health-related quality of life, and 4) which occupations they prioritize as rehabilitation goals.Material and Methods: The sample is derived from a nationwide clinically controlled trial in Norway consisting of 149 participants with fractures and 113 with dizziness/balance problems who participated in a four to 10-week reablement program. Data were collected at baseline and at 10-week, 6-month, and 12-month follow-up and were analyzed with paired t-tests and analysis of covariance. Occupational priorities were categorized into sub-areas of occupation.Results: Both groups had significant short-, mid-, and long-term improvements in occupational performance and satisfaction with performance. Except for balance from baseline to 12-month follow-up, the fracture group showed significant improvements in physical function and health-related quality of life at all follow-ups. The results varied more in the group with dizziness/balance problems in physical function and health-related quality of life. Functional mobility was the highest prioritized occupational sub-area in both groups.Conclusion: The findings of this study provide extended knowledge about goals and functional changes in people with fractures and dizziness/balance problems following a reablement program.Significance: Tailoring and individual adjustments according to diagnosis may be important in person-centered care in reablement.Keywords: activities of daily living, Canadian occupational performance measure, diagnosis, occupation, health related quality of life, physical function, rehabilitatio