Race and Residence Differences in the Use of Formal Services by Older Adults

Abstract

Using a longitudinal panel that oversampled older (65+) African Americans and rural residents of north Florida, this study examines race and residence differences in the use of four services: two community-based services (senior centers and special transportation) and two home-based services (homemaker and nursing care). Significant differences across race and residence groups in the use of these services were identified. Black elders, especially rural Blacks, had higher odds of using community-based services, net of other sociodemographic, social support, and health characteristics. In contrast, rural elders were most likely to use homemaker services, controlling for other factors including race. Neither race nor residence was a significant predictor of the use of in-home nursing services in this sample. The findings are discussed within the context of the importance of examining both the individual and combined influences of race and residence on formal service use.