A general assessment on geriatrics services, Ankara province model

In the light of current demographics trends showing an increase in senior citizens in Turkey, developed countries and, in general, the entire world, old age has gained a special significance. The falling fertility rate, the rising life expectancy at birth and improvements in health services and technology result in a higher percentage of senior citizens within population. By making a general assessment on geriatrics services, Ankara province model is evaluated in this study. Care services for the aged are rendered by the numerous care & rest houses in Ankara managed by the Social Services and Child Care Institution, some public entities, associations, foundations, minorities, local administrations, as well as some real entities, while the demand is produced by the senior citizens which are residents of that association and institutions. Within the scope of this study, 260 senior citizens receiving institutionalized care were interviewed. The interview revealed that the most common reason for seeking care in such an institution was the feeling of solitude and desolation experienced by primary or high school graduated senior citizens who lost their spouses. The seniors reside in geriatrics centres have the opinion that the institutions should be in city center or nearby. Another outcome of the study is that the lack of staff can be satisfied by part-time voluntary work or by part-time paid work. Key Words: 1. Aged, 2. Care Services for the Aged, 3. Supply, 4. Demand.