Black/White Family Comparisons in Helping and Decision-Making Networks of Impaired Elderly

Abstract

Research on racial differences in kin support and use of professionals provides conflicting findings. Unlike recent research, this study differentiates the roles of kin and formal assistance in instrumental care and decision making using interviews with 193 white and 51 black family caregivers. Use of ANOVA shows few differences in the size of networks. However, white elders are twice as likely to participate centrally in decisions regarding their care. There is also a notable absence of professional participation in decision making. Implications for serving racially heterogeneous populations are discussed.