A Needs-Based Service Delivery Model for the Elderly Living Alone in Istanbul: An Evidence-Based Policy Proposal

Objective

The main purpose of this project is to analyze the multi-dimensional health and social care needs of individuals aged 65 and over living alone in Istanbul, to map these needs on a spatial level and to develop a mobile-based, accessible, need-oriented and evidence-based service delivery model in line with these analyses. The goal is to create a decision support system that will enable more effective, targeted and fair planning of services for the elderly.

Scope

The project consists of three main phases:

1. Spatial Analysis: Using TurkStat Address Based Population Registration System data, the distribution of elderly people living alone at district and neighborhood level throughout Istanbul will be mapped by Geographical Information Systems (GIS). These maps will be integrated with distance to health facilities, public transport access and socio-economic indicators to identify risky areas in terms of service needs.
2. Field Data Collection: Face-to-face surveys will be performed with elderly individuals who will be determined by stratified sampling methods from risky regions. Multi-dimensional data such as housing, access to health services, social support level, digital literacy, drug compliance and psychosocial status will be collected in the surveys.
3. Service Model Development: In line with the collected data and analyses, a modular and applicable service delivery model will be developed that will enable mobile teams to be directed to regions with high levels of need. The model will be subjected to sensitivity analyses under different scenarios, and its performance will be tested.

Expected Outcomes

• Visualizing the spatial distribution of the elderly population living alone in Istanbul and creating risk maps
• Identifying inequalities in access to health and social services at regional level
• Analyzing the basic needs of elderly people in a holistic manner
• Development of a needs-based, mobile and accessible service model
• Testing the applicability of the developed model by social service providers
• Supporting active and healthy ageing policies based on data
• Providing widespread impact through policy recommendations and guidance documents for decision-makers

The rapidly ageing population in Türkiye and the increasing rates of living alone, especially in big cities, necessitate new approaches in health and social service planning. This model will be an important tool for both local and national policy makers to solve problems such as health inequalities, social isolation and digital exclusion faced by elderly people living alone in a dense and complex city like Istanbul. The project will increase the effectiveness and inclusiveness of services for the elderly by providing sustainable and feasible solutions that are sensitive to the local context. It is also expected that the project will set an example for similar studies at the international level.