| Title: |
Characteristics of Family/Friend Care Networks of Frail Seniors |
| Language: |
English |
| Authors: |
Fast, Janet; Keating, Norah Christine; Derksen, Linda; Otfinowski, Pam |
| Source: |
Canadian Journal on Aging. Spr 2004 23(1):5-19. |
| Availability: |
University of Toronto Press, 5201 Dufferin Street, North York, Ontario M3H 5T8 Canada. Tel: 416-667-7838; Fax: 416-667-7881. |
| Peer Reviewed: |
Y |
| Page Count: |
15 |
| Publication Date: |
2004 |
| Document Type: |
Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative |
| Descriptors: |
Older Adults; Risk; Foreign Countries; Health Services; Social Support Groups; Social Networks; Caregivers; Helping Relationship; Individual Characteristics; Health Needs |
| Geographic Terms: |
Canada |
| ISSN: |
0714-9808 |
| Abstract: |
This paper tests assumptions often made by policy makers and practitioners that networks of family, friends, and neighbours are able to provide sustained care to frail elderly Canadians. Using national survey data, we examined characteristics of the care networks of 1,104 seniors living with a long-term health problem. Care networks were found to vary considerably in size, relationship composition, gender composition, age composition, and proximity, and these network characteristics were found to help explain variations in the types and amounts of care received. As a result, network characteristics that might place seniors at risk of receiving inadequate care (including small size and higher proportions of non-kin, male, and geographically distant members) were identified. These risk factors appear to be poorly reflected in most existing policy. |
| Abstractor: |
Author |
| Entry Date: |
2005 |
| Access URL: |
http://www.utpjournals.com |
| Accession Number: |
EJ720157 |
| Database: |
ERIC |