Introduction: Continuation of performing occupations after dealing with neurological disorders cannot be taken for granted. Namely, people with neurological disorders face many limitations and problems that affect their quality of life, well-being and functioning in everyday life. One of those occupations is beekeeping, which is very widespread in Slovenia. Studies investigating beekeeping and neurological disorders most often research the impact of bee products on the treatment of neurological disorders. However, we know little about how people deal with problems after encountering a neurological disorders and what beekeeping means to beekeepers. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the beekeeping experience of beekeepers with neurological disorders. We wanted to get an insight into their needs and figure out how they deal with problems. We also wanted to figure out how they continue to do occupation. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six beekeepers with different neurological disorders. A qualitative thematic analysis was used to design themes and to interpret the results. Results: Three themes emerged from the analysis: Beekeeping – the foundation for defiance and courage; Radical interference of disorder in beekeeping and Fighting challenges of disorder and finding new ways. It was possible to find both temporal and content connections among the themes. We expressed the connection in the overarching theme: Beekeeping – a lifeline that requires effort after a disorder. The results showed to the greatest extent that the occupation of beekeeping is of great importance for people with neurological disorders. It helped them during their illness, and it also gave them hope for the future. After facing the disorder, the importance and desire to start beekeeping again, played a central role in finding new paths and adaptations for continuing beekeeping. Discussion and conclusion: In the discussion, we discovered a connection with already known literature in the field of meaningful activities in persons with both neurological and other diseases. Additionally, we discovered what our research, specifically from the practice of beekeepers after neurological disorders, adds to some theoretical frames of occupational therapy and occupational science. We have found connections with the literature that speaks of the role that meaningful occupations play in peoples' lives in the event of an illness or change, with research that talks about the concept of resilience and adaptation, and with the model of human occupation.
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