Service use among low-income minority elderly: strategies for overcoming barriers

The 1987 amendments to the Older Americans Act mandate a special effort to serve low-income minority elderly persons. A literature review showed that "practice-oriented" research on service use has focused primarily on identifying barriers with much less attention to identification of strategies for overcoming the barriers. This paper identifies and describes strategies used throughout Texas. Strategies addressing the "lack of knowledge" barrier included use of influential groups, working with significant individuals, and the media. Strategies addressing the "lack of access" barrier included transportation, affordability, and availability. Strategies addressing the "lack of intent" barrier focused on cultural differences, making services attractive, and overcoming negative attitudes toward service use.