Older Adults’ Demand for Community-Based Adult Services (CBAS) Integrated with Medical Care and Its Influencing Factors: A Pilot Qualitative Study in China

Abstract

Introduction: The number of older people in China who require formal care is increasing. In response, China is creating a service delivery mode of health and social care combination for older people—community-based adult services (CBAS) integrated with medical care—in some provincial capital cities, such as Changsha. However, the needs of most older people for this service delivery mode are not well understood. Aim: To assess older people’s awareness of and demand for CBAS integrated with medical care and to determine influencing factors. Methods: Semi-structured guideline interviews were conducted with 20 older people (aged 65+ years) from two communities at different economic development levels and from a nursing home in Changsha, China. Interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results: The specific needs that older adults expect from CBAS integrated with medical care involve daily care, primary care, self-management guidance, rehabilitation therapy services, and mental health services. Contrary to expectations, most interviewees showed low awareness of and demand for CBAS integrated with medical care. Individual, family, and community factors influence older people’s demand, as do exogenous variables such as gender and number of children. Discussion: The influencing mechanism of older people’s demand for CBAS integrated with medical care is complex and multifaceted. To implement and promote CBAS integrated with medical care, attention should be given to older people’s individual needs, family backgrounds and community environment improvement. Furthermore, improving awareness of integrated care and increasing ageing-in-place opportunities for more older adults is essential and urgent.