Table 2.

Summary of interview results.

Findings Related to:	Main Findings
● Economic background	Low income is a crucial factor reducing the chances of access. However, the role of income and need of social assistance is dependent upon local practices of welfare authorities, local cost structures and personal contacts.
● Social position	The role of social class and educational background has been most important in the early days of the shared housing arrangement (SHA) concept. It has lost importance with the evolution SHAs that are increasingly initialized or organized by professional providers of care.
● Family background	Family support and strong family ties help to establish and run SHAs, however family support often remains passive and it is difficult to claim active participation by SHA residents and providers.
● Level and form of dependency	The SHA concept is particularly well suited for people suffering from dementia. SHAs are said to provide positive stimulation for this group of dependents. Yet, providers hold different opinions concerning the question as to whether SHAs are restricted to people with dementia.
● Age and sex	No implications revealed.
● Ethnic background	Providers consider SHAs as a concept of care which can be well adapted to the strong family ties of ethnic groups and provides opportunities to adjust care giving to the specific needs and preferences of ethnic minorities.
● Geographic location	SHAs can be successfully established in rural as well as urban areas. The regional differences in the concentration of SHAs are to some extent related to differences in regulation and means-testing practices of local welfare authorities. The latter needs further research.