On the priority of needs for home care services of older adults in Taiwan, as based on Maslow's hierarchy of needs
Journal
Gerontechnology
Journal Volume
14
Journal Issue
4
Pages
239-243
Date Issued
2016
Author(s)
Abstract
Background As a result of trends including an increase in the elderly population, declining birth rates, and changes in lifestyle, 'aging in place' is currently the first choice of the elderly with respect to their old age planning. Moreover, home care service is the key to the success of aging in place. This study explores Taiwan elderly home care service industry in depth to understand the connotations, types, and importance of the home care service needs of the elderly people. Method Data collection used Modified Delphi method to determine the relevant criteria for evaluation and selection. In total 16 experts participated in this study. Results The result shows that the most important needs of the elderly were physiological (0.296), followed subsequently by security (0.276), esteem (0.172), love and belonging (0.153), and self-actualization (0.103). Amongst the need factors of the elderly, food (0.091) was most important, with the top five in order being a need for health and security (0.088), caring for oneself and life (0.07), overcoming psychological stress of illness (0.057), and personal safety (0.056). The priority of home care services needs provide a reason for service providers to arrange their resources and efforts for serving better services to elderly people.
Subjects
Elderly; Elderly needs; Home care services; Maslow's hierarchy of needs
SDGs
Other Subjects
adult; aged; clinical study; home care; human; information processing; Maslow's hierarchy of needs; mental stress; safety; self actualization; Taiwan
Type
journal article