Patterns of Long-Term Care

Data from an observational study of a population-based sample of Puerto Rican, African-American, and non-Latino White persons age 60+ were used to investigate ethnic differences in the patterns and sources of care provided to functionally disabled elders. In general, ethnicity was not associated with either the types of care or source of care (informal vs. formal) received when controlling for other factors. Extent of disability was the most consistent correlate of likelihood of receiving certain types of help as well as the amount of help from both informal and formal services. In addition, the pattern of care was related to the relationship and coresidence status of the caregiver. These data challenge assumptions about more extensive and more involved caregiving networks of minority elders.