Older people with complex health needs desire for change: A qualitative study

Abstract

As a sub study of another study we examined older people with complex health and disability support needs' desire for change. The aim was to compare this across different ages, residence, and gender. Semi- structured interviews were held with 129 participants and the data were analyzed using a General Inductive Approach. Six themes emerged, Health, No Change, Personal Changes, Family, Housing, and Services. The two most popular themes were a desire for health changes and to have no change. Health professionals might note that older people in their 80s with significant health and disability impairments have a decrease in both the desire for health changes and any other changes.