Adaptation to care dependency in community care

Quality in Ageing and Older Adults,Volume 18, Issue 4, Page 254-264, December 2017. Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the lived experiences of adapting to care dependency among adults receiving health and social care in ordinary housing. Design/methodology/approach This was done by conducting a phenomenological study by interviewing ten adults, receiving home care services in ordinary housing. Findings Participants not only adapted by becoming a “good patient” but they had four strategies they used: sociability, distance, competence and compliance, contributing to a sense of dignity and personal safety. Research limitations/implications Further research is needed regarding how to preserve quality of care with adults with various ways of adapting to care dependency. Practical implications The relationship between professionals and adults in care dependency is a dynamic process where a need for understanding different modes of adaptation is vital. Good treatment and quality care may be different things to different adults, depen ding on what aspects of the process of adaptation concern them the most, and depending on their individual adaptation strategy. Originality/value This paper contributes to the understanding of modes of adaptation to care dependency from the perspective of adults indicating that working person cent ered may include respecting strategies not traditionally being associated with “the good patient.”

Source: Quality in Ageing and Older Adults - November 27, 2017 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research