Vulnerability and Access to Resources as Predictors of Preparation for Future Care Needs in the Elderly

Abstract

Objective:To identify whether vulnerability and resources predict preparation for future care needs in two samples that differ with respect to access to resources. Methods:Community-dwelling elderly from Utah and Thuringia (eastern Germany) who did not yet require care received questionnaires assessing long-and short-term care plans as well as their vulnerability and resources. Results:In both samples, greater activities of daily living (ADL) deficits and higher age were associated with more concrete preparation. In addition, being female (in Utah) and having more frequent family contact (in Thuringier) were associated with more concrete planning. In the Thuringian sample, greater ADL deficits predicted more concrete preparation for those with high socioeconomic status (SES) but not low SES; in the Utah sample, ADLdeficits predicted more planning for those with lowbut not those with high SES. Discussion:Indicators of vulnerability, especially ADL deficits and age, are the most consistent predictors of preparation for care across both samples. Resources enhance planning most for those who can foresee needs and sources of assistance.