A Qualitative Analysis of the Emergence of Long Term Care (Old Age Home) Sector for Seniors Care in India: Urgent Call for Quality and Care Standards

The aim was to understand the emerging sector of long term care (old age homes, OAHs) in India through the voices of facility administrators as they see the imminent issues of importance in this new sector and care for the elderly. Sixty five administrators, representing 55 OAHs located in Chennai, India, were interviewed using a semi structured interview guide by two trained research assistants. The interview guide elicited information related to the current status of OAHs and the recommendations to improve the standards and quality of care of the elderly. The interviews informed the thematic areas highlighted in the results section. The emerging OAH sector is managed by individuals with diverse professional and disciplinary background without any aging-specific qualifications. The OAHs operate for profit or as a charity with often unreliable funding. The administrators felt that they were unable to provide the services they wanted at a level they felt appropriate. Staffing and training issues were common concerns impacting level of care. Lack of government leadership was cited as a reason for lack support for the OAHs. No standards of care and quality assurance mechanisms currently exist for OAHs and the elderly these institutions serve. Existing policies and schemes pertinent to aging care must be reviewed, adjusted, and coordinated to reflect the emerging sector in India, and the government must take leadership in providing guidance and addressing the needs of the residents of OAHs. Effective multi-sector and multi-level partnerships and communication are urgently needed to inform both on appropriate steps and policies required moving forward.