Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Assistant Professor of Social Work, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran
2 Department of Social Work, Faculty of Social Sciences, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
This study aimed to identify the challenges of providing psychosocial services to older people residents in care homes. It examined the barriers to delivering services to both dependent and independent older people residents.
This qualitative research was interpreted using the thematic analysis method. Data collection was conducted through semi-structured interviews with 18 psychosocial service providers in Tehran, reaching saturation.
The challenges of providing services to dependent older people residents included two themes and five concepts. The themes of service providers’ physicality-oriented approach and the physical and psychological limitations of dependent older people residents highlighted the neglect of their psychological needs.
In the case of independent older people residents, three themes and 14 concepts emerged. These themes included lack of family support, disorder in the service delivery process, and resistance from the older people . Although it was expected that better psychosocial services could be provided to this group, family non-cooperation reduced service delivery efficiency. Moreover, the service delivery process lacked adherence to proper service principles, which further intensified the resistance of older people residents.
The challenges experienced by service providers in the process of care delivery included weaknesses in service methods, interaction approaches, dominant perspectives in service provision, and limited creativity in engaging with older people residents. Additionally, moving beyond a purely physical approach to service delivery remains challenging. Psychosocial rehabilitation has yet to find a significant place in care home services for the older people , with services remaining predominantly within the scope of medical rehabilitation.
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