Service Utilization by the Elderly

Abstract

Past research has produced contradictory findings on characteristics that differentiate elderly users of formal assistance from non-users. This article describes a study designed to clarify influences on service utilization by (a) examining an inclusive set of independent variables within a mult~variate framework, and (b) sy'stematically assessin use by pe of service pro ram. Findings indicate that traditional P y studle 2 demographic an f . funct~onal capacity variables have ve little predictive power in relation to service use.Knowledge of an 7 orientation to the formal service system, in contrast, stand out as important determinants of use, especially in programs for the well elderly. Implications for both research and program development are discussed.It is widely recognized that factors other than objective need influence utilization of health and social services. Debate continues, however, as to which additional influences are important under what circumstances.A fairly extensive body of research exists on correlates of service use among the elderly. One group of early studies focused on medical services and/or income supplementation programs (Bell,