Reconstructing Identity of Older People in Using Day Care Services in Taiwan: A Grounded Theory Study

Yu-Kun Chiu,Carol Windsor

doi:10.15344/2394-4978/2015/155

Abstract

Adult day care centers provide a means whereby frail or disabled older people can remain living at home particularly when their family care-givers engage in waged work. In Taiwan, adult day care services appear to meet the cultural needs of both older people and their families for whom filial care is vital. Little research attention has been paid to the use of day care services in Taiwan, the uptake rate of which is low. This grounded theory study explored the ways in which older people and family care-givers construct meanings around the use of day care services in Taiwan.

Highlights

Given current trends, it is estimated that those aged over 65 in Taiwan will increase to 20% of the population by 2025 (11.5% in 2014) [1]
Economic and health care problems related to an aging population, it is acutely understood that community care services need to be further expanded with a focus on long-term care
Little attention has been paid to the importance of day care services in Taiwan

Summary

Introduction

It is estimated that those aged over 65 in Taiwan will increase to 20% of the population by 2025 (11.5% in 2014) [1]. Economic and health care problems related to an aging population, it is acutely understood that community care services need to be further expanded with a focus on long-term care. Little attention has been paid to the importance of day care services in Taiwan. The purpose of this study was to explore the use of day care services for older people in Taiwan. The research initially sought to develop an understanding of how and why Taiwanese people come to make decisions about using day care services. It was proposed that exploring the experiences and perceptions of older people and family caregivers related to day care would generate a better understanding of the social processes that either encourage or inhibit access and use. This research provided greater insight into the needs of clients who use the service

Objectives

Methods

Findings

Discussion

Conclusion