Abstract
African American elders are more likely to have type 2 diabetes compared to White elders. Many suffer from complications and face stressors related to the disease that often leads them to an acute episode, and ultimately into home health care (HHC). This study compares African American (n = 76) and White (n = 31) elders and identifies unique socio-demographic and psychosocial functioning characteristics of African American elders that can be used to help develop appropriate treatment plans. The study also examines interventions to improve treatment utilizing social work services with the individual, with the health care service providers, and with the social work profession.