Unmet need for personal assistance with activities of daily living among older adults

Purpose: This study examined the prevalence, correlates, and negative conse quences of unmet need for personal assistance with activities of daily livi ng (ADLs) among older adults. Design and Methods: The authors analyzed cros s-sectional data from the 1994 National Health Interview Survey's Supplemen t on Aging. Data were weighted to be representative of the noninstitutional ized population aged 70 years and older. Results: Overall, 20.7% of those n eeding help to perform 1 or more ADLs tan estimated 629,000 persons) report ed receiving inadequate assistance; for individual ADLs, the prevalence of unmet need ranged from 10.2% (eating) to 20.1% (transferring). The likeliho od of having 1 or more unmet needs was associated with lower household inco me, multiple ADL difficulties, and living alone. Nearly half of those with unmet needs reported experiencing a negative consequence (e.g., unable to e at when hungry) as a result of their unmet need. Implications:Greater, targ eted efforts are needed to reduce the prevalence and consequences of unmet need for ADL assistance in elderly persons.