Home and community-based service and other senior service use: Prevalence and characteristics in a national sample

ABSTRACT

We report on the use of home and community-based services (HCBS) and other senior services and factors affecting utilization of both among Americans over age 60 in the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). Those using HCBS were more likely to be older, single, Black, lower income, receiving Medicaid, and in worse health. Past use of less traditional senior services, such as exercise classes and help with tax preparation, were found to be associated with current use of HCBS. These findings suggest use of less traditional senior services may serve as a “gateway” to HCBS that can help keep older adults living in the community.

Keywords:

• Health and Retirement Study (HRS)
• home and community-based services (HCBS)
• national data
• senior services

Acknowledgment

An earlier version of this article was presented at the annual meeting of the Gerontological Society of America, Orlando, FL in November 2015.

Funding

The HRS (Health and Retirement Study) is sponsored by the National Institute on Aging (Grant Number NIA U01AG009740) and is conducted by the University of Michigan. Levy received financial support from the National Institute on Aging (Grant Number NIA K01AG034232).

Additional information

Funding

The HRS (Health and Retirement Study) is sponsored by the National Institute on Aging (Grant Number NIA U01AG009740) and is conducted by the University of Michigan. Levy received financial support from the National Institute on Aging (Grant Number NIA K01AG034232).