Title: Nursing home research in Jinan, China: a focus group approach

Authors: Min Wu; Shi Xue Li; Ning Jackie Zhang; Ai Ai Zhu; Bo Ning; Thomas T.H. Wan; Lynn Unruh

Addresses: Department of Social Medicine and Health Services Administration, School of Public Health, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China. ' Department of Social Medicine and Health Services Administration, School of Public Health, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China. ' Health Services Administration, Department of Health Professions, College of Health and Public Affairs, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida 32816-2200, USA. ' Department of Social Medicine and Health Services Administration, School of Public Health, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China. ' Department of Social Medicine and Health Services Administration, School of Public Health, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China. ' Health Services Administration, Department of Health Professions, College of Health and Public Affairs, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida 32816-2200, USA. ' Health Services Administration, Department of Health Professions, College of Health and Public Affairs, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida 32816-2200, USA

Abstract: This qualitative research using the focus group approach has gathered pertinent perceptions from the stakeholders in Chinese elderly care environment, including community-based and institutionalised elderly, medical providers, administrators and governmental officials. The study found that the elderly are willing to live in nursing homes when they are not in good physical condition and are dependent on others for their activities of daily living. The utilisation of nursing home care has gained acceptance in the community as more elders recognise its advantages. The elderly study subjects expressed interest in the service environment, as well as the cultural and recreational activities in nursing homes. Most participants were satisfied with the quality of nursing care. Administrators and providers in the nursing homes agreed that skilled nursing facilities appear to be more competitive because they require more licensed providers and other professional staff members. A majority of nursing homes face serious financial difficulties.

Keywords: focus groups; demand; supply; nursing home care; public policy; community-based needs; China; nursing homes; elderly care; old people; care quality; nursing facilities; skilled nursing; care finance; care costs; healthcare.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPP.2012.045869

International Journal of Public Policy, 2012 Vol.8 No.1/2/3, pp.21 - 30

Published online: 31 Jul 2014 *

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