title: The unique experience of home for parents and carers of children with disabilities.
abstract: The aim of this paper was to investigate the experience of home for parents and carers of children with disabilities in Australia. Data for this qualitative study were gathered using semi-structured interviews with four families living in their own homes. An inductive thematic analysis revealed two main themes. The first was titled 'Aspects making everyday life easier' explored the aspects of the home environment that facilitated home life for the child, including access to transport, services, family and home modifications. The second theme 'Decisions and efforts to create opportunities for the child' emphasized the efforts made by parents and carers to promote their child's independence and participation including a strong consideration for their children's future needs. The study indicated that the location of home, appropriate home modifications and planning for the future defined the experience of home for parents and carers. These findings identify some important considerations for occupational therapists when providing services in the homes of families with children who have a disability.
authors.affiliation: a School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences , The University of Queensland , St Lucia , Australia.
authors.forename: Tammy
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8412-3208
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Aplin
authors.affiliation: a School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences , The University of Queensland , St Lucia , Australia.
authors.forename: Heloise
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Thornton
authors.affiliation: a School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences , The University of Queensland , St Lucia , Australia.
authors.forename: Louise
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5232-0987
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gustafsson
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001107:Architectural Accessibility; D001315:Australia; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003657:Decision Making; D019988:Children with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D005260:Female; D006699:Home Care Services; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009788:Occupational Therapy; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D036301:Qualitative Research
keywords: Family; home adaptation; home environment; meaning of home; occupational therapy