Gibson MJ; AcademyHealth. Meeting (2004 : San Diego, Calif.).
Abstr AcademyHealth Meet. 2004; 21: abstract no. 1373.
AARP, Public Policy Institute, 601 E. Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20049 Tel. 202.434.3896 Fax 202.434.6402
RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: (1) To examine the characteristics of persons age 50 and older with disabilities who do and do not report unmet need for help with daily activities; (2) to determine which socioeconomic and other factors, such as severity or type of disability, are most closely associated with unmet need; (3) to identify adverse consequences associated with unmet need; (4) to identify the changes respondents report would cause a major improvement in their lives; and (5) to draw out the implications for policy and practice. STUDY DESIGN: This study reports unpublished data from a survey on independent living and disability conducted by Harris Interactive for AARP in Sept. 2002 of 1,100 persons 50 and older with disabilities. The survey probed what respondents perceive as facilitating or impeding their independence and quality of life. We analyze these data by a number of variables, including a measure of unmet need for personal assistance services. The data are supplemented by a review of the literature on unmet need among persons with disabilities. POPULATION STUDIED: Non-institutionalized adults age 50 and older with disabilities. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Almost one quarter (23%) of the sample reported needing more help than they receive now with daily activities. Persons with unmet needs were more likely to be age 50-64 than 65+; to have severe disabilities, to be black/African American; to have low incomes, to live alone, and to live in an urban area. A substantial majority (63%) of those reporting unmet need were receiving help with activities, predominantly from unpaid family members with whom they lived. Unmet need is associated with greater life dissatisfaction, postponing needed health care, having less control over key decisions, and being completely unable to work because of a disability. However, persons with unmet needs are no more pessimistic about their future than their counterparts who do not report unmet needs. The top three changes persons with unmet need say would cause a major improvement in the quality of their lives are: (1) more control over decisions about services and help needed; (2) someone known and trusted to help with daily activities; and (3) a way to pay for long-term services and equipment. CONCLUSIONS: The data paint a picture of both the strengths and vulnerabilities of persons age 50 and older with disabilities who have unmet needs, and help us understand what they need to live with dignity and independence. Findings will be compared with and discussed in the context of other published findings on unmet need among persons with disabilities, such as those from the National Health Interview Survey on Disability. IMPLICATIONS FOR POLICY, DELIVERY OR PRACTICE: Among the many policy implications of the study are the need to: (1) protect and improve the Medicaid safety-net for home and community-based services; (2) encourage consumer-directed services for home and community-based services, including cash and counseling type programs; and (3) insure individuals against the high costs of long-term services and supports.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Activities of Daily Living
- Adult
- Behavior
- Counseling
- Data Collection
- Emotions
- Family
- Forecasting
- Health Services Needs and Demand
- Health Status Indicators
- Hobbies
- Humans
- Social Environment
- epidemiology
- rehabilitation
- hsrmtgs
UI: 103624407
From Meeting Abstracts