Article

Conceptualizations of risk in seniors' rehabilitation emphasize
potential physical injury, functional independence and cost containment, shifting
rehabilitation from other considerations essential to promoting a satisfying
life. In a two-day multidisciplinary planning meeting we critically examined and
discussed alternatives to dominant conceptualizations. METHOD: Invitees reflected
on conceptualizations of risk in stroke rehabilitation and low vision
rehabilitation, identified and explored positive and negative implications and
generated alternative perspectives to support rehabilitation approaches related
to living a good life. RESULTS: Current risk conceptualizations help focus
rehabilitation teamwork and make this work publically recognizable and valued.
However, they also lead to practice that is depersonalized, decontextualized and
restrictive. Further research and practice development initiatives should include
the voices of clinicians and seniors to more adequately support meaningfully
living, and foster safe spaces for seniors and clinicians to speak candidly,
comprehensively and respectfully about risk. To ensure that seniors'
rehabilitation targets a satisfying life as defined by seniors, increased focus
on the environment and more explicit examination of how cost containment concerns
are driving services is also necessary. CONCLUSION: This work reinforced current
concerns about conceptualizations of risk in seniors' rehabilitation and
generated ways forward that re-focus rehabilitation more on promoting a
satisfying life. Implications for rehabilitation In seniors' rehabilitation,
considerations of risk focus on physical injury, functional dependence and cost
containment. Focus on provider-defined risk of physical injury limits examination
of patient goals and patients' histories of judging and dealing with risk. Focus
on functional dependence and cost containment may lead to practice that is
depersonalized and decontextualized. Abandonment of ableist and ageist thinking
and an explicit focus on person-centered definitions of risk and a satisfying
life are recommended.

Langue : ANGLAIS