Examining the needs and experiences of senior citizens residing in long-term care institutions
Long-term care institutions are facilities that provide health and social services to older people who experience significant declines in their physical and mental capacities. These institutions aim to enable older people to live a life consistent with their basic rights, fundamental freedoms and human dignity. However, the needs and experiences of older people living in long-term care institutions are not homogeneous and may vary depending on their individual characteristics, preferences and expectations. Therefore, it is important to assess the needs and experiences of older people in long-term care institutions using suitable tools and methods that cover the physical, psychological and social aspects of care. This paper examines the current literature on the needs and experiences of senior citizens residing in long-term care institutions, focusing on the following topics: the factors influencing the decision to relocate to a long-term care institution, the patterns and determinants of unmet needs, the quality of life and well-being of residents, and the challenges and opportunities for improving long-term care provision.
Bibliography
Tobis S, Jaracz K, Kropińska S et al., ‘Needs of older persons living in long-term care institutions: on the usefulness of cluster approach’ (2021) 21 BMC Geriatrics
World Health Organization, ‘Providing access to long-term care for older people’ (WHO 2023)
Favreault M and Dey J, ‘What Is the Lifetime Risk of Needing and Receiving Long-Term Services and Supports?’ (ASPE 2019)
Ministry of Health, ‘Long-term Residential Care for Older People: What you need to know’ (MOH 2012)
