Unmet need for personal assistance with activities of daily living among older adults

This study examined the prevalence, correlates, and negative consequences of unmet need for personal assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) among older adults. The authors analyzed cross-sectional data from the 1994 National Health Interview Survey's Supplement on Aging. Data were we...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inThe Gerontologist Vol. 41; no. 1; p. 82
Main Authors Desai, M M, Lentzner, H R, Weeks, J D
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.02.2001
Subjects
Activities of Daily Living
Adult
Age Factors
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Chronic Disease
Cross-Sectional Studies
Data Interpretation, Statistical
Disabled Persons
Education
Female
Humans
Income
Male
Odds Ratio
Residential Facilities
Walking
Online AccessGet more information

Cover

More Information
Summary:This study examined the prevalence, correlates, and negative consequences of unmet need for personal assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) among older adults. The authors analyzed cross-sectional data from the 1994 National Health Interview Survey's Supplement on Aging. Data were weighted to be representative of the noninstitutionalized population aged 70 years and older. Overall, 20.7% of those needing help to perform 1 or more ADLs (an estimated 629,000 persons) reported receiving inadequate assistance; for individual ADLs, the prevalence of unmet need ranged from 10.2% (eating) to 20.1% (transferring). The likelihood of having 1 or more unmet needs was associated with lower household income, multiple ADL difficulties, and living alone. Nearly half of those with unmet needs reported experiencing a negative consequence (e.g., unable to eat when hungry) as a result of their unmet need. Greater, targeted efforts are needed to reduce the prevalence and consequences of unmet need for ADL assistance in elderly persons.
ISSN:0016-9013
DOI:10.1093/geront/41.1.82