This Article Full Text (OnlineFirst PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via Scopus Google Scholar Articles by Denton, M. Articles by Plenderleith, J. M. Social Bookmarking                         What's this?

Would Older Adults Turn to Community Support Services for Help to Maintain Their Independence?

¹ McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
² University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: mdenton{at}mcmaster.ca.

	Abstract

The purpose of this article is to determine whether middle-aged and older adults would identify community support services (CSSs) as a source of assistance for difficulties with the instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). Furthermore, we determine factors related to the identification of home health and CSSs. Telephone interviews were conducted with 768 adults aged 50 and older. Respondents were presented with a vignette describing a situation where loss of independence is threatened. They were asked what they would do in that situation. Although less than 20% mentioned CSSs, nearly 50% mentioned either a home health or CSS. Findings suggest those less likely to mention a home health or CSS include men, older adults, and the foreign born. In addition, those with less education, functional health limitations, no social support, and a lack of knowledge of where to find information about CSSs mentioned home health or CSSs less often.

First published on October 14, 2009
Journal of Applied Gerontology 2009, doi:10.1177/0733464809345495


CiteULike    Complore    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    Twitter    What's this?