Eldre og rehabilitering : en studie av hva pasienter ved en geriatrisk rehabiliteringsavdeling opplever at bidrar til god rehabilitering

Abstract

The aim of this article is to describe how patients experience a 14 days stay in a geriatric rehabilitation ward with focus on what they experience as important for „good rehabilitation“ during their stay. Methodologically, the study is based on qualitative research interviews. Ten patients, more or less in need of health assistance, were interviewed the last day before they were discharged to their homes. Data were analyzed in a qualitative content analysis. The findings showed that the patients highly valued the possibility to relax and rest during the stay. They also valued the continuous presence and availability of the nurses which made them feel safe. The physical environment, however, made their personal-care activities problematic and had a negative influence on their independence and well-being. The findings are of special interest in a debate regarding the contents of the concept of rehabilitation, and stress the significance of understanding rehabilitation in an individual and contextual perspective.