Psychosocial development in intensive home rehabilitation : Amongst older adults in post-hospital treatment

Abstract: Introduction. According to the Swedish ministry of social affairs, the future care for older adults must have a higher degree of psychosocial wellbeing weaved in to it. It must also be cost effective to smoothen the approaching demographic transition (SOU 2017:21). This study aims to present an understanding of how psychosocial wellbeing can increase amongst older adults after a hospital stay by implementing intensive home rehabilitation (IHR). Method. In this study a pre-test, post-test design with control group is used to measure the effect of IHR on psychosocial wellbeing amongst older adults. The intervention group received IHR, and the control group ordinary home service. The results of the effect measurement are interpreted thru symbolic interactionism and role theory. Results and analysis. Psychosocial wellbeing did increase for those who received IHR. But not sole due to the intervention. Psychosocial wellbeing in IHR can be achieved in many ways. One of the ways could be to use social workers as social counsellors, as they are in this study. But they can also be used as strategic persons who can ensure a holistic view of the rehabilitation, creating social relations, handling asymmetric power relations and creating favourable conditions for participation.