Experiences of mobility device use over time: A multiple case study among very old Latvian women

Abstract

Aim: To explore the experiences over time of using mobility devices (MDs) among very old women in the context of everyday life in Latvia. Methods: This study utilized a multiple case-study design that employed an explanatory mixed-methods approach. A combination of quantitative survey data on home and health and qualitative interview data for each participant were used to create three narratives to describe the experiences of MD use in everyday life over time, followed by a cross-case analysis. Results: The three cases illustrate that very old women accept and use MDs due to walking difficulties and related needs. Over time, functional decline combined with physical environmental barriers and changes in their social networks limited the supportive role that available MDs could offer these women. Conclusions: The findings contribute to the understanding of the complexity of MD use in everyday life among very old women in Latvia and the need for different kinds of MDs. These findings illustrate the importance of considering the interaction between people’s everyday life situation and their physical environment for their optimal use of MDs. This is important information for policy-makers who can optimize the services for old people in Latvia and support the need for occupational therapists’ professional competence for the planning and development of MD provision.

Key words:

• Ageing
• mixed methods
• assistive technology
• everyday life
• occupational therapy

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to express their gratitude to Professor Susanne Iwarsson for valuable input to manuscript development. This study was performed in the context of the Centre of Ageing and Supportive Environments (CASE) at Lund University, funded by the Swedish Research Council for Health, Working Life and Welfare. This study was supported by the Swedish Research Council, the Swedish Institute, the ScanBalt Bridge Award, and the Ribbingska Foundation in Lund, Sweden.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.