Hsieh HF, Chen KM, Lin MH, Wang YC, Huang HT. Social welfare utilization and needs of older adults in Taiwan: survey research.
Nurs Outlook 2014;
62:459-68. [PMID:
25015406 DOI:
10.1016/j.outlook.2014.05.008]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2014] [Revised: 05/12/2014] [Accepted: 05/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
The demand for long-term care for older adults has escalated sharply. A good policy dedicated to the welfare of older adults has improved their quality of life. The purpose of this study was to explore the social welfare utilization and needs of older adults and compare their differences among age groups, genders, and functional dependency levels.
METHODS
Three hundred eighty-four stratified, random-sampled Taiwanese community-dwelling older adults were recruited for this survey research. Participants rated their utilization of and needs for the 30 social welfare services provided by the government on a Likert-type scale.
RESULTS
The most widely used and needed social welfare services by the older adults were senior monetary stipend and a subsidy for the national health insurance premium. Young-old, male, and functionally independent older adults had more knowledge of the social welfare services than their counterparts.
CONCLUSIONS
While designing a comprehensive social welfare system, differing needs of different age groups, genders, and functional dependency levels should be taken into consideration.
Collapse