Formal and Informal Community Care to Older Adults: Comparative Analysis of the United States and Great Britain

This article examines four components of community-based care for older adults with ADL limitations from a cross-national perspective, focusing on the U.S. and Great Britian. Surveys of older adults were used to determine whether differences exist between the two countries with respect to: the type of support that is primarily provided (informal sector vs. formal sector), the overall likelihood that those with at least 1 ADL limitations receive assistance, and the extent of unmet needs. Results show that the likelihood of receiving formal and informal support was significantly greater in G.B. than in the U.S. However, while high in both, the rates of unmet need did not differ between the two countries. The data also shows that community-based formal support does not substitute family help. This finding emphasizes the importance of family caregivers and further reinforces the already existing effort made by both countries to provide support for these primary support agents.

Community Health Services/Health Services/Family/Health Status/Activities of Daily Living

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