INTRODUCTION: Adaptiveness fosters resilience through increasing capacity to transcend barriers in individuals, their environment and occupational engagement. The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown may have decreased adaptiveness in older adults by disrupting occupational engagement, thus negatively influencing health and well-being METHODS: A qualitative, meta-analytic design was used to explore the adaptiveness of older adults to disruptions experienced during South Africa's COVID-19 lockdown. Four student researchers' primary studies were reviewed and findings synthesised for this paper. Individual, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 participants during April and May 2020. The transcripts were analysed thematically and reported in the primary studies. The authors conducted thematic analysis across all four primary studies to develop themes for this paper FINDINGS: Three dominant themes emerged: (1) COVID-19 as an illness, (2) occupational disruptions experienced by older adults, and (3) developing a state of adaptiveness. Older adults developed adaptiveness through changing perspective, adapting to new environments, learning to use technology, expanding roles and routines, and strengthening the spiritual self through engagement in eudemonic occupations CONCLUSIONS: The study provides insights into challenges and adaptiveness of older adults during the COVID-19 lockdown. Findings inform interventions with older adults presenting with reduced adaptiveness Implications for practice This study is valuable as it provides occupational therapists with a deeper understanding of older adults' experiences and challenges during the COVID-19 lockdown, thus, laying the potential for strengthening client-therapist interpersonal relationships. Although the sample observed in this study was older adults, the findings can be considered among other vulnerable clients such as individuals with disease, illness and/or disability. Additionally, these findings may provide occupational therapists with insights that can assist in framing intervention strategies for clients with a decreased state of adaptiveness. This is significant as adaptation requires reasonable social, emotional, and cognitive processes. Lastly, this study aimed to contribute to a wealth of research exploring adaptiveness, rooted in the reality that change is inexorable; however, how we respond to change can be transformative for individual and population well-being.
BACKGROUND: Stroke is an acute neurological event that creates extensive life changes for survivors and their family caregivers. Religion, spirituality, and congregational resources can support caregivers' quality of life, but little is known about the role that the clergy has in support of caregivers. AIM: This study explored clergy's roles in supporting family caregivers of relatives with stroke. METHODS: An exploratory-descriptive qualitative study was conducted with nine participants who were in a purposeful sample recruited from the faith organisations. A focus group discussion and interviews were performed for data collection. Data were thematically analysed in a credible manner through prolonged engagement and peer examination to enhance trustworthiness. RESULTS: Fives themes that contextualised the abilities of the clergies and their role in supporting families were identified: 1) the importance of spirituality; 2) occupational role of clergy and congregational contributions; 3) family dynamics; 4) caregiver's responsibilities and 5) vision of possibilities. CONCLUSION: This study provided insight into the roles of the clergy of clergies as part of the interprofessional teams that support family caregivers of relatives with stroke. Furthermore, the study highlights that there is a need for clinicians, clergies, and families to collaborate so that they may exchange ideas for community stroke support programmes.
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