ǂa ǂcross-sectional study
Katarina Galof (Author), Anja Žnidaršič (Author), Zvone Balantič (Author)

Abstract

Although Slovenia is becoming an aging society, very little is known about the abilities and needs of home-dwelling older people or their preferences regarding assistance. The aim of the study was to explore the need for assistance in daily activities among older Slovenian people living at home. Older adults aged between 65 and 97 years (N = 358) participated in the crosssectional survey study. A questionnaire that assessed independence in daily activities and assistance in the home environment was developed. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, a nonparametric test (Wilcoxon signed rank test), and the chi-square test. The results showed that older Slovenians were more independent in activities of daily living (ADLs) than instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). Independence was the highest for using the toilet, feeding, and mobility transfers, and the lowest for bathing. With IADLs, assistance was most often required with shopping and housework; this assistance was usually provided by family members. The provider of assistance was generally compatible with older people’s preferences concerning assistance at home. We found no differences in care preferences between urban and rural settings. Assistance in the home environment was predominantly provided by unpaid helpers, which reflects recent developments in health and social services that put an emphasis on a person’s social network. Due to demographic changes and the decrease in the number of adult children, reliance on close relatives might soon become a challenge. These findings can help policy makers understand older people’s choices and preferences better when planning long-term care.

Keywords

older adults;activities of daily living;intergenerational support;long-term care;aging in place;

Data

Language: English
Year of publishing:
Typology: 1.01 - Original Scientific Article
Organization: UM FOV - Faculty of Organizational Sciences
UDC: 615.851.3-053.9:316.4.051.6
COBISS: 5667179 Link will open in a new window
ISSN: 1945-7243
Views: 656
Downloads: 280
Average score: 0 (0 votes)
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Other data

Secondary language: Slovenian
Secondary keywords: starostniki;dnevne aktivnosti;medgeneracijska pomoč;dolgotrajna oskrba;staranje na domu;
Type (COBISS): Not categorized
Pages: str. 1-10
Issue: ǂVol. ǂ56
Chronology: 2019
DOI: 10.1177/0046958019869155
ID: 11285244