Goal setting as a feature of homecare services for older people: does it make a difference?

Health services delivered in an older person's home are often implemented at a critical juncture in an individual's functional status. Although homecare has potential to improve this situation, it often focuses on treating disease and 'taking care' of the patient rather than promoting independence. The aim of restorative homecare is to change the philosophy from one where delivery of care may create dependency to provision of care which maximises independence, self-esteem, self-image and quality of life, and reduces the care required.