Service Provision and the Elderly: Attitudes of Three Generations of Urban Women

Abstract

The “women's movement” is viewed as having a profound effect on lifestyle in contemporary American society. This paper addresses the impact of women's changing roles on care for the dependent elderly. Specifically, three generations of urban women were surveyed to determine attitudes regarding filial responsibility, gender appropriate roles, independence and dependence, and projected preferences for service providers. The findings suggested generational differences in attitudes toward these issues. Moreover, the data supported an increasing need for allocation of resources that facilitate self-management and independent living. Occupational therapy is identified as a discipline with great potential for providing long term community professional services to facilitate independent living among the elderly. Limitations of community services models utilizing occupational therapists are discussed. Recommendations are provided for needed research on program components, viewed as essential to a successful system of service provision.