Client-Centred Rehabilitation - Arthritis Community Research ...

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6 months, but it was worth the wait.
But in that 6 months, I had nothing
to help me.” ABI #1
Fitting the mold “meeting eligibility
criteria”
Although finding services was the first
challenge for participants, the next hurdle
they sometimes encountered was meeting
eligibility criteria. Most groups raised
issues regarding eligibility for services.
Sometimes these eligibility criteria were
exclusionary by age. Age requirements for
entrance into programs may limit access for
clients.
“So what happens if you are not a
senior? So you just stand outside the
door and look in?” PTPART #1
Clients felt the need to make themselves
“fit” into the eligibility criteria for services.
This was particularly true for community
services and supports. In some instances,
clients accepted services that were not
needed in order to receive those that were
needed.
“You have to make yourself fit the
eligibility criteria that they have
come up with” SCI #2
“But I had to do it [course] to get the
funding for my home modification”
SCI #3
“the process of getting done over like
that leads to manipulating the
process the next time” SCI #2
Availability and location of services
Availability and location of services was
another system level theme. It was generally
felt that there were not enough programs
that addressed their needs and the hours of
operation were limited.
“I can understand the situation where
only twelve weeks because of the
number of people trying to get in the
program.” COPD #4
“we maybe go to swimming aquatic
program which there are not enough
of” PTPART #4
Flexibility in where the service is provided
seemed important to many participants
whether it be close to home or in a center of
choice.
“You know we’re very lucky to be
able to be so close” COPD #1
“I’m very fortunate I live within two
blocks of Variety Village” COPD #2
Participants talked about the need for
programs to be flexible in terms of length of
time they are offered. Similar issues were
brought up with regards to homecare. The
amount of time per day and the total length
of service were too limited according to the
participants.
“But boy if you could extend that to
even sixteen weeks or even more
then that would be super cause
you’re always afraid when it comes
to the end of that twelve weeks.”
COPD #4
Transitions between services
Transition between services was weak to
non-existent according to most groups. This
was particularly true for the transition from
rehabilitation facility to the community.
Many participants, particularly in the ABI
and SCI groups felt that this transition was