Abstract
The work reported here forms part of a two-phase investigation of disability sponsored by Grampian Regional Council Social Work Committee. Following a questionnaire survey of about one in 40 of the region's households, 212 people with physical disabilities aged 16–65 were interviewed during 1989/90 to obtain an in-depth understanding of their perceptions of current and past service provision. Two-thirds of all those interviewed required some help with self-care across a wide range of activities. Sixty-six (31%) interviewees were found to use 150 items to help with self-care and a further 45 (21%) indicated that they would like equipment. Forty-one per cent of all self-care aids had been self-purchased. Minimal service use was discovered, the most common being dentistry and chiropody. Despite the level of disability, only seven respondents currently had a home help and 10 were in receipt of community occupational therapy. Very low involvement in voluntary organisations was found.
Less than half of interviewees (45%) reported ‘going out’ every day and sedentary leisure activities were more common than visits to clubs or friends. The main reason given for non-participation in other leisure activities was physical difficulty. Only 13 people took part in social activities organised either wholly or partly for people with physical disabilities. In general, those interviewed sought better opportunities for integration into the life of their community. Two case studies are presented in an appendix, which illustrate the multifaceted nature of interviewees' problems and the nature and extent of formal and informal care within two survey households.
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