Most developed countries are intensively facing the process of population ageing, which has an increasing impact on the need to provide adequate housing and services for the elderly. Slovenia is characterized by a high proportion of owner-occupied housing and low housing mobility among the elderly. The provision of quality housing care for older people depends on the level of development of services, supportive policies and the role of the family in caring for older people at home to a large extent. Although institutional care is well developed in Slovenia, elderly people are much more inclined to living at home, so it makes sense to explore the needs, preferences and capabilities of elderly people in their home environment. The elderly people's perspective on staying at home in the future is also the central theme of my master thesis, where the needs of the elderly people themselves are used as a starting point for the research.
The form of living can improve or worsen the quality of life in old age, which is why the theoretical part of the thesis presents a diverse range of forms of living for old people. In the next section, we draw on the concept of ageing at home, which is based on the belief that living in one's own home has a positive impact on the well-being of older people because it enables and prolongs their independence and autonomy. My master's thesis also highlights the role of social work with older people, which uses interdisciplinary knowledge and specific skills to explore and find answers to the needs and difficulties of the elderly.
Qualitative, empirical research was used to determine what older people think about their future home life, how they adapt to living in their own homes, and what adjustments they are (still) planning to make in order to stay in their own homes for as long as possible. We also looked at what the ideal home and environment for the elderly looks like. The study is part of the QAPS project "The Model of Quality Aging in Place in Slovenia". For the purposes of this master thesis I have only covered a limited spectrum of the data collected. 41 interviews were conducted using the questionnaire method and a semi-structured questionnaire, of which two interviews were conducted by myself.
The results show that old people still want to live at home, even when they are no longer able to manage their home living environment due to health problems. Some already insist on staying at home even if the living conditions are not ideal and their quality of life decreases as a result. The existing immediate and wider home environment is not adapted to quality ageing. Older people spend more time passively at home and need more help with daily tasks and running errands. Only a very small number of older people think about and plan for adaptations in their home. They will consider adaptations more intensively as they become older and adaptations become absolutely necessary. They associate adaptations to the living environment with high costs, complex planning and implementation. The ideal home for the elderly is free of architectural and physical barriers. A concise layout of key spaces is essential. The ideal home provides social inclusion, a sense of autonomy and security, and informal carers are a key source of support and assistance. The ideal environment for old age is free from architectural barriers. It is quiet, safe and low in traffic. Proximity and accessibility to a wide range of local public services is important.
In conclusion, we propose a stronger systemic development and strengthening of diverse quality care for older people in the immediate and wider living environment. Adaptations to existing housing for older people and the surrounding area are needed, together with the construction of homes for the whole lifetime. The financial costs of home adaptations can be mitigated through subsidies, the introduction of affordable technological solutions and the use of old people's assets (e.g. life annuity).
For quality and safe ageing at home, we propose further development, strengthening and accessibility of community support services. Developed and accessible transport to public services is also important to ensure greater social inclusion of the elderly.
|
