Needs assessment of people 75+ living in a nursing home or family home environment

IntroductionPoland according to demographic forecasts will be the fastest aging country in Europe. We observe a growing demand for geriatric care and treatment that should be performed holistically.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to analyse the phenomenon of disability in the oldest age group and the needs related with it, depending on the place of residence of elderly people.MethodThe study involved 170 people over 75 years of age, 100 were from nursing homes (NH), and 70 from family home environment.ResultsThe average age of respondents was 81.6 years, and 56.5% (n = 113) of the group were women. From the respondent's point of view there were no significant differences in the assessment of needs that were met, unmet, and in total number of needs, whereas from the researcher's point of view greater number of both met needs (P < 0.001), unmet needs (P = 0.001) as well as total needs (P < 0.001) were recorded in a NH. In terms of the met needs the opinions of researcher and personnel were very similar in a NH, significantly fewer met needs were reported by respondent himself. Education and marital status were significantly related to the needs.ConclusionsIn order to improve the care provided for elderly people it seems necessary to promote knowledge of the wider needs of older patients among the employees of different forms of geriatric care.