Citation

Koller K, Woods L, Engel L, Bottari CL, Dawson DR, Nalder E. Am. J. Occup. Ther. 2016; 70(3): 7003180070p1-8.

Affiliation

Emily Nalder, PhD, is March of Dimes Paul J. J. Martin Early Career Professor, Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, American Occupational Therapy Association)

DOI

10.5014/ajot.2016.020198

PMID

27089291

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This pilot study explored the experiences of brain injury survivors after a change in financial management (FM) independence.

METHOD: Using a qualitative descriptive design, 6 participants with acquired brain injury were recruited from a community brain injury organization and participated in semistructured interviews. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS: Three themes emerged from the interviews: (1) trajectory of FM change, involving family members as key change agents; (2) current FM situation, involving FM strategies such as automatic deposits and restricted budgets; and (3) the struggle for control, in which survivors desired control while also accepting supports for FM.

CONCLUSION: This study identifies some of the challenges brain injury survivors face in managing their finances and the adjustment associated with a loss of FM independence. Occupational therapists should be aware of clients' experiences when supporting them through a change in independence.

Copyright © 2016 by the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc.

Language: en