Vulnerability and access to resources as predictors of preparation for future care needs in the elderly

Objective: To identify whether vulnerability and resources predict preparat ion for future care needs in two samples that differ with respect to access to resources.. Methods: Community-dwelling elderly from Utah and Thuringia (eastern German y) who did not yet require care received questionnaires assessing long- and short-term care plans as well as their vulnerability and resources. Result s: In both samples, greater activities of daily living (ADL) deficits and h igher age were associated with more concrete preparation. In addition, bein g female (in Utah) and having more frequent family contact (in Thuringier) were associated with more concrete planning. In the Thuringian sample, grea ter ADL deficits predicted more concrete preparation for those with high so cioeconomic status (SES) but not low SES; in the Utah sample, ADL deficits predicted more planning for those with low but not those with high SES. Discussion: Indicators of vulnerability especially ADL deficits and age, ar e the most consistent predictors of preparation for care across both sample s. Resources enhance planning most for those who can foresee needs and sour ces of assistance.