Measures to Improve the Role and Function of Elderly Residential Facilities: Focusing on Free Elderly Residential Facilities in Seoul

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the function and role of elderly residential facilities to ensure the quality of life for elderly without dependents and find ways to improve elderly residential facilities as alternative welfare services for the elderly in the blind spot of community care. To this end, this study investigated seven elderly residential facilities in Seoul to identify the difficulties faced in the operation and operation status. The results of the study are as follows: First, the average age of the residents was 84.9 years old due to the aging of the elderly, and 20% of the elderly needed care for more than 7 hours a day. Second, there was a problem of the adequacy of residential space due to the deterioration and spatial composition of facilities. Most of the facilities consisted of shared rooms, and the space was too small to ensure privacy. Third, there were facilities without dedicated social workers, and service quality could not be guaranteed by appropriate work force. Finally, programs linked to local communities or programs for lifelong education were found to be weak. Based on the research results, this study suggested the need for residential space composition for privacy protection of the elderly, specialized programs centered on the needs of the elderly, strengthened connection with the local community, expanded case management functions and placement of case management experts, and the necessity of strengthening the function of elderly residential facilities as an intermediate facility of homestay and nursing homes.