A Scoping Review of the Implementation of Local Health and Social Services for Older Adults

BACKGROUND: Implementing elder-dedicated local health and social services (LHSS) is primary for older Canadian adults to age in place. However, there is currently no synthesis of the factors (barriers and facilitators) involved in LHSS implementation. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to synthesize current knowledge about the institutional factors involved in elder-dedicated LHSS implementation by describing them and their influence. METHODS: A scoping review was conducted using eight databases and the grey literature. Data were analyzed thematically. RESULTS: A total of 23 documents led to the identification of 15 inter-influencing factors (12 barriers and 11 facilitators). Indeed, 20 connections were noted among factors, mostly among barriers. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATION: Although some barriers and facilitators also affect the implementation of services dedicated to the general population in Canada, the interplay between agism and power issues needs to be taken into consideration for a successful elder-dedicated LHSS implementation.