One body, three hands and two minds: A case study of the intertwined occupations of an older couple after a stroke

This exploratory case‐study aims to understand an older couple's experience of their everyday occupations after a stroke. Data were collected through individual and joint interviews conducted during multiple home visits over a period of 7 months, 3 years after the stroke. Analysis resulted in two personal narratives and one joint narrative. The main finding is that their current occupational life is fully intertwined. The couple acts as one entity, conceptualized as one body, three hands and two minds, in their everyday occupations; in timing, coordinating, balancing, orchestrating and assisting. The findings challenge an individualistic view of occupation and suggest a complementary view paying attention to the interdependency of people and the interaction with their close social environment as being part of one complex social system.

Key Words:

• Co‐occupation
• Interdependence
• Social system
• Narrative methods
• Older people