Abstract
As the third choice of long-term care, in addition to home care and long term care facilities, some healthcare providers have introduced small-sized and multi-function assisted living (SMAL). SMAL has significant potential to fulfill the unmet needs of the elderly and families. In this research, the gap between consumer needs and current services were examined through a satisfaction survey for SMAL.
In a questionnaire survey to the families of elderly people in assisted living, it is found that families wanted (1) to be worry-free 24 hours-a-day, 365 days-a-year, (2) consistency of daily-life and an atmosphere like being at home, (3) release from family care.
About (1) and (2), there was no difference with the answer of elderly people, but about (3) release from family care, there was a significant difference.
In any industry, consumer's needs are the most important, and it is also true for long-term care services. But the distinct characteristic of long-term care services is that there are two consumers, the family and the elderly. These two consumers' demand for family care does not seem to match and these adjustments are difficult.
Even though SMAL have such kind of problem, it has the merits of long term care facilities like 24-hour care service, continuum of care to the end and the merits of home care like living with small sizes (less than 9 persons), an atmosphere like at home and freedom in daily life. SMAL gives new services and places for long term care. It also has merit for capital efficiency and practical use of resources. Public support for these services and correction of the gap between charges of long term care services are required.
To create an abundant aging society, evidence-based study about consumer needs and a more consumer-oriented service development are reqnired.
