Public Housing With Services for Older Adults With Developmental Disabilities: Differences in Efficacy Among Asian and White Communities

Abstract

This study examined the efficacy of a culturally responsive housing with services model for Asian-American older adults and persons with developmental disabilities separately, and with both for an interaction effect. Study participants, including 278 Whites and 75 Asian Americans, lived in 10 properties of public housing with services in Portland, OR. All Asian-American participants (except four) were immigrants from China, Korea, and Vietnam, and were well connected through community-based health and social services that were delivered onsite and at a nearby center by staff members who were also immigrants from these three countries. Asian-American participants were older, very poor, with limited English proficiency, but, reported stronger family connection and satisfaction with the living environment, which reflected in lower health care needs and utilization, and better quality of life. Participants with developmental disabilities comprised 27 individuals who reported greater health care needs, service utilization, and food insecurity. Asian-American participants with developmental disabilities reported stronger family connections. Regression analyses found level of health care needs was consistently the strongest predictor, followed by food insecurity and family connection, in predicting perceived quality of life. Findings offer insight into a culturally responsive housing services model where minority culture is no longer a risk factor and limited English language proficiency is no longer a cause of isolation.