PhD Defence Ines Mouchaers

Keywords: Care for older people, ageing in place, primary care, sustainable care
 

"Managing Everyday Life: Exploring the Essential Components of Reablement and User Experiences"

New care models, such as reablement, are being introduced to future-proof our care services. These innovative strategies are designed to address the changing needs of individuals and improve long-term outcomes. Reablement, a person-centered and holistic approach, supports older adults in their daily activities. Though widely adopted in several countries, this concept is still relatively new in the Netherlands. This thesis explored the essential components of reablement and the experiences of clients, family caregivers, and professionals with this approach. In collaboration with practice, the I-MANAGE model was developed to support organizations in implementing reablement. Older adults who participated in reablement programs reported greater independence and were generally positive about the approach. However, family caregivers had mixed experiences, often expressing a need for improved communication and more personalized support from professionals. Professionals, on the other hand, stressed the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration but also noted the necessity for structural changes, such as integrating reablement principles in policy and practice and updating funding models, to support holistic, person-centered care. 

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