Work

Coming to terms with the need for home care: a reflexive thematic analysis of older adults’ experiences in Sweden

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Although publicly funded home care in Sweden is available to all based on municipal needs assessments, many individuals ≥65 years do not apply until their needs have become extensive. The aim of this study was to explore how older people experience the phase of life leading up to their decision to apply for home care for the first time. METHODS: Individual, semi-structured interviews with 14 men and women aged 67-94 years with first-time home care in 2024 in Stockholm, Sweden, were analysed with an experiential and inductive approach to reflexive thematic analysis. Transition theory in nursing was applied as a sensitising framework. RESULTS: We created 35 codes and the theme 'Coming to terms with the need for home care ‒ a movement that ebbs and flows', describing the fluctuating process of accepting increasing needs for support through home care. While some navigated this process pragmatically, for others it involved identity redefinition. Significant others sometimes became a driving force in the individual's process of acceptance. CONCLUSION: These findings expand the understanding of why individuals may hesitate and delay entering home care despite having support needs and suggest that some may initiate home care use while remaining ambivalent about this decision.

Source: International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-Being

DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2026.2707705

Authors: Pernilla Alencar Siljehag, Åsa von Berens, Bettina Meinow, Ann Liljas, Janne Agerholm

Institutions: Stockholm University, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm Gerontology Research Center Foundation

Language: English

Topic: Aging, Elder Care, and Social Issues

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,790