Identification of the elders’ needs and ressources in Fleurimont, Québec, Canada : towards occupational therapists’ interventions supporting aging in place
Identification des besoins et des ressources des aînés de Fleurimont, Québec, Canada : vers des interventions ergothérapiques favorisant davantage leur maintien à domicile 
Creators: name: Labonté, Fabienne
name: Sirois, Marina 
name: Roberge , Amélie 
name: Ravenelle , Marie-Ève 
name: Hussein , Reem 
name: Levasseur , Mélanie 
Publisher: name: Communauté pour l’Avancement de la Recherche Appliquée Francophone en Ergothérapie (CARAFE)
Year: 2021

description: The aging of the population creates several challenges, particularly for helping older adults to age in place. Since an increase is anticipated, it is important to better understand the needs of aging in place of older adults, especially for residents in Fleurimont (District of Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada). A better knowledge of the resources is also required. This study aimed to identify 1) the needs of aging in place for the older adults in Fleurimont and 2) the resources available. An action research was used with 45 older adults and relatives from the 9 communities of Fleurimont. Five key informant forums were realized using a semi-structured interview guide. An intra- and inter-case thematic content analysis was conducted using a mixed coding grid. Aged between 64 and 94 (76.2±7.6), most older adults and relatives were women, rated their health as good or excellent, and wanted to stay at home as long as possible. Associated with a decrease in their physical abilities, the main needs concerned housing, mobility, personal care and leisure. Although they were numerous, the resources were little known. A list of various needs and resources has been developed and will, ultimately, contribute to better identify what older adults need and implement further solutions adapted to aging in place. Studies on aging in place must continue for clients in situations of vulnerability, such as older adults confined to their homes or with precarious health.
description: Le vieillissement de la population engendre plusieurs défis, notamment pour favoriser le maintien à domicile (MAD) des aînés. Puisqu’une augmentation est anticipée, il importe de mieux connaître les besoins de MAD des aînés, notamment pour les résidents de Fleurimont (arrondissement de Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada). Une meilleure connaissance des ressources est aussi requise. Cette étude visait à identifier : 1) les besoins de MAD des aînés de Fleurimont et 2) les ressources disponibles. Une recherche-action a été utilisée auprès de 45 aînés et proches provenant des 9 communautés de Fleurimont. Cinq forums d’informateurs-clés ont été réalisés à l’aide d’un guide d’entretien semi-structuré. Une analyse de contenu thématique intra et intercas a été menée à l’aide d’une grille de codage mixte. Âgés de 64 à 94 ans (76,2±7,6), la majorité des aînés et des proches étaient des femmes, qualifiaient leur santé de bonne ou d’excellente et souhaitaient rester à domicile le plus longtemps possible. Associés à une diminution de leurs capacités physiques, les principaux besoins concernaient entre autres l’habitation, les déplacements, les soins personnels et les loisirs. Malgré qu’elles soient nombreuses, les ressources tant publiques, privées que communautaires étaient peu connues. Une liste de besoins et de ressources a été élaborée et permettra, ultimement, de mieux identifier ce dont les aînés ont besoin et, ainsi, de mettre en place davantage de solutions adaptées au MAD. Il importe de poursuivre les études auprès de clientèles en situation de vulnérabilités, tel que les aînés confinés à leur domicile ou ayant une santé précaire.
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The aging of the population creates several challenges, particularly for helping older adults to age in place. Since an increase is anticipated, it is important to better understand the needs of aging in place older adults, especially for residents in Fleurimont, a borough of Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada. A better knowledge of the resources is also required. This study aimed to identify 1) the needs of aging in place older adults in Fleurimont and 2) the adequacy between the needs and the resources available in order to better adapt the community offer. An action research was used with 45 older adults and relatives from the 9 districts of Fleurimont. Five key informant forums were realized using a semi-structured interview guide. A thematic content analysis was conducted using a mixed coding grid. Aged between 64 and 94 (76.2 ± 7.6), most older adults and relatives were women, rated their health as good or excellent, and wanted to stay at home as long as possible. Associated with a decrease in their physical abilities, the main needs concerned housing, mobility, personal care and leisure. Although they were numerous, the resources were little known. A list of various needs and resources has been developed and will, ultimately, contribute to better identify what older adults need and implement further solutions adapted to aging in place. Studies on aging in place must continue for clients in situations of vulnerability, such as older adults living alone or with precarious health.