Choice of care in England and Japan : a comparative study of older people's and key informants' perspectives

• Main Author: Wada, Yoshima
• Published: University of Bristol 2012
• Subjects: 362.63
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.573436

The main aims of this thesis are to analyse the meaning of choice and older people's ability to make choice in the long-term care context, and to explore the relationship between choice and care. Meanings of choice and care are considered from various perspectives, including the micro dimension of older persons' choice, and policy at a macro level. Data were collected from interviews with older people and key informants in the field of long-term care in Bristol, England and Kyoto, Japan. Using qualitative comparative methodologies, the thesis seeks to contribute contextual and relational insights into choice and care, through focusing on indivi<Lua1~ariations, and analysing the social conditions in which they arise. The comparison 'between England and Japan reflects western and eastern contrasts - English and Japanese traditional values and social realities. While policies of the two countries emphasise the importance of choice for service users, the perspectives of older people have been given less attention. Thus, the study seeks to contribute the perspectives of older people who are having care support. The thesis suggests that if choice and care are perceived as part of a process of making judgements, choice and care can be compatible. The findings show that understanding the psychological aspect of choice could offer the potential to encourage 'care' by involving older people's voices in the process of making judgements, in order to meet their needs. ii