Evaluation of Access to Long-term Care Services for Old People Ageing in Place in Slovenia

THEORY: The quality of long-term care services has an important effect on the quality of life of their users and their informal carers. By identifying gaps between provision of services and users’ needs we can suggest adjustments of the long-term care services and advance their development. METHOD: The data from the first Slovenian national survey of social homecare (SHC) users and their informal carers was utilised. Linear regression analysis was used to evaluate factors that affect assessments of five-dimensional concept of access. RESULTS: On average, affordability was rated the lowest (mean=2.9) and acceptability the highest (4.0), with availability, accessibility and accommodation (mean=3.6) in the middle. Regression analysis explains 15% of variability in affordability, while for other dimensions much less. Caregiver’s needs are the most influential predictor of access, negatively influencing the rating of access (availability B=.127, accommodation B=-.113, acceptability B=-.120, affordability B=-.155). Care recipients’ needs also affect the rating of affordability (B=-.132). Family income negatively influences the rating of availability (B=-.115), accessibility (B=-.076) and affordability (B=-.270). Residents of rural areas rate availability (B=-.070) and affordability (B=-.067) less favourable. DISCUSSION: This study showed that affordability is rated the least favourable among components of access. Adjustment in private out-of-pocket co-payment mechanism is suggested.