“I can manage the challenge” – a qualitative study describing experiences of living with balance limitations after first-ever stroke

Exploring Goals and Functional Changes in Reablement for People with Fractures and People with Dizziness and Balance Problems

“…There are several other possible explanations for why the dizziness/balance problems group had less progression than the fracture group. First, fear of falling often occurs due to dizziness/balance problems 48 , 49 and may lead to limitations in performance of everyday activities, reduced mobility, functional impairment and loss of self-confidence. 18 , 48 , 49 Fear of falling is generally shown to be associated with poorer rehabilitation outcomes.…”

“…First, fear of falling often occurs due to dizziness/balance problems 48 , 49 and may lead to limitations in performance of everyday activities, reduced mobility, functional impairment and loss of self-confidence. 18 , 48 , 49 Fear of falling is generally shown to be associated with poorer rehabilitation outcomes. 50 Second, older people’s experiences with reablement show that they feel more secure when health professionals are present while they perform their everyday occupations at home.…”

“…In addition, it is important to talk about how fear of falling may affect individuals’ self-confidence to independently perform daily occupations and to facilitate possible needs. 47 , 48 Individuals should be informed about the significance of certain environmental modifications, such as bathroom grab rails and stairwell banisters, and of avoiding loose carpets or unnecessary inventory. 55 Practicing different transferring situations, such as getting in and out of bed or the shower, may also help the individual feel more secure and able to live independently in their own home.…”

“…Some of these assumptions are supported by Arvidsson et al, who found that people with dizziness and balance problems experience that walking aids provide physical support and increased self-confidence to participate and manage everyday life. 48 It is conceivable that such adjustments may diminish possible inactivity among participants with dizziness/balance problems in periods without health professionals present. It should be mentioned that these previous studies have not been conducted on a reablement intervention.…”

Contribution of participation and resilience to quality of life among persons living with stroke in Sweden: a qualitative study

“…The onset of stroke poses a life-threatening challenge in the short term, followed by a period of functional recovery, often associated with rehabilitation. Within Sweden, the lived experience of stroke during this acute phase has been documented in a small number of studies, focusing on impairments such as pain (Widar et al, 2004 ) and balance (Arvidsson Lindvall et al, 2021 ), alongside the broader psychological and social challenges of adaptation, characterized as living with struggle and uncertainty (Carlsson et al, 2009 ) or a desire for belonging/integration (Eriksson et al, 2009 ). However, less is known about the lived experience of stroke and the adjustment challenges in the chronic long-term phase.…”