Racial Differences of Frail Elders in Assistive Technology

This study compared differences in coping strategies, such as the use and ownership of assistive devices and home modifications, for 64 black and 441 white frail elders from the University at Buffalo Consumer Assessment Study. Controlling age, income, and education, there was no difference between black and white elders on health and functional status. Black elders on average own and use fewer assistive devices than white elders. There is no difference between the two groups in the number of home modifications, although black elders experience more home environmental problems than white elders. The majority of black elders rent their residence and thus lack the authority and ability to make the necessary adjustments to their home environmental problems. Predictor variables for assistive device use and environmental problems varied for black and white elders.