Experiences of rehabilitation services from the perspective of older adults with dual sensory loss – a qualitative study

PURPOSE: To describe the rehabilitation service experiences of older adults with dual sensory loss (DSL). METHODS: Twenty older adults aged ≥65 years with DSL participated in semistructured interviews. Inductive qualitative content analysis was conducted. RESULTS: The participants’ experiences were classified into three main categories: 1. Maintaining and regaining function included experiences regarding interventions compensating for loss of function and medical corrections; 2. Mastering the situation described the individuals’ competence of DSL, skills acquisition and taking control; and 3. Delivery of rehabilitation services included experiences of encounters with professionals, their attitudes and the organizational impact on accessibility and collaboration. CONCLUSIONS: It was important for participants to regain function and compensate for loss in function and to meet others in group rehabilitation. The professionals’ attitudes were an important factor that affected the participants’ approach to rehabilitation services. Rehabilitation services mainly focused on either VL or HL, not DSL. Based on the participants’ experiences, the rehabilitation services seemed to contribute to the older adults’ well-being, participation in activities and life roles, which is consistent with the WHO’s definition of healthy ageing. The findings can contribute to the development of rehabilitation services for older adults with DSL to meet the diversity of these individuals’ needs.