Investigation on service needs of the elderlies among different healthcare and elderly care modes in Hubei province

Abstract

Objective To understand the healthcare and elderly care needs of the elderlies. Methods From July to December 2018, a questionnaire survey was conducted to investigate the healthcare and elderly care status and characteristics of the elderly under different modes of combination of medical care and elderly care, and to analyze their objective needs for both cares. Results There was an outstanding need for daily life care for the elderlies in the healthcare plus elderly care mode. 71.8% of them were senior elderlies, and 61.1% had obvious disabilities. It was found that elderly-adaptive transformation was required for their living environment in the home care mode, as 41.7% of them live in elevator-free buildings, and 48.2% use squat-type toilets. The elderlies need in general cultural services, and widowhood and solitary living were common. The home care mode required disease prevention services, as 43.6% of them had weight problems, and smoking and drinking rates were very high(9.4%, 13.7%). The elderly care in medical mode required medical services, because the proportion of two or more chronic diseases was very high(27.2%). Conclusions The healthcare and elderly care modes vary in terms of needs, thus it is necessary to adapt to specific conditions. Key words: Elderlies; Healthcare plus elderly care mode; Service; Need; Questionnaires