title: Service provider perceptions of long-term care access in American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The need for long-term care services for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) is great since this population is experiencing some of the highest rates in the United States of chronic disease and disability.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between 2005 and 2007, a survey on access and barriers to long-term care was mailed to key informants at 305 tribes and tribal consortia. Targeted key informants included Health Directors, Social Service Directors, Older Americans Act Title VI Directors, and Community Health Representative or Community Health Aide Directors. Survey-adjusted data were analyzed descriptively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Four hundred and forty-two respondents returned surveys representing 220 tribes and consortia. Human services were overall more available than health services. There was a high level of interest for long-term care services among consumers and tribal leaders. Funding issues were the most prevalent reported factors adversely affecting long-term care development.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Efforts are needed to improve AI/ANs access to these services.
authors.affiliation: West Virginia University, Center on Aging, Department of Community Medicine, USA. rgoins@hsc.wvu.edu
authors.forename: R Turner
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Goins
authors.forename: Andy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bogart
authors.forename: Yvette
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Roubideaux
mesh_terms: D000413:Alaska; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000600:supply & distribution; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006303:Health Services, Indigenous / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007198:Indians, North American; D008134:Long-Term Care / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology*; D014481:United States