Social support deficiency in home care clients

People in poor health tend to experience a reduction in social support as they age. The purpose of this research was to explore:(i) how social support deficiency (SSD) differs in male and female long-term home care clients; and (ii) how SSD is associated with health outcomes and use of health services in those who receive long-term home care services and the differences in men compared to women. Data from the Resident Assessment Instrument for Home Care (RAI-HC) were used. An Ontario, Canada sample was drawn from the fiscal years April 2006 to March 2007 and included 32,042 men and 68,852 women. Fourteen RAI-HC variables that reflected SSD were identified. From a gender perspective, univariate and logistic regression analyses revealed that levels of SSD were similarly distributed in men and women, however, the variables reflected social isolation in women and relationship issues in men. Interventions targeting these differences are described. Significant, independent associations were found between SSD and a variety of health and service outcomes. Of concern is the finding that clients with fewer or no informal support received less home care services and day care compared to whose with greater social support. These clients may be particularly vulnerable to poor health outcomes. The RAI-HC instrument can be used to identify men and women who are deficient in social support. Approaches, supports and policies can then be implemented to address the deficiency.

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