Frail older adult's experiences of receiving health care and social services.

This study explored frail older adults' overall experience of receiving health care and/or social services. Frail older adults with unstable health are dependent on the health care system because of the frequency of their contacts with it. More knowledge is needed about how they experience the health care and social services they receive. Interviews with 14 older adults (mean age = 81) revealed one main category, Having Power or Being Powerless, that incorporated three categories: Autonomous or Without Control in Relation to the Health Care and/or Social Services System, Being Confirmed or Violated in Relation to Caregivers, and Paradoxes in Health Care or Social Services. Each category comprised subcategories reflecting aspects of having power or being powerless. The findings indicate it is important for health care and social services to ensure a high level of interpersonal continuity to empower frail older adults. This may contribute to more relationship-based care and help older adults remain in control of their life situations. Copyright 2010, SLACK Incorporated.