Home- and community-based services utilization and aging in place.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Social Sciences

Background:

• Aging in place is a growing preference for older adults.
• Home and community-based services (HCBS) are crucial for supporting independent living.
• Understanding the link between HCBS utilization and relocation decisions is vital for service planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between the utilization of specific HCBS and older adults' perceived needs for aging in place versus relocation.
• To identify which HCBS are linked to a desire to remain at home and which are associated with relocation due to health issues.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from the Community Partnership for Older Adults Survey (N = 2,001).
• Examined the relationship between the use of various HCBS (e.g., adult day programs, housekeeping, senior centers, personal assistance) and self-reported needs for aging in place or relocation.
• Statistical analysis to determine significant associations.

Main Results:

• Users of adult day programs, housekeeping, senior lunch, helpline, or personal assistance services were more likely to desire regular help to age in place.
• Users of senior centers, personal assistance, or visiting nurse services were more likely to indicate relocation due to health problems.
• Home repair service users were less likely to perceive the need for relocation.

Conclusions:

• Specific HCBS utilization patterns correlate with differing preferences for aging in place versus relocation.
• Findings highlight the need for tailored supportive service systems to meet diverse needs of community-dwelling older adults.
• Implications for optimizing long-term care strategies and resource allocation for aging populations.