자기돌봄 도입에 대한 탐색적 연구 -노인맞춤돌봄서비스 사례 = An Exploratory Study on the application of Self-care to Customized Care Services for Older Adults

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

The concept of self-care has evolved as a new paradigm in healthcare policies in Western societies since the 1970s. In South Korea, it gained prominence in 2020 with its integration into the Customized Care Services for Older Adults program, emphasizing the significance of older individuals taking an active role in preventive care and health management. This exploratory study aimed to investigate the implementation of self-care within this program. Data were collected through interviews and participatory observations involving 17 frontline care workers and elderly users of the program. The analysis revealed disparities in how self-care was perceived among these stakeholders. Self-care support largely relied on the competencies of individual care workers, and variations were noted across implementing organizations. One significant challenge highlighted in the study was the precarious employment status of care workers, often on one-year contracts. This instability created care relationships that passively accommodated user preferences instead of actively encouraging self-care practices. Additionally, substantial disparities in care needs among elderly users complicated the realization of the self-care orientation of Customized Care Services. The study’s findings emphasize the need for a more comprehensive approach to older adults’ care policies. Rather than focusing solely on a single program, such as Customized Care Services for Older Adults, discussions should encompass broader topics like community preventive care systems and the provision of social care.