Supportive housing residents' experiences of the intervention active in my home.

Abstract

Background: The occupational therapy intervention, Active in My Home (AiMH), puts occupational engagement, participation in society and personal recovery in focus and includes increased staff support.

Aims/objectives: To investigate how the residents experienced the AiMH support, with a focus on their possibilities for engaging in occupations and participating in society after the intervention.

Material and methods: Sixteen AiMH participants were interviewed at completion, and/or 6-9 months after completion. Data were analysed using content analysis.

Results: The main theme was: Boosting personal recovery by discovering new capacities and activity opportunities. Four categories also emerged: Stimulating with new approaches to support and interaction from the staff, Opportunities to reflect on personal recovery were essential, Engaging in reflection and exploring new activities initiated a positive cycle of change and Interacting with group participants and staff provided new perspectives and motivation.

Conclusion: The participants gained knowledge about how to engage in meaningful everyday life activities. AiMH contributed to a more supportive housing climate and increased sense of security and connectedness.

Significance: AiMH can fill a gap in occupational therapy interventions for residents in supported housing (SH) in Sweden and has potential to change the caregiving culture by promoting a more recovery-oriented form of support.