| Description |
Caring for a person with neurological disabilities (PwND) is a complex role influenced by the disability, relationship dynamics, and caregiving responsibilities. Caregiver burden, defined as the "psychosocial and physical reaction to the imbalance of demands" (Southby, 2016, p.2), often limits caregivers' personal time and leisure participation. Shared leisure, however, offers potential significant benefits, such as strengthening relationships and enhancing well-being. This study investigates the experiences of caregiver-PwND dyads, exploring their definitions and practices of shared leisure, how shared leisure impacts their relationships and well-being, and identifying barriers and strategies for participation. This thesis only reports on the PwND lived experience of shared leisure. Participants were recruited through social media, community networks, and referrals. Researchers conducted structured interviews using a qualitative descriptive approach. Interviews were conducted via a secure video platform, transcribed, and analyzed to identify themes. Three major themes emerged: 1) Leisure as time together, 2) Compromise in shared leisure, and 3) Reinventing leisure in the face of disability. It was found that shared leisure is vital for well-being and the relationship in PwND-caregiver dyads. For partnerships, mental health therapists, occupational therapists, recreational therapists, and other health care professionals, addressing barriers to shared leisure and fostering collaborative, adaptive leisure plans can enhance care experiences and overall quality of life of PwND and their partners. |
