Regional Differences in Access to Medical, Hospital, and Long-Term Care Services

Abstract

This study gathered primary data on the patterns and predictors of medical, home-based, community-based and institutional long-term care services available to older adults residing in different geographic regions of the United States. A stratified random sample of policy makers and agency representatives completed a comprehensive mail survey on the perceived availability of, and barriers to, health and long-term care services in different regions. Descriptive analyses revealed that there are very large differences among regions in perceived access to, and use of these services. Given the fact that unique circumstances appear to face each region of the United States, it is imperative that health care policy makers, practitioners, and educators consider alternative ways or organizing, financing and delivering health and long-term care services in each region. Educators can take advantage of the community as a natural laboratory and provide students with practical field work experiences in program developmen...