Experiences among older persons using mobility devices.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to investigate older persons' experiences of using mobility devices.


METHODS
In this qualitative study, focus group interviews were carried out with participants living in two municipalities in the south of Sweden. Occupational therapists and physiotherapists identified interested participants, 65 years or older. A total of 22 persons participated once in the seven focus group interviews that were arranged.


RESULTS
Five main categories of participant experiences emerged from the data: 'Municipal supply and non-supply of devices', 'Acceptance or non-acceptance of mobility devices', 'Different use of mobility devices supports everyday and social activities', 'Different kinds of obstacles constrain everyday and social activities' and 'Adaptive strategies in order to use mobility devices'.


CONCLUSIONS
Since the participants experienced non-acceptance and obstacles related to the use of mobility devices, this highlights the needs for quality development concerning more efficient data-collecting in community-based rehabilitation.
Hedberg-Kristensson
Elizabeth
E
Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, Sweden. Elizabeth.Hedberg-Kristensson@med.lu.se
Ivanoff
Synneve Dahlin
SD
Iwarsson
Susanne
S
D000368:Aged; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012656:Self-Help Devices / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012944:Social Support