Introduction: Older people admitted to hospital are at risk of decreased ability to perform ADL, lower quality of life and dependency after discharge. There is also a higher risk for readmission to hospital shortly after discharge. The specific needs of this group of older people have been poorly described from these older peoples’ perspective. A deeper understanding may help the occupational therapist and other health professions to choose interventions in order to maintain daily occupations for this group. The aim of this study was to describe barriers and opportunities in daily occupations for older people repeatedly readmitted to hospital and now discharged to home.
Methods: Sixteen participants 75 years and older were interviewed in their homes after discharge from an acute medical ward. A qualitative content analysis was used to analyze barriers and opportunities in daily occupations.
Results: An overarching theme was found trying to manage an unpredictable everyday life. Three categories and seven subcategories were identified representing barriers and opportunities. The categories were Dealing with an unstable day, Dealing with social relations and Dealing with the health care system. These were important for maintaining daily occupations for most of the participants.
Conclusion: The result indicates that daily occupations and contact from relatives were of importance. Therefore, appropriate support and occupational interventions are required in acute care and these must be communicated at discharge. Occupational therapy interventions and timed support are of particular importance for the group of older people who do not have close social relations at home.