Experiences and expectations of receiving volunteer services among home‐based elderly in Chinese urban areas: A qualitative study

Abstract

Background: The various complex needs for assistance among home-based older adults have increased dramatically. Thus, it would be advantageous to recruit volunteers with medical knowledge and a better understanding to support and assist the elderly living in urban communities. Aim: This study aimed to explore the experiences and expectations of receiving volunteer services among the home-based elderly in Chinese urban areas. Design, Setting and Participants: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted following the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ)guidelines. This study was performed in two communities in Wuhan, Hubei Province.A purposive sampling method, which includes criterion and maximum variation sampling, was used to identify and select a diverse range of participants. Semistructured face-to-face interviews with 20 older adults (aged 62-90 years old) were performed.The conventional content analysis method was used for thematic analysis.Results: Three categories with associated subcategories were identified: experiences of receiving volunteer services including negative and positive experiences; specific needs for volunteer services involving physiological, psychosocial, health-related behaviours and environmental domains; characteristics of expected volunteer services including availability, formats, recipients, providers and service strategies. Conclusions:The volunteer services provided to the home-based elderly were found to be unsatisfactory, and lacking relevance and effectiveness. Due to a lack of family support or difficulty in meeting some high-level needs, the home-based elderly expressed a strong demand for volunteer services involving physiological, psychosocial, health-related behaviours and environmental domains. This finding can

Scope and inclination of voluntary service for urban community‐living older adults provided by volunteers with nursing background: A qualitative study

“…Furthermore, a physical examination or medical treatment accompanied by volunteers is beneficial. According to a recent qualitative study, many older persons want to receive substantive medical services such as illness guidance, health monitoring, and health treatment without leaving their homes 5. In this context, the present findings strongly support the health-related needs of the community-living elderly.…”

“…Similarly, in terms of the living environment, participants often provide services that meet the expectations of urban home-based elderly. 5 However, due to their professional sensitivity, some participants emphasized the potential risk factors that may lead to falls in the living environment, such as slippery ground, doorsill or no handrails in the toilet. After all, falls are common among the elderly over the age of 65, and the harm they cause is obvious, so they deserve special attention.…”

“…Regarding physiology, the service scope mentioned by participants is generally consistent with the assistance needs of urban home-based elderly. 5 Given the extreme views of many elderly people on nursing homes, it is necessary to help them develop an objective understanding of nursing homes in due course. In short, it is necessary for volunteers to first consult relevant materials and then provide accurate information support for the elderly to solve their confusion.…”

“…As a result, volunteers frequently encounter difficulties, grappling with how to effectively start and make a meaningful impact. Moreover, addressing the needs of the elderly, which frequently encompass psychological and medical aspects, adds another layer of complexity to volunteer efforts 5 …”

“…In recent years, advancements in China's social economy have unveiled a range of increasingly complex needs among the elderly. This diversity not only encompasses basic care requirements but extends to more sophisticated demands for psychological and medical support 5 . However, as young people have to devote more energy to work and childcare, 6 many elderly people lack family support.…”