RACE AND RESIDENCE DIFFERENCES IN THE USE OF FORMAL SERVICES BY OLDERADULTS

Using a longitudinal panel that oversampled older (65+) African Americ ans and rural residents of north Florida, this study examines race and residence differences in the use of four services: two community-base d services (senior centers and special transportation) and two home-ba sed services (homemaker and nursing care). Significant differences acr oss race and residence groups in the use of these services were identi fied. Black elders, especially rural Blacks, had higher odds of using community-based services, net of other sociodemographic, social suppor t, and health characteristics. In contrast, rural elders were most lik ely to use homemaker services, controlling for other factors including race. Neither race nor residence was a significant predictor of the u se of in-home nursing services in this sample. The findings are discus sed within the context of the importance of examining both the individ ual and combined influences of race and residence on formal service us e.