Abstract

Introduction: The present research aims to explain the model of integrated elderly care program in Khuzestan province based on the existing challenges and policies.

Method: This research is a qualitative study. The sample includes 12 elderly health experts and 5 old people using the integrated healthcare services in Khuzestan province. Data collection was done by a semi-structured interview. Data analysis was done by Corbin and Strauss (2014) method.

Findings: According to the findings, the challenges of the integrated elderly care program include the poor participation of the elderly, lack of human force and laboratory facilities, poor education and skills of health care providers, limitation of the provided services, and low occupational motivation of the healthcare providers. Also, it was found that the main policies of this program include the integration of the elderly healthcare services, promotion of the service quality, and improvement of the physical and mental health in the elderly population.

Conclusion: Based on the findings, this research has proposed a model to resolve the challenges of integrated elderly care program using the viewpoints of elderly health experts. This model can be useful in planning and developing the policies of integrated elderly care program.

Keywords: integrated elderly care, challenges, policies, Khuzestan, Iran