The Challenges of Health Services at Senior Centers in an Urban South Korean Community: A Mixed-Method Approach, Focusing on the Role of Nurses

Abstract

Background This study aimed to identify the current challenges of health services provided by senior centers in South Korea and to determine recommendations for improving service to community-dwelling older adults, focusing on the nurse’s role. Methods Quantitative data were obtained from a survey of 30 nurses at senior centers in Seoul, South Korea. In addition, focus group interviews were conducted with 6 senior center nurses, 5 health experts, and 4 attendees of senior centers (n = 15). Content analysis was performed to analyze the qualitative data. Results The study results revealed several challenges, including insufficient health services; a lack of human resources; non-systematic and overlapping health services; and a lack of legal clarification of nurses’ roles. Our recommendations for improvement are that senior centers should: focus on disease prevention and chronic disease management; be hubs to connect health and welfare services; empower nurse’s role and capacity; and establish legal regulation and adequate staffing for nurses. Conclusions These findings are important for improving the senior centers in playing a key role in contributing to health promotion, disease prevention, and chronic disease management among older individuals in South Korea.