Home and community-based services for well educated older caregivers: gender differences in attitudes, barriers, and use

Home Health Care Serv Q. 2001;19(3):1-17. doi: 10.1300/j027v19n03_01.

Abstract

Using a sample of 169 well educated, relatively affluent older caregivers, we examined gender differences in attitudes about home and community-based services, service use, interest in services, and barriers to service use. We found significant gender differences in two attitudinal dimensions: preference for informal care and acceptance of government services. A higher proportion of men than women would rather use community services than ask family for help. A larger percentage of women than men believed the government should provide more services. Service use was modest. On average, caregivers were about 5 times more likely to express interest in a service than to have used one. Findings suggest that greater outreach by providers may usefully address service barriers.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living
  • Aged
  • Attitude to Health*
  • Caregivers / psychology*
  • Caregivers / statistics & numerical data
  • Community Health Services / statistics & numerical data*
  • Data Collection
  • Educational Status
  • Female
  • Health Status
  • Home Nursing / psychology*
  • Home Nursing / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Income
  • Male
  • Marital Status
  • Middle Aged
  • New York
  • Self-Assessment