Work

Barriers Experienced by Community-Dwelling Older Adults Navigating Formal Care: Evidence From an Australian Population-Based National Survey

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: ObjectivesThis study aims to identify the relationship between psychosocial factors and unmet needs among community-dwelling older adults who have received or who expect to receive formal home-based aged care services.MethodsA subsample of the national Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers was used to examine the prevalence of having any unmet needs among older adults navigating care. We also examined associations between older adults' psychosocial factors and their unmet needs using logistic regression.ResultsRegression analyses highlighted that perceived social isolation (OR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.30-2.01), high/very high psychological distress (OR = 2.11, 95% CI: 1.52-2.93), and occasional assistance from informal support (OR = 1.92, 95% CI: 1.22-3.05) were associated with increased odds of having unmet needs, after adjusting for other covariates.DiscussionOur study suggests that older adults facing psychosocial difficulties or lacking informal support are more likely to encounter barriers in accessing formal care. Future policy should address the psychosocial needs and support networks of older adults.

Source: Journal of Aging and Health

DOI: 10.1177/08982643241263132

Authors: Yuchen Xie, Craig Sinclair, Myra Hamilton, Carmelle Peisah, Jeromey Temple, Kaarin J. Anstey

Institutions: UNSW Sydney, Neuroscience Research Australia, The University of Sydney, The University of Melbourne

Language: English

Topic: Aging, Elder Care, and Social Issues

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,200