Family support, housing, and care needs of older adults in South Korea

This study utilized 2020 survey data from 9920 older adults to explore their care, housing needs, and preferences, with a primary focus on developing a sustainable care plan for aging in place. The care status and housing requirements of older adults, the types of family caregivers and the adequacy of the support they provide, and older adults' subjective assessments of their lives and living conditions were assessed. Statistical methods, including chi-square tests and ANOVA, supported this analysis. The findings revealed a prevalent belief in the inadequacy of care provided by family members and that their living conditions were not elderly-friendly environments. However, the elderly surveyed also expressed a strong preference for family support and familiarity with their current housing, indicating resilience and a willingness to adapt to changing cohabitation needs. This study highlights the critical role of families in elderly care, points to an increasing need for home-centred care solutions, advocates for a balanced approach to dependence and independence within family care dynamics, and suggests establishing community-based care centres as a practical solution. The recommendations include developing community hubs to support care networks, enhancing the infrastructure to support home care, providing specialized training for family caregivers, and distributing guidelines to create elderly-friendly living spaces and facilitate home modifications. The study concluded that a supportive housing environment that encourages even minimal interaction within a care network can significantly improve life and health satisfaction among older adults, underscoring the substantial, positive impact of comprehensive family support that extends beyond traditional care benefits.