Self-Care Needs of Seniors With Chronic Medical Conditions for Living in Their Own Homes

Abstract

Health care expenditure and the maintenance of seniors’ well-being and health are important issues in Taiwan because of increased longevity and the fact that 89% of seniors have at least one chronic disease. In this study, a face-to-face questionnaire survey was conducted with 400 senior patients, to elicit their self-care needs for living in their own homes. Results showed that seniors required care from relatives and friends and social resource and medical information. Moreover, each need was affected by their family relationships, economic stress, education, religion, and living conditions. Therefore, government policy should be directed at addressing the needs of society, providing information and medication to reduce unnecessary health care expenditure, and enhancing seniors’ autonomy and quality of life.