Development and evaluation of a consumer's guide to residential aged care.

Abstract

This three-phase study aimed to develop and evaluate an information guide for potential consumers of residential aged care. Phase 1 consisted of a series of six focus groups with 41 seniors to determine the information needs of potential consumers. Phase 2 comprised a 2 round Delphi survey in which a panel of 10 industry stakeholders prioritised the themes identified by the focus groups. Phase 3 consisted of a pilot test and evaluation of the prototype information booklet by 19 seniors and their families. A feature of the guide is that its contents were identified by seniors themselves as information they wanted to know about residential care.