Use of Mobility Devices: The Decision-Making Process of Nine African-American Older Adults

Abstract

Understanding the personal meaning of mobility device use and factors influencing use is critical for occupational therapy practitioners to assist clients to incorporate mobility devices into their lives. This exploratory study examined the process of deciding to use mobility devices for nine older adults with current and potential needs. Qualitative methods, including focus groups and narrative interviews, were used to examine the lives of these African-American elderly persons with disabilities living in the community. The participants were encouraged to discuss the meaning and value they placed on mobility device use and the impact the devices had on daily events. Data were analyzed using grounded theory methods. Four themes emerged to describe the process of deciding to use a mobility device: interpreting cues, accepting use, integrating use, and anticipating the future. The importance of assisting with this process by recognizing the activity and environment-specificity of use, and the discontinuation of use as the ultimate objective of mobility device users is discussed.