Abstract:

Using Ronald Andersen & John F. Newman's model of health services utilization, factors associated with unmet needs for formal home & community services were evaluated cross-sectionally in 354 community-dwelling African American & white older adults, ages 75+, in Forsyth County, NC, drawing on questionnaire data. Unmet needs for services were associated with inadequate transportation, use of mobility aids (eg, canes, walkers, wheelchairs), & activities of daily living limitations among both African Americans & whites. Older whites reported low instrumental support (ie, availability of daily help with bathing, dressing, etc) & were less likely to have a daily caregiver. The predictive ability of the Andersen- model varied slightly by race. Although comparable in terms of specificity (ie, identifying those without unmet needs), the model was more sensitive to older African Americans than whites. Findings provide evidence & a rationale for a more extensive assessment of unmet needs for services than is provided by consideration of functional limitations alone.