Changes in social support in relation to seniors' use of home care.
OBJECTIVE
This article examines seniors' entry into government-supported home care in relation to changes in levels of social support and in living arrangements.


METHODS
The analysis is based on longitudinal data from the household component of the first two cycles of the National Population Health Survey, conducted by Statistics Canada in 1994/95 and 1996/97. Data from a sample of 2,044 people aged 65 or older who were followed prospectively were weighted to represent 2.7 million household-dwelling seniors.


METHODS
Descriptive data were produced using bivariate frequencies. A multiple logistic regression model was used to examine associations between home care entry and changes in levels of social support and in living arrangements, while controlling for demographic and health-related factors.


RESULTS
Among people aged 65 or older who did not receive government-supported home care in 1994/95, an estimated 7% (192,000) were receiving these services in 1996/97. Changes in social support and in living arrangements between 1994/95 and 1996/97 were significantly associated with home care entry.
Wilkins
K
K
Health Statistics Division at Statistics Canada, Ottawa. wilkkat@statcan.ca
Beaudet
M P
MP
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D002170:Canada / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006299:Health Services for the Aged / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006306:Health Surveys; D006699:Home Care Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006707:Homes for the Aged / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D009735:Nursing Homes / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012944:Social Support