Journal Article How and Why Does Nursing Home Use Differ by Race and Ethnicity?
Mieke B. Thomer, Stipica Mudrazija, Jacqueline L. Angel
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We analyzed Health and Retirement Study data to examine how the likelihood of entering a nursing home differed by race and Hispanic ethnicity. Hispanic and black adults are less likely to use nursing homes than white adults, and this difference is magnified when considering black and Hispanic adults’ poor health and fewer socioeconomic resources. If this continues, frailty and infirmity within these groups will likely translate to greater need for family assistance. Social policy should preserve the capacity of the family to remain maximally involved in the care of older parents, while recognizing the eventual need for formal state-based support.

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Research Areas Health and health care Aging and retirement Race and equity Disability equity policy
Tags Health equity Disability and long-term care Public health
Policy Centers Income and Benefits Policy Center