Objective: The objective of this study is to gain an understanding of the determining factors of
taking long-term care (LTC) residency and the characteristics and health status of the residents of a
selected LTC center in Taiwan.
Setting: Residents of a LTC institution in central Taiwan.
Design and methods: All residents who agreed to participate in the study were included. The
study involved individual face-to-face interviews and measurements of blood pressure and blood
biochemical parameters.
Results: Disability, incontinence and stroke were the major health reasons whereas physical
inability to provide care and lack of professional care skill by the family members, believing that the
institution could provide better care and eligibility for government supported free-care were the major
socioeconomic reasons for taking residency at the LTC facility. Infrequent visits by family members
and unnecessary use of under-pads were issues needing some attention.
Conclusion: The study provided an insight into the reasons for taking LTC residency by the
elderly and an overview of the characteristics of the health and living status of the elderly. These results
are valuable information for the health policy makers to formulate important strategies to promote the
quality of care for the elderly in Taiwan.
Relation:
Asian Journal of Health and Information Sciences 1(2):163-175
