Experiences of older people following the introduction of consumer‐directed care to home care packages: A qualitative descriptive study

Abstract

Many aspects of the initial implementation of CDC were challenging for older people. Clear, relevant and timely communication and information about CDC and its consequences for consumers appear to be needed to enhance CDC.

Consumer expectations of self‐managing aged home care packages in Australia

“…Interestingly, the negative attitudes of consumers towards CDC found in some other studies (Day et al., 2018; Gill et al., 2018; KPMG, 2015) were not found in this study. This difference may have resulted because CDC was being imposed in the previous studies, whereas participation in this trial was voluntary.…”

“…Studies of these trials and the early implementation of CDC found little change from traditional service provision. Participants were unaware of choices in service delivery and costs and they gratefully accepted whatever services were offered (Day et al., 2018; Gill, Bradley, Cameron, & Ratcliffe, 2018; Gill & Cameron, 2015). Inflexible service design and negative staff attitudes inhibited change (Day et al., 2018; Gill & Cameron, 2015).…”

“…Participants were unaware of choices in service delivery and costs and they gratefully accepted whatever services were offered (Day et al., 2018; Gill, Bradley, Cameron, & Ratcliffe, 2018; Gill & Cameron, 2015). Inflexible service design and negative staff attitudes inhibited change (Day et al., 2018; Gill & Cameron, 2015). One inhibiting factor was case managers and other staff being concerned that they would lose power in their relationships with consumers (You, Dent, & Doyle, 2017).…”

Decision‐making in home care package spending

“…These results are consistent with previous research. 6,7,13 Also impacting on people's ability to make optimal use of their package funds is an immature market, with gaps in desired services on the supply side as well as consumers lacking both information and confidence on the demand side. Consistent with this is recent research which indicates that people who have held packages for longer have an improved ability to manage package funds effectively.…”

“…6 Communication about packages, and budgets in particular, was reported as insufficient to support effective decision-making. 7 The Australian Government's MyAgedCare website is designed to be a key source of information about government-funded aged care service. 8 It provides information about available services (including costs), and assessment and referral processes to access services.…”