Date of Award

2009

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Program

Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

Supervisor

Dr. Carol McWilliam

Second Advisor

Dr. Catherine Ward-Griffin

Third Advisor

Dr. Anita Kothari

Abstract

While research suggests that partnering with care providers enhances seniors’

independence and health, little is known about how seniors actually experience partnering/non-partnering with in-home care providers. Phenomenology was used to explore eight seniors’ experiences of partnering/non-partnering with in-home care providers in the promotion of their health. Interpretive analysis of audiotapes of in-depth interviews revealed three themes which together captured seniors’ holistic experience of partnering/non partnering: (1) the psycho-social-cultural contextual attributes of partnering/non-partnering; (2) the process o f enacting partnering/non-partnering; and (3) the subjective experience o f partnering/non-partnering. Findings revealed partnering to constitute relational health promotion, and non-partnering, the traditional expert approach o f care. Insights into social and practice norms and attitudes as impediments to partnering, and desire for involvement, interdependence and relationship-building as

facilitators o f partnering, may enhance health promotion practice. These insights suggest the merit of evolving health promotion agendas beyond behavioural approaches to embrace partnering, thus relational health promotion, to optimize health as a resource for everyday living.

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