Abstract:

Data from the Supplement on Aging to the National Health Interview Survey are used to examine racial differences in the use of formal community & home-based services for the elderly. Although the overall rate of service utilization is low, blacks were more likely to report using at least one service, as compared to whites. Results of logistic regression analysis reveal that older blacks were more likely to use special transportation for the elderly, congregate meals, & homemaker services. No significant racial differences emerged in the use of other home-based services, once controls for health status were added to the analysis. Directions for future research & implications for planning & practice are addressed.