Background: Hospitalization among older persons is not unusual and can lead to serious consequences such as iatrogenic conditions. Although the majority of the hospitalizations are necessary, there are probably a substantial number of hospitalizations that could be avoided. Many of those persons that are hospitalized are living at home, and are entitled for home health care, meaning that they can receive basic as well as advanced medical care in their own home. Little is known about older persons’ perceptions about seeking hospital care despite having home health care.

Aim: To explore older persons’ reasoning for seeking hospital care.

Method: Twenty-two older persons (age 66-93, 73 % females) living in southern Sweden, receiving home health care and having experiences of hospitalization, were interviewed about their health care experiences. The data was analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Results: Preliminary results indicate that the older persons’ emotions, past experiences and perceptions of health care resources influenced transitions to hospital. The results are illustrated by three categories: Home health care design; Specific medical condition; and Superior care at hospital. Conclusion: Understanding about older persons’ arguments for seeking care at hospital may have implication for how the homecare staff encounters individual’s perceived needs. Further, fulfillment of perceived health needs may reduce avoidable hospitalization and consequently improve quality of life.