Home Services as a Better Alternative for the Elderly Living in Residential Instituciones

This is a qualitative stydy which aims to present the experiences of older pople living in residential institutions in Tirana. The results are based on the analysis of eight interviews with elderly people that live in residential institutions and experts/serviles providers for the elderly. Participants in the study were intentionally chosen. For data collection were used semi-structured interviews, which were designed at the end of literature review process. At the end of interviews transcription process, for data analysis was used contrast method, that helped in indetification of categories and themes building. The study found out that services provizions has to be extended to the specific situation of elderly. Home-care services are more desired for the elderly, while long-term care services are considered as the last alternative to be taken as solution. Because older pople prefer to stay in their homes, where they know their friends or neighbors and can associate memories with each object around them. Elderly appreciate also the impact of day centers in strengthening the role of the family as primary care institution. This research can be used by policymakers and private sector to improve and expand the variety of services for elderly. This study may also encurage initiative of others researchers for depth studies in this area.