Continuity of care for patients on a waiting list for institutional long-term care

The aim of this study was to examine patients' satisfaction with continuity of care while on a waiting list for residential care or nursing home care. Two hundred and seventy-eight patients participated in the study, all living in the community setting of two cities in the Netherlands. These patients were positively assessed and on a waiting list for admission in a nursing home or a residential home. The respondents were interviewed by telephone, using a structured questionnaire. From the results, it appeared that people waiting for residential care are in general over 80 years of age and dependent on help for their daily activities. They used several types of home care facility, such as home help services, home nursing and meals on wheels. Patient satisfaction was moderately high as regards the supply of substitute care and the length of time it took to receive a home care package. There was dissatisfaction, however, with the coordination of care and the amount of information on procedures regarding the waiting list. Patients on the waiting list also reported a lack of guidance in case of problems and would not know where to turn to if their situation became more severe. The establishment of a service desk to provide information or real help in these circumstances is recommended.