Wilhelm Haumann1. 1. Institut für Demoskopie Allensbach, Radolfzeller Str. 8, 78476, Allensbach, Deutschland. whaumann@ifd-allensbach.de.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: There has been a steadily growing trend for years towards assisted residential groups for seniors. Nevertheless, the proportion of persons living in such residential groups lags far behind that of traditional retirement homes, which are often viewed as undesirable. OBJECTIVE: The preferences of the German population when it comes to living arrangements and nursing care in old age. Who is interested in living and being cared for in residential groups for seniors and why? METHOD: Analysis of data obtained by the Allensbach Institute for Demoscopy (Institut für Demoskopie Allensbach) particularly from surveys conducted for the DAK-Pflegereport 2017-2019. RESULTS: If they were in need of permanent nursing care most Germans would prefer to be cared for by relatives and/or a home care service in their own home. Only 5% would prefer a retirement home from the outset, while a considerably greater proportion would consider alternative types of nursing care and 20% would choose care that is provided in a residential group setting; however, the desire for such alternative care has only been realized by a maximum of 2% of persons in need of care. Women express above average interest in assisted residential groups. Many feel that such residential groups are especially suitable for people with dementia. There are different reasons why people are interested in residential care arrangements, whereby avoiding loneliness and the mutual support residents can provide to one another are cited particularly often; however, practical factors also play a role. CONCLUSION: Given the widespread desire to live in assisted residential groups, the question arises as to why so few people have made use of this residential arrangement and how it might be possible to better meet the needs of those persons who are interested in residential group living.
BACKGROUND: There has been a steadily growing trend for years towards assisted residential groups for seniors. Nevertheless, the proportion of persons living in such residential groups lags far behind that of traditional retirement homes, which are often viewed as undesirable. OBJECTIVE: The preferences of the German population when it comes to living arrangements and nursing care in old age. Who is interested in living and being cared for in residential groups for seniors and why? METHOD: Analysis of data obtained by the Allensbach Institute for Demoscopy (Institut für Demoskopie Allensbach) particularly from surveys conducted for the DAK-Pflegereport 2017-2019. RESULTS: If they were in need of permanent nursing care most Germans would prefer to be cared for by relatives and/or a home care service in their own home. Only 5% would prefer a retirement home from the outset, while a considerably greater proportion would consider alternative types of nursing care and 20% would choose care that is provided in a residential group setting; however, the desire for such alternative care has only been realized by a maximum of 2% of persons in need of care. Women express above average interest in assisted residential groups. Many feel that such residential groups are especially suitable for people with dementia. There are different reasons why people are interested in residential care arrangements, whereby avoiding loneliness and the mutual support residents can provide to one another are cited particularly often; however, practical factors also play a role. CONCLUSION: Given the widespread desire to live in assisted residential groups, the question arises as to why so few people have made use of this residential arrangement and how it might be possible to better meet the needs of those persons who are interested in residential group living.
Entities:
Keywords:
Dementia; Living arrangements; Nursing care; Nursing care preferences; Survey and questionnaires