Abstract:

Data from the files of 59 adult day care (ADC) programs funded by area agencies on aging in Pa are drawn on to describe ADC services utilized by elder participants & to trace the relationship between formal service consumption & the helping behaviors of family caregivers. Supplementary data were obtained through semistructured interviews with 54 elderly clients & 67 of their caregivers. Analysis indicates that elderly clients rejected 1 or more services offered by ADC staff 59% of the time. Consumption of homemaking, transportation, & counseling services escalated over time, although total formal services used remained minimal. Family helpers performed both a greater range & intensity of support functions as compared to ADC programs. Program strategies & future research directions are suggested.