Work

Willingness to Use a Nursing Home: A Study of Korean American Elders

Year: 2008

Type: article

Abstract: This study explored predictors of willingness to use a nursing home in Korean American elders. Andersen's behavioral health model was adapted with predisposing factors (age, gender, education, length of residence in the United States), potential health needs (chronic condition, functional disability, self-perceived health), and network-related enabling factors (marital status and living arrangement, family network, having someone close living in a nursing home). Among 427 participants, 45% reported their willingness to use a nursing home. Logistic regression analysis showed that the likelihood of willingness increased when individuals had poorer perceived health and had a close other living in a nursing home. Findings indicate that (a) self-perceived health serves as a proxy for future needs for long-term care services, and (b) indirect exposure to formal care is an important enabler for more acceptance of nursing home use. Implications of the findings and further directions for research are discussed.

Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology

DOI: 10.1177/0733464807307313

Authors: Yuri Jang, Giyeon Kim, David A. Chiriboga, Soyeon Cho

Institution: University of South Florida

Language: English

Topic: Geriatric Care and Nursing Homes

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institute on Aging