1. Location Matters: Disparities in the Likelihood of Receiving Services in Late Life.
- Author
-
Weaver RH and Roberto KA
- Subjects
- Aged, Female, Health Services for the Aged statistics & numerical data, Health Services for the Aged supply & distribution, Humans, Male, Rural Population statistics & numerical data, Social Determinants of Health statistics & numerical data, Urban Population statistics & numerical data, Virginia, Health Services Accessibility statistics & numerical data, Healthcare Disparities, Social Work statistics & numerical data
- Abstract
Moving beyond typical dichotomous rural-urban categorizations, this study examines older adults' likelihood of receiving home- and community-based services. Data from 1608 individuals aged 60+ who requested assistance from Area Agencies on Aging in Virginia in 2014-2015 were analyzed; 88% of individuals received at least one service. Receiving services was associated with geographic-based factors. Individuals living in completely rural areas were significantly less likely to receive any service compared to individuals in mostly rural (OR = 2.46, p = .003) and mostly urban (OR = 1.97, p = .024) areas. There were subtle but significant geographic-based differences in the likelihood of receiving specific services including food/meal, fresh food, information and referral, in-home care, utilities support, and transportation. Findings provide nuanced insights about geographic-based disparities in the receipt of services and suggest the need for new and modified service delivery strategies that maximize older adults' ability to live.
- Published
- 2021
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