Personhood in aloneness and in affinity : satisfactory social participation among home care recipients

Background: Social participation can be described as engaging in activities that provide interaction with others, and support for social participation may reduce loneliness and improve health. However, there is limited knowledge about social participation in a home care context. Aim: To explore the perceptions and experiences of community-dwelling older adults with regard to aspects related to social participation in a home care context. Materials and methods: Seven home care recipients, aged 79-94 years, from two Swedish municipalities participated in semi-structured interviews. The interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results: The study identified the central theme, Personhood in aloneness and in affinity, as important in accomplishing satisfactory social participation. The results incorporated cultivating personal interests and navigating occupations, as well as having one's needs seen and experiencing mutuality in social encounters. Conclusions: The study nuances existing knowledge about social participation among older home care recipients, and the findings strengthen the importance of framing a home care environment where recipients can cultivate personhood and be recognized as valuable individuals with relevant needs. Significance: This study extends current understandings of the variety and richness of the social participation and occupational engagement enjoyed by older home care recipients, to be considered in research and practice