Resumo (PT):
Abstract (EN):
This paper addresses the broad topic of what older people think about nursing homes in
Portugal. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and considering the tragic events taking place
in nursing homes, the challenge of reimagining the sector involves not only improving procedures
and models of care, making sure they meet what citizens consider adequate, but also rehabilitating
the image people have about nursing homes and rebuilding trust. Current and future decisions
about how one meets LTC needs is influenced by the extent to which individuals see the alternatives
as adequate. The paper presents evidence collected from a qualitative study run just before the
COVID-19 pandemic began, with a sample of 45 community-dwelling individuals aged 60 plus, in
Portugal. Opinions and views about nursing homes were collected and the results point to enduring
negative aspects that are considered at odds with what constitutes adequate care. The paper discusses
in length what those aspects are and concludes that future reforms of the nursing homes sector in
Portugal need to consider what current and future users think and feel about that specific type of
service. Debates in Portugal tend to be more focused on discussions about expanding the sector and
less on aspects of quality of care. Views and opinions of interviewed participants, however, suggest
that people may be more worried about quality of care.
Idioma:
Inglês
Tipo (Avaliação Docente):
Científica
Nº de páginas:
15