ABSTRACT

Objective: The aim of this study is to suggest improvement of assistive device and service related assistive device for elderly people with long-term care insurance through phenomenological study. Methods: Data were collected in semi-structured telephone interviews with 5 caregiver of elderly who have used assistive device at least 2 years. Transcripts were analysed according to a Giorgi’s phenomenological research methodology. Results: The interview contents was organized into 18 meaning units, 9 sub-components and 5 components. Caregiver presented need for assistive device considering characteristics according to user’s disease: embedding variable option function: aging-friendly assistive device and assistive device reducing caregiver’s burden. With regard to service related assistive device, they suggested the need for the experts in charge of selection: training on usage to assistive device: continuity of follow-up service related assistive device. Conclusion: The results showed this study has significant implications presented that improvement on assistive device and service related assistive device in terms of social context effecting use of assistive device. In the future, it is expected that this study will be used a evidence for improvement on assistive device for elderly with long-term care insurance. Also, will be need to develop assistive device considering needs of user and caregiver.