Predicting transitions in the use of informal and professional care by older adults

Authors:
GEERLINGS Sandra, et al
Journal article citation:
Ageing and Society, 25(1), January 2005, pp.111-130.
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press

To prepare the care system for a rising population of older people it is important to understand what factors predict the use of care. This paper reports a study of transitions in use of informal and professional care using Andersen-Newman models of the predictive predisposing, enabling and need factors. It draws on Longitudinal Ageing Study Amsterdam data on care use and contextual factors. Data were collected at 3-yearly intervals from a random sex- and age-stratified population-based sample of adults aged 55-85. In summary, findings for those who initially did not receive care were that almost one-third received some kind 3 years later, most provided by informal carers. Need factors were important predictors of most transitions, and predisposing and enabling factors, such as age, partner status and income also played a role. On the relationship between informal and professional care, evidence was found for both 'compensatory processes (informal substitutes for professional care) and 'bridging processes' (informal care facilitates professional care). In view of the increasing discrepancy between the demand for professional care and supply, the significant impact of predisposing and enabling factors offers opportunities for intervention.

Subject terms:
needs, older people, care management, care planning;
Content type:
research
Location(s):
Netherlands
Link:
Journal home page
ISSN online:
1469-1779
ISSN print:
0144-686X

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