Abstract
This study was performed to elucidate the emergence and experience of “becoming able to do” in the daily activities
of a stroke survivor. A woman in her 80s who lived with her husband had developed right-sided hemiplegia because
of a stroke in her 60s. Although she could not move her right hand due to paralysis, she was able to perform daily
activities and most household chores even 17 years after the stroke. Based on a phenomenological qualitative
research method, four themes and structures have emerged: “segmentation from ‘not being able to do,’” “appearance
of the true self,” “creation and stabilization of ingenuity,” and “others who stand by the patient and others with lack
of patience.” These themes were grounded on overarching concepts of “finding possibilities in total abolition” and
“getting used to inconveniences” when confronting the challenges posed by the stroke. In this article, connectedness
with others accompanied by “becoming able to do” is discussed from the Heideggerian perspective of care.
