2023 Volume 42 Issue 1 Pages 80-88
This research reveals how occupational therapists (OTs) think and how OTs perceive their specialty when considering home adaptation (HA) for older persons through interviews with 8 OTs. Interview data were analyzed using Parse’s phenomenological study. We found that OTs regard IADL, leisure activities, and support for social participation as OT’s specialty in addition to ADL and mobility. On the other hand, it became clear that there are various restrictions and issues that make it difficult for OTs to demonstrate the expertise that OTs perceive in housing renovation, and that OTs are seeking a feasible method under such circumstances. Our results suggest that in order to support IADLs, leisure activities, and social activities among the elderly, it is necessary to indicate the relationships between these elements and health, as well as to indicate the special relationship between the OT and health. It is necessary to clarify the OTs’ specialty and how to demonstrate their specialty.
