University of Twente Student Theses

The Success of Citizen Initiatives in Residential Care for the Elderly : Exploring the factors and barriers to the implementation and sustainability of citizen initiatives in the Netherlands

Dol, Karlijn (2024) The Success of Citizen Initiatives in Residential Care for the Elderly : Exploring the factors and barriers to the implementation and sustainability of citizen initiatives in the Netherlands.

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Abstract:	Background. Dual aging is the demographic shift in the Netherlands, where declining birth rates and an aging population due to improved healthcare, leads to an increase in elderly population and those aged 85 or older. This demographic change impacts society, particularly the healthcare system, which faces increased demand and resource constraints. Therefore, the formal, professional healthcare cannot meet all demand. Citizen initiatives aim to complement formal healthcare and aid to meet this demand. They however face challenges in implementing and sustaining a successful initiative within residential care for the elderly. Objective. Thus, the aim of this study is to determine what influences a successful implementation and sustainability of citizen initiatives. The focus of this study will be on initiatives within residential care for the elderly. First, the complexity of these initiatives is addressed and researched based on literature study. After this, it is researched which factors are of relevance for the implementation and sustainability of an initiative. Methods. This study uses a qualitative, explorative design to identify factors and barriers in implementing and sustaining citizen initiatives in residential care for the elderly. Semi-structured interviews with different stakeholders, selected through purposive sampling and conducted primarily via Microsoft Teams, provided insights in these factors. Questions were asked about their perceptions and experiences, the implementation and sustainability phase and different stakeholders. Content analysis using Atlas.ti, following a structured coding process, ensured in-depth findings of the interview data. Results. The study identifies critical factors in the implementation and sustainability of citizen initiatives in residential care for the elderly in the Netherlands. Key findings reveal that while stakeholders recognize the increasing demand for citizen initiatives, there is varied knowledge of the concept across different domains. Successful implementation depends on stakeholder involvement, clear goal setting, and overcoming financial and bureaucratic barriers. Trust and effective communication among stakeholders are essential but often not sufficient enough. In the sustainability phase, similar challenges and barriers are faced, with financial challenges and systemic misalignment setting significant obstacles. The study suggest a need for systemic reforms, improved stakeholder collaboration and communication, and innovative financing to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of citizen initiatives in residential care for the elderly. Conclusion. This research answers the following question: "Which factors influence the implementation of citizen initiatives in residential care for the elderly in the Netherlands, and how do they impact the sustainability of these initiatives?" The study reveals that stakeholder involvement, financial support, bureaucratic challenges, and trust are critical for both implementation and sustainability. Stakeholder support, particularly from municipalities, care offices, and health insurers, is essential but often lacking. Financial constraints and bureaucratic hurdles further complicate these initiatives. Trust and effective communication among stakeholders are also crucial but frequently insufficient. The findings underscore the need for systemic reforms, improved stakeholder collaboration, and innovative financial structures to enhance the success and sustainability of citizen initiatives in elderly care.
Item Type:	Essay (Master)
Faculty:	TNW: Science and Technology
Subject:	70 social sciences in general
Programme:	Health Sciences MSc (66851)
Link to this item:	https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/99983
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