Experiences of Older Adults in Türkiye Accessing Healthcare Services: A Qualitative Study

Objective: This research aims to deeply examine older adults’ experiences of accessing healthcare services and understand their expectations of healthcare services within the framework of Penchansky and Thomas’s Access Theory. Methods: It is a qualitative research. Fifteen people aged 65 and over with a history of accessing health services participated in the study. Face-to-face interviews were held. Deductive content analysis was conducted. Results: Older adults’ experiences accessing healthcare services were examined under the themes of accessibility, availability, acceptability, affordability, adequacy, awareness, and expectation. Seven categories and 18 codes were created. Conclusion: It was found that the majority of the elderly think that health services are not accessible and affordable, but are available, adequate and acceptable. Elderly people think that information and communication in health services are good. Their expectations were for good communication, good care and treatment, reduced waiting times at the hospital, improved appointment systems, no drug fees and home care services. It is recommended to develop practices such as home health services, tele-medicine and to make legal arrangements regarding the payment of medications. It is recommended to increase the employment of public health nurses in home care services.