Person-centered and Integrated Care for Ageing Populations

Abstract

Background: Disintegrated and uncoordinated services and those neglecting the concerns of users tend to be associated to negative health outcomes for older people. Objectives: This paper is aimed at exploring how the concept of person centred care can be relevant for ageing populations and its implications for health systems. Methods: These involved a critical review of the literature, both standard scientific data banks as well as internet-based sources. Results: It was found that the best way to reorient health systems towards the goal of healthy ageing is by placing older people at the centre of service delivery. While people-centered and integrated services are fundamental for all including ageing people, the strategy mix may be optimized by attending to the goals of healthy ageing and the older person’s values. Discussion and Conclusions: An older person-centred integrated health care delivery model that focuses on prevention and care coordination seems to be the best approach to reorienting health systems. Successful older-people-centred health services are organized around the needs of older people, acknowledging their intrinsic value and contribution to society, and enabling their functional abilities.