PREFERENCES FOR CARE - A STUDY OF THE ELDERS LIVING INDEPENDENTLY IN THE NETHERLANDS

This study investigates which care provider an elderly person living i ndependently and aged 65 and older would prefer most should he or she be in need of such care. Four (hypothetical) care-need situations were distinguished, and respondents were requested to state their preferen ce in each situation. In addition, the influence on these preferences of both individual and social characteristics of the elders and their previous experience with care was examined. A preference for informal care declines when the expected duration of care is extended and/or th e person requires personal care. Previous experience with either forma l or informal care increased the likelihood that that type of care wou ld be preferred. Other predictive factors were age, gender, socioecono mic status, and the level of well-being. More research on the preferen ces of the older persons would enable health care professionals and go vernment to adjust their policies to accommodate the wishes of the eld ers.