The structure and function of frail male veterans' informal networks.
OBJECTIVE
This research focuses on the role of informal networks in providing emotional support, instrumental aid, and assistance with chronic disease management for frail male veterans.


METHODS
Telephone interviews were conducted with nursing home eligible veterans living in the community. Name-generating questions were used to illicit network members.


RESULTS
Data on 198 frail male veterans indicate that they have about three people they rely on for emotional support, instrumental aid, health appraisal, and health monitoring. Networks are composed primarily of family, and adult sons are mentioned almost as often as adult daughters.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings illustrate not only the role women play as providers of the majority of informal care to veterans but also the substantial role adult sons have in providing support to their fathers. Many veterans are at risk of institutionalization by having no one to provide instrumental support and health monitoring.
Abbott
Katherine Harris
KH
University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Ralston Penn Center, 3615 Chestnut Street, Rm 335, Philadelphia, PA 19104-2676, USA. abbott@nursing.upenn.edu
Stoller
Eleanor Palo
EP
Rose
Julia Hannum
JH
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017028:Caregivers; D002648:Child; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D016330:Frail Elderly; D033062:Friends; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012944:Social Support; D014481:United States; D014728:Veterans