临近养老院入住门槛的老年人对临终关怀服务的使用：对社会工作实践的启示

Hospice use by older adults knocking on the door of the nursing facility: implications for social work practice.

作者信息

Chapin Rosemary K, Gordon Theresa, Landry Sarah, Rachlin Roxanne

机构信息

School of Social Welfare, University of Kansas, Office of Aging and Long-Term Care, 1545 Lilac Lane, Lawrence, KS 66044, USA.

出版信息

J Soc Work End Life Palliat Care. 2007;3(2):19-38. doi: 10.1300/J457v03n02_03.

DOI:10.1300/J457v03n02_03

PMID:18069621

Abstract

Since 1983, federal funding has been available for hospice services. However, research studies have found that hospice is underutilized by people with terminal illnesses and their families. Low-income older adults are particularly at risk for underutilization. This study examined utilization of hospice services by nursing home applicants in one Midwestern state. Characteristics of users and non-users, and potential barriers to hospice use were examined. Findings further document that hospice is underutilized, especially by the Medicaid population, and point to barriers to hospice utilization. Specific recommendations are made to help practitioners increase hospice access.

摘要

自1983年以来，联邦政府一直为临终关怀服务提供资金。然而，研究发现，绝症患者及其家人对临终关怀的利用率较低。低收入老年人尤其面临利用率低的风险。本研究调查了美国中西部一个州疗养院申请者对临终关怀服务的使用情况。研究了使用者和非使用者的特征，以及临终关怀使用的潜在障碍。研究结果进一步证明临终关怀的利用率较低，尤其是医疗补助人群，并指出了临终关怀利用的障碍。提出了具体建议，以帮助从业者增加临终关怀服务的可及性。