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Variation in long-term care service use by aged blacks. Data from the Supplement on Aging
1Department of Sociology, University of Toledo, OH 43606.
Journal of Aging and Health
|October 6, 1991
Summary
Older Black adults often need long-term care (LTC) services due to difficulties with daily activities. However, they underutilize community-based LTC options, with need factors driving service use.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Long-term care (LTC) service utilization is crucial for aging populations.
- Understanding specific demographic needs, such as older Black adults, is essential for equitable healthcare access.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify patterns of long-term care service use among older Black adults.
- To determine factors influencing LTC service utilization in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from the Supplement on Aging (SOA) of the 1984 National Health Interview Survey.
- Focus on a sample of 1,217 Black individuals aged 55 and over.
- Utilized multiple regression analyses to identify predictors of LTC service use.
Main Results:
- Approximately 37% of older Black adults reported difficulties with activities of daily living (ADL) or instrumental activities of daily living (IADL).
- Only 27% received assistance with ADLs or IADLs.
- Community-based LTC services, like senior centers (11.9% usage), were underutilized.
- Identified five key LTC factors: ADL Help, Community Services, Home Health Services, Home Management Services, and Personal Services.
Conclusions:
- Need factors are the primary drivers of LTC service utilization among older Black adults.
- Despite significant needs, community-based LTC services are not widely used by this population.
- Further research is needed to address barriers and improve access to appropriate LTC services.