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The Service Needs of Older People: Implications for Public Policy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 November 2010

Ingrid Connidis
Ingrid Connidis
Affiliation:
University of Western Ontario
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Abstract

In this paper the service needs of community-dwelling older persons are examined. Based on the responses from a random sample of 400 residents aged 65 and over, it is found that just over 9 percent of this population is currently using or in need of community services. Thus, the vast majority of older persons are managing without the aid of formal support services. The importance of the seemingly modest proportion of older persons requiring services is discussed. The consequences for public policy of anticipated constraints on family and women as service providers in the future are emphasized.

Résumé

Dans la présente communication, nous étudions les besoins de service chez les personnes âgées demeurant à domicile. Les réponses fournies par 400 sujets âgés de 65 ans et plus révèlent qu'un peu plus de 9 pour cent de cette population font appel aux services publics ou en ont besoin. Cela signifie que la vaste majorité des personnes âgées peuvent se passer de l'appui des services publics. Nous examinons l'importance de la proportion, assez faible, des personnes âgées qui ont besoin de ces services. Nous soulignons les conséquences que peut entraîner cet état de choses qui laisse entrevoir une politique de restrictions imposées aux families et aux femmes ayant la charge de leur parenté âgée.

Type
Articles
Information
Canadian Journal on Aging / La Revue canadienne du vieillissement , Volume 4 , Issue 1 , March 1985 , pp. 3 - 10
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Association on Gerontology 1985

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