Experiences of frail Korean older adults and their families in a transitional care program: an exploratory qualitative study

Abstract

PurposeFrail older adults may experience unsafe transitions from hospital to home owing to physical/psychological decline. This study was to explore the experiences of frail older adults and their caregiving family members participating in a transitional care program.MethodThis exploratory qualitative study implemented the Returning Home (Re-home) program, a 12-week transitional care program involving inpatient, discharge, and post-discharge interventions, with frail older adults discharged from hospital. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 9 older adults and 9 family caregivers, individually or together, depending on older adults' preference, within 2 weeks after program completion. Eleven interviews were conducted, and thematic analysis followed Braun and Clarke's six-phase approach.ResultsThree themes-"frustration with health vulnerability," "seeking and receiving help," and "reconstructing daily routines"-contributed to an overarching theme of "accepting my health status and adapting to modified routines." The participants accepted their current health status and adapted to daily routine change through help from their families and the program.ConclusionsAmong frail older adults, post-discharge recovery is an adjustment process rather than a full restoration of health. By focusing on perceived stability and continuity of care, the findings extend existing transitional care research to include the lived experience during post-discharge recovery.