Long-term care preferences among older adults: a moving target?

J Aging Soc Policy. 2008;20(2):182-200. doi: 10.1080/08959420801977574.

Abstract

This study investigates long-term care preferences across three hypothetical scenarios and over one year of time among a sample of disabled older women receiving informal care (n = 420). Unpaid or paid help in one's home was preferred, given scenarios of instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) and activities of daily living (ADL) needs; nursing home care was most preferred for dementia care. While aggregate preferences for long-term care were relatively stable, there was considerable fluctuation in individuals' preferences over time, with just 52.5%, 44.4%, and 44.6% of participants retaining their initial first choice across IADL, ADL, and dementia scenarios, respectively. Implications of study findings are discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Dementia / therapy
  • Disabled Persons / psychology*
  • Female
  • Health Status
  • Home Care Services
  • Homes for the Aged
  • Humans
  • Long-Term Care / psychology*
  • Nursing Homes
  • Patient Satisfaction*
  • Socioeconomic Factors