Trust and easy access to home care staff are associated with older adults’ sense of security: a Swedish longitudinal study

Abstract

Aim: Older adults are increasingly encouraged to continue living in their own homes with support from home care services. However, few studies have focused on older adults’ safety in home care. This study explored associations between the sense of security and factors related to demographic characteristics and home care services. Methods: The mixed longitudinal design was based on a retrospective national survey. The study population consisted of individuals in Sweden (aged 65+ years) granted home care services at any time between 2016 and 2020 ( n=82,834−94,714). Multiple ordinal logistic regression models were fitted using the generalised estimation equation method to assess the strength of relationship between the dependent (sense of security) and independent (demographics, health and care-related factors) variables. Results: The sense of security tended to increase between 2016 and 2020, and was significantly associated with being a woman, living outside big cities, being granted more home care services hours or being diagnosed/treated for depression (cumulative odds ratio 2–9% higher). Anxiety, poor health and living alone were most strongly associated with insecurity (cumulative odds ratio 17–64% lower). Aside from overall satisfaction with home care services, accessibility and confidence in staff influenced the sense of security most. Conclusions: We stress the need to promote older adults’ sense of security for safe ageing in place, as mandated by Swedish law. Home care services profoundly influence older adults’ sense of security. Therefore, it is vital to prioritise continuity in care, establish trust and build relationships with older adults. Given the increasing shortage of staff, integrating complementary measures, such as welfare technologies, is crucial to promoting this sense of security.