title: Occupational performance and strategies for managing daily life among the elderly with heart failure.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to describe experiences of limitations in occupational performance and strategies for managing daily activities among the elderly with chronic heart failure (CHF).
  
  
  METHODS
  Ten participants from primary healthcare with a confirmed diagnosis of CHF were interviewed. The interviews were analysed using qualitative content analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The first theme, "Redefining an active life, aware of one's impaired body", was based on four sub-themes: realizing one's limited activity ability; striving to preserve an active life; focusing on meaningful activities; and changing vs. not changing habits and roles. The second theme, "Planning activities and balancing the degree of effort", was based on three sub-themes: limiting, organizing, and rationalizing activities; adjusting activities to today's ability; and using technology and adapting the environment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Elderly people with CHF are struggling with an ongoing process of occupational adaptation due to periodical physical decline and fluctuating day-to-day ability. This highlights a need for information on strategies from a holistic perspective and client-centred occupational therapy interventions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Occupational Therapy, Umeå University , Umeå , Sweden.
authors.forename: Eva-Britt
authors.initials: EB
authors.lastname: Norberg
authors.forename: Kurt
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Boman
authors.forename: Britta
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Löfgren
authors.forename: Margareta
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Brännström
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005082:Physical Exertion; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012656:Self-Help Devices; D058992:Social Participation / Q000523:psychology
keywords: activities of daily living; ageing; occupational adaptation; occupational balance; occupational therapy; qualitative design