Improving the Service Delivery System for Older Adults Living Alone in Korea

The purpose of this study was to identify ways to improve the current care service delivery system for older adults living alone in the community in Korea, including service content, client eligibility, and organizations providing services. A focus group was conducted with 25 service managers across Korea (who are also social workers). These participants consisted of 14 regional service managers in regional service centers, which manage and provide supervision to local service centers, and 11 managers in local service centers, which provide direct services to older adults living alone. The results showed that both regional and local service managers experienced poor working conditions, role conflict, and ambiguity when delivering services to older adults living alone. The most challenging aspects of providing services were identified as a lack of flexibility to meet the needs of clients and inadequate eligibility criteria for client selection. Findings from this study have implications for policy and practice change to improve the current care service delivery system for older adults living alone. Future studies should include service users to identify client-centered initiatives to improve the care service delivery system.