Family, households, and care arrangements of frail older women: a structural analysis
Article Abstract:
As the population of the country ages, more attention is being paid to the living arrangements of older people, usually singling out a specific alternative, such as institutionalization or formal care services. Almost without exception, researchers have assumed that all people have all options of care, including being cared for by a relative. This option exists only when relatives exist, but there are also other effects; for example, a elderly widow is less likely to live with a sibling or a parent if adult children are available. The living arrangements of 2,328 elderly widows selected from the 1982 National Long-Term Care Survey (NLTCS) were analyzed to determine the effect of the availability of children on living arrangement, type of caregiver, and type of care network. It was found that when children, especially daughters, were available, the elderly were most likely to live with them rather than have other arrangements. Sons were more likely to provide financial assistance for buying services. Older women with large families were more likely to live alone and receive informal care than those with smaller families. Children seem to be better situated to provide assistance than friends, neighbors, and informal organizations. Those requiring more care received more care from their children, but also these women who remained at home seemed able to organize some kind of care arrangement. Financial resources, such as income and Medicaid eligibility, strongly affect living arrangements, but become less important as the need for care increases. Blacks were much more likely to be living with relatives than were whites. Before national policies and priorities can be set, or housing for the elderly built, the needs and preferences of the elderly must be taken into account. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journals of Gerontology
Subject: Seniors
ISSN: 0022-1422
Year: 1990
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Family structure and changes in living arrangements among elderly nonmarriedparents
Article Abstract:
The changes in living arrangements among elderly nonmarried parents were examined with regard to their family structure and effects of variables reflecting resources, needs and preferences for shared living. Those with more children would more likely change from living alone to live with a child. The odds of being institutionalized, staying alone or movingfrom living with a child to other arrangements are not affected by the number of children. Initial and present health status significantly influence changes in living arrangements while the other variables studied do not.
Publication Name: Journals of Gerontology
Subject: Seniors
ISSN: 0022-1422
Year: 1992
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Cross pressures on middle-aged adults: a broader view
Article Abstract:
There are some three-generation families wherein the middle generation is wedged between obligations to young children and elderly parents. This issue is a question of population structure. Mid-life is inappropriately rendered when middle-aged adults balance parent care responsibilities with child care duties. A comprehensive account of cross pressures at mid-life necessitates data and analyses which recognize alternative transfer currencies, siblings as substitute helpers and obligations to both own kin and kin by marriage.
Publication Name: The Journals of Gerontology, Series B
Subject: Seniors
ISSN: 1079-5014
Year: 1996
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