Where Should Senior Welfare Centers Stand in Older Adult Care in South Korea?

Senior Welfare Centers, the vital community facilities known mostly as leisure venues for older adults in South Korea, are expanding their roles as older adult care providers to respond to the aging population. However, their roles remain unclear, which makes it difficult to utilize their potential and establish a position in older adult care. This study conducted qualitative research to clarify and seek the role of Senior Welfare Centers by exploring their experiences in two major older adult care services, Community Care and Customized Care, through a focus group interview conducted with 13 Senior Welfare Center professionals. Using qualitative thematic analysis, the findings resulted in two main themes: (1) experiences of Community Care and Customized Care and (2) redefining the role of Senior Welfare Centers in older adult care. Nine subthemes presented limitations in the care system and possible strategies to ameliorate the care roles of Senior Welfare Centers. The findings indicate recommendations at the facility, client, and governmental levels for Senior Welfare Centers to reestablish their position in older adult care. The study recommends future research to study policies and care services maximizing strengths and potentials of Senior Welfare Centers to redesign optimized older adult care in South Korea.