[Shared-housing arrangements for care-dependent older persons - characteristics, development and drivers]

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Healthcare Management
• Sociology

Background:

• Shared-Housing Arrangements (SHAs) are increasingly vital for nursing care of dependent older persons in Germany.
• Both user preference and the number of SHAs are growing significantly.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the historical development phases of SHAs.
• To identify the objectives of SHA initiators.
• To determine factors contributing to the proliferation of SHAs.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature review was conducted.
• 73 articles were included in the final analysis.

Main Results:

• SHA development progressed through stages: individual user initiatives, developing novel services, and established regular services.
• A typology of SHA models was organized by care organization timelines and service purchasing methods.
• Initiator objectives include family-like environments, relative inclusion, community focus, care security, and self-determination.
• Supportive financial and legal regulations facilitated SHA expansion.

Conclusions:

• There is no consensus on the essential elements defining SHAs.
• Further research is needed to evaluate if SHA objectives and health goals are met.
• Open questions remain regarding practical self-determination levels and other outcomes in SHAs.