Grant: Travel Awards - Institute Community Support

Life expectancy for people with physical impairments is increasing and people are now expected to reach old age even after living with impairments for many decades. Many people who are aging with physical impairments often experience additional chronic conditions. These chronic conditions or complications from their impairment can lead to increased health care use and unmet health care needs. The unmet health care needs can be due to several factors, including: lack of physician knowledge about their impairments, additional health problems, worsening health, and lack of a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to health care. As a result many people who are aging with long-term physical impairments have learned to adapt and manage their own health. My research uses a life course perspective to understand the way 18 people with permanent impairments have learned to self-manage their health and health care experiences. Data were gathered through in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Many of the participants wished they could have access to publically funded physiotherapy, massage therapy, and chiropractic services. These services are needed throughout their life because they often have complex needs resulting from additional chronic conditions or health problems as they age. Access to alternative health care was especially important for the participants who have work-related impairments. These types of services might improve the quality of life for people with work-related impairments as they age and may help them to continue working. I will conclude with offering suggestions for improvements in the health care system, health policies, and in Workers Compensation Boards that will better meet the needs of people aging with physical impairments. My research will also provide helpful tips for people who are aging with physical impairments as they age and navigate the health care system.