Factors Associated with Residential Preferences by Health Status Among Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment: The Moderating Effect of Social Support Network

Key Points

• The study aims to identify factors influencing residential preferences in older adults with cognitive impairment, focusing on the role of social support networks during health deterioration.
• Analyzed data from 2,364 older adults with cognitive impairment using descriptive statistics, difference tests, and multinomial logistic regression.
• Examined associations between health status and housing preferences, accounting for socio-demographic factors.
• 87.7% preferred to live at home while maintaining health; 46.3% preferred home living during health deterioration, while 24.9% preferred alternative housing and 28.8% preferred long-term care facilities.
• Preference for alternative housing over continued home living was significantly associated with age, education level, living situation, economic satisfaction, and social support networks.
• The moderating effect of social support was only significant in the relationship between depression and preference for alternative housing.