Home care from the perspective of older clients and their professional carers

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to explore and compare the views of older home care Cs and their professional carers in relation to the care given. The data were collected with a postal questionnaire distributed to 200 Cs (> or =65 years) and 570 Ps (Ps), with a total response rate of 63%. The differences in responses between Cs and Ps were analyzed using cross-tabulations, the Pearson chi(2)-test and Fisher's exact test. The Cs' and the staff's perceptions of Cs' own resources were very similar. The collaboration between the Cs and the staff was experienced as being confidential. However, their views differed when separate issues of the collaborative relationship were queried. The staff saw the coordination of care in a positive light. The results showed that information transfer between staff, Cs and close relatives still needs to be developed. The evaluation of home care interventions was also quite weak.