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Formal and Informal Community Care to Older Adults: Comparative Analysis of the United States and Great Britain

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Abstract

Support to frail elders is of international and growing importance. This article compared receipt of assistance with ADL limitations, home health help, any assistance received, and unmet needs in functionally impaired individuals aged 70 years old or older in the United States (n = 1847, 80% women, M age = 80 years) and Great Britain (n = 1203, 57% women, M age = 78 years). Informal and formal assistance levels were higher in Great Britain, and rates of unmet need did not differ across ADL domains measured. Receipt of formal and informal care were associated positively, which is consistent with both supplementary and complementary perspectives on the formal-informal care interface. Few individuals in either country received formal services alone. Results suggest that community-based formal support does not substitute for family help. Implications for family and economic policy are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Child and Family Development, McPhaul Center, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602-3622

    Adam Davey (Assistant Professor)

  2. International Institute on Health and Ageing, University of Bristol, Bristol, U.K., BS8 4EA

    Demi Patsios (Research Fellow)

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  1. Adam Davey
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  2. Demi Patsios
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Davey, A., Patsios, D. Formal and Informal Community Care to Older Adults: Comparative Analysis of the United States and Great Britain. Journal of Family and Economic Issues 20, 271–299 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1022957426159

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