Applying for home care services : A qualitative study of how first-time users of social care for older people experienced the application process

Aim: To explore how older people (>65 years), who have been granted home care services for the first time, experienced their contact with the municipal need assessor and the process of the need assessment. Method/data: Semi-structured interviews (n=7) have been conducted with first-time users of social care for older people (>65 years) living in one district in the City of Stockholm. The interviews were thematically analysed based on the theoretical approach by Braun & Clarke (2006).Findings: Applying for home care services affects several dimensions of thoughts and emotions related to the process of ageing. Compromised ability/health/independence and the accessibility of informal care influenced the respondent’s tendency to apply. Thoughts and emotions related to identity, autonomy and managing tasks on their own was significant. Both positive and negative emotions related to the contact with the municipal need assessor was found.Conclusions: Municipal home care services include several aspects beyond the practical matters. The contact with the municipal need assessor was not the main topic discussed, instead focus was put on the thought process/introspective process leading up to an application. In addition, applying for home care services is sometimes experienced as “the last resort” when other possibilities are exhausted