Experiences of older people following the introduction of consumer‐directed care to home care packages: A qualitative descriptive study. (12th June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Day, Jenny; Thorington Taylor, Ann C; Hunter, Sharyn; Summons, Peter; van der Riet, Pamela; Harris, Margaret; Maguire, Jane; Dilworth, Sophie; Jeong, Sarah; Bellchambers, Helen; Haydon, Gunilla; Higgins, Isabel
• Is Part Of: Australasian journal on ageing. Volume 37:Number 4(2018)
• Page Start: 275
• Page End: 282
• Publication Date: 2018-06-12
• Subjects: ageing -- decision‐making -- home care services -- interpersonal relationships -- qualitative research; Older people -- Periodicals; Older people -- Australia -- Periodicals; Old age -- Periodicals; Geriatrics -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Pacific Area -- Periodicals; 618.97
• DOI: 10.1111/ajag.12553
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1440-6381

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: To explore the experiences of older people receiving home care package (HCP) support following the introduction of consumer‐directed care (CDC) by the Australian government on 1 July 2015. Methods: Thirty‐one older people with existing HCP support from two service providers in regional New South Wales, Australia, participated in a face‐to‐face interview and/or a qualitative survey. Results: Analysis revealed the theme of Choices: Preferences, constraints, balancing and choosing. Participants described choosing to live at home with HCP support; however, they were constrained by poor communication and information about service changes and options, personal budgets and access to future care. HCP services remained largely unchanged during transition to CDC. Conclusion: Many aspects of the initial implementation of CDC were challenging for older people. Clear, relevant and timely communication and information about CDC and its consequences for consumers appear to be needed to enhance CDC.