Environmental Predictors of Unmet Home-and Community-Based Service Needs of Older Adults.
Home- and community-based services (HCBS) for many older adults are an essential component of aging-in-place. Andersen developed the contemporary model used to predict service use. Researchers have modified the model to examine need. Studies that attempt to predict unmet needs have explained only 10% to 15% of the variance. This study is based on the supposition that lack of accounting for environmental factors has resulted in such small explanatory power. Through the use of 2008 Southeastern Pennsylvania Household Health Survey data, this exploratory study modeled predictors of unmet HCBS needs. Findings reveal that lack of access to healthy foods and poor housing quality have a significant relationship to unmet HCBS needs. This model predicted 54% of the variance. Results reveal environmental questions to ask, a way to identify older adults with unmet HCBS needs and environmental barriers that if addressed may reduce older adults' eventual need for health services and HCBS.
NYU School of Medicine, NY, USA rosie.ferris@nyumc.org.
Rosie E
RE
Ferris
Philadelphia Corporation for Aging, PA, USA.
Allen
A
Glicksman
Polisher Research Institute, North Wales, PA, USA.
Morton H
MH
Kleban
D000368:Aged; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting / Q000379:methods; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000639:trends*; D006699:Home Care Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D057187:Independent Living / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D020380:Needs Assessment; D010414:Pennsylvania; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
Medicaid; home- and community-based care; older adults; service need