Individuality in delivering older people’s home care and services: An integrative review




Puustinen, Jonna; Turjamaa, Riitta; Kangasniemi, Mari

PublisherElsevier

2026

 Geriatric Nursing

103833

68

0197-4572

1528-3984

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.gerinurse.2026.103833

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gerinurse.2026.103833

https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/508927991



Individuality is an ethical value and a focus in achieving quality outcomes for both older people and professionals through person-centred care. This integrative review aimed to identify and synthesise previous research on individuality in delivering older people’s home care and services. We conducted systematic searches in CINAHL, PubMed, SocIndex, and Web of Science databases on empirical studies published in English (1/2012 – 2/2024). Out of 1596 records, 23 studies were included in the review. Based on this review, individuality is a prerequisite for older people to pursue a meaningful life and receive tailored care at home. It relies on older people expressing individuality, voicing self-determination in their care, and the structures of home care and services prioritising individuality. Further research is needed into how individuality can be supported and delivered in home care and services, and how delivery can be evaluated and developed to respect the individuality of older people.


This work was supported by the Finnish Nurses Association; the Finnish Nursing Education Foundation sr; and the Doctoral Programme in Nursing Science, University of Turku.


Last updated on 06/02/2026 09:06:06 AM