Gender differences in use and availability of home and community-based services for people with dementia

Can J Nurs Res. 2008 Mar;40(1):39-59.

Abstract

The purpose was to examine the use and availability of home and community-based services by men and women with dementia using data from the 2003 Canadian Community Health Survey. Variables of interest were based on the Andersen and Newman model and included predisposing, enabling, need, and use of health service variables, perceived unmet health and home care needs, and availability of home and community-based health services. Women reported better health and received more supportive care yet had more unmet home care needs than men.Thus, the caregivers of men with dementia (often their wives) were particularly vulnerable to negative outcomes, as their care recipients had poorer health yet received fewer services. These gender differences should be considered when policies and programs are developed, the needs of care recipients and caregivers are assessed, and services are provided.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Canada / epidemiology
  • Community Health Services / statistics & numerical data*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Dementia / epidemiology
  • Dementia / psychology*
  • Female
  • Health Care Surveys
  • Health Services Accessibility / organization & administration*
  • Health Services for the Aged / statistics & numerical data*
  • Home Care Services / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Men / psychology
  • Needs Assessment
  • Nursing Methodology Research
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / psychology*
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / statistics & numerical data
  • Sex Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Women / psychology