Perceptions on well-being at home of families with people with disabilities: A psycho-environmental perspective

Introduction

Although the home is of major importance in the lives of people with disabilities, few studies address disability in the literature on home and health. Moreover, people with disabilities and their family members’ perceptions of their homes has rarely been explored.

Objective(s)/Method

Using the psycho-environmental potential model as an analytic framework, we conducted interviews with 31 people with spinal cord injury (SCI) and their families. The interviews adressed their perceptions of how their dwellings were promoting or hampering their well-being.

Results

Findings showed that the home was perceived by respondents as beneficial to their well-being for a variety of reasons that covered a spectrum of psychological and social needs. Disability seemed to affect the experiences of people with SCI and their family members in different ways.

Conclusion

This study illustrates the importance of considering home and disability in a way that goes beyond physical adaptations and includes the various needs of all household members to promote optimal well-being.