Leslie A. Morgan

Preferences for receipt of care among community-dwelling adults.

Abstract Preferences for long-term care alternatives include both place of care and persons to provide care. In this analysis, these elements are separated for mature adults (N-1503, ages 40-70) regarding future care needs. Most adults preferred care in home/community settings by kin or non-kin, with few deeming nursing homes acceptable. Demographics and personal knowledge, experience, and expectations were marginally likely to influence preferences; males were more likely to prefer care in paid/professional settings. Women, who more often expressed preference for kin/home care, face demographic trends reducing available female kin who might be caregivers.

Economic Well-Being Following Marital Termination A Comparison of Widowed and Divorced Women

Separate studies of divorced and widowed women show increased odds of becoming poor following the termination of marriage. Both cross-sectional and longitudinal data suggest that the end of marriage is correlated with higher poverty rates. Less is known, however, about factors that influence economic well-being over time, and whether these factors are similar for widows and divorced women. This analysis uses data from the National Longitudinal Surveys cohort of mature women (1967-1982) to examine the probability of becoming poor after widowhood or divorce among mid-life women, and factors that seem to influence economic well-being. Findings show that 40% of widows and over one-quarter of divorced women fall into poverty for at least some time during the first five years after leaving marriage. The type of marital transition experienced by the woman is not a significant factor in economic well-being, but both age and prior economic standing have positive estimated effects.

Balancing Safety and Privacy: The Case of Room Locks in Assisted Living

Assisted living settings are charged with protecting privacy and choice of residents while guaranteeing safety and providing services. This article uses qualitative data from seven distinct assisted living settings to illuminate the challenge of balancing these expectations to maximize quality of life for residents. The simple object of door locks serves as the focal point for narrative from residents, family, staff, and administrators regarding the daily dilemmas of balancing these goals. Results show that there is a lack of consensus on the relative importance of locks and security within and across groups and settings. As residents age in place, sustaining the balance is likely to become even more challenging.

Retirement financial preparation:implications for policy.

Abstract Financial preparation for retirement is key to positive outcomes for future cohorts. Studies suggest that insufficient preparation is occurring among Baby Boomers. Data from community-dwelling adults (N = 1508, ages 40-70) show that most respondents (22-75%) had taken four specific preparation steps, and few reported negative attitudes toward planning. Five correlates (gathering information, locus of control, self-definition as household planner, financial worries, and negative attitudes) and demographic variables tested in bivariate analyses showed most having associations with preparation. In multivariate analyses, however, only two correlates (gathering information and negative planning attitudes) and demographics (race/ethnicity, education, income, health, age, and education) explained planning behavior.

Baby Boomers in an Active Adult Retirement Community: Comity Interrupted

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY This article explores a clash between incoming Baby Boomers and older residents in an active adult retirement community (AARC). We examine issues of social identity and attitudes as these groups encounter each other. DESIGN AND METHODS Data are drawn from a multiyear ethnographic study of social relations in senior housing. Research at this site included in-depth, open-ended interviews (47), field notes (25), and participant observation in the field (500 hr). Research team biweekly discussions and Atlas.ti software program facilitated analysis. FINDINGS We begin with a poignant incident that has continued to engender feelings of rejection by elders with each retelling and suggests the power and prevalence of ageism in this AARC. We identify three pervasive themes: (a) social identity and image matter, (b) significant cultural and attitudinal differences exist between Boomers and older residents, and (c) shared age matters less than shared interests. IMPLICATIONS Our data clearly show the operation of ageism in this community and an equating of being old with being sick. The conflict between these two age cohorts suggests that cohort consciousness among Boomers carries elements of age denial, shared by the older old. It also challenges the Third Age concept as a generational phenomenon.

Policy and Research Issues for Small Assisted Living Facilities

Abstract Dramatic growth in Assisted Living (AL) has resulted in increasing research and policy interest. This analysis compares smaller and larger AL facilities in four states to determine whether extant measures of four key concepts, used to distinguish the AL sector, give advantage to larger facilities. Quantitative comparisons predominantly show differences favorable to larger facilities; qualitative information raises the prospect that current measures overlook beneficial aspects of smaller facilities. If small facilities are included under the AL banner, both policy provisions and quality assessment must be carefully crafted to avoid placing small homes in funding and oversight jeopardy as AL develops.

Social marginality: The case of small board and care homes

Abstract Small board and care homes housing frail elders and other dependent adults are gaining attention of researches and policy makers. In this analysis, using data from a study of small homes and evidence from the literature, we show that such homes can be understood as being characterized by, and suffering from, social marginality. Evidence of three aspects of marginality are presented, with discussion of both positive and negative outcomes. Much of the negative reaction to board and care and difficulty in its operation may be seen to derive from its unrecognized marginal status. In developing regulations, policymakers should recognize the unique niche represented by small board and care homes.

The economic fallout from divorce: Issues for the 1990s

Economic consequences of divorce, especially for women, are negative and persistent according to a range of research studies. The question is whether, given changing social circumstances, this negative economic fallout from divorce is likely to diminish in the 1990s and beyond. Dramatic changes suggest both reasons for optimism and pessimism. On the positive side are the trends toward more continuous labor force participation among women and smaller contemporary family sizes. Negative influences include changes in the labor market for women, continuing problems with child support compliance, the persistence of the wage gap, and the difficulties of combining parenting and employment.

The meaning of family-like care among operators of small board and care homes

Abstract Thirty-six operators of small board and care homes were interviewed to explore how they conceptualize the care that they provide to frail, elderly persons. The meanings these operators attach to the care they provide reveal, through stories of “why” and “how” they provide care, both shared meanings and dimensions of difference in how they view their work. A range of motivations (the “why” of care), from altruism to economics, combine with varied styles of service delivery (the “how” of care), from full domestic integration to separate domains, to create a typology of meanings in this form of residential care. Implications of these dimensions for quality of care and social policy are derived from this typology.

Older Women Discuss Planning for Future Care Needs An Explanatory Framework

Objective: This study expands upon existing narrative data concerning health care preparation by developing a multi-theme framework of plans for future care needs. Method: Inductive content analysis was conducted on 185 interviews with European American and African American older women. Results: An explanatory framework emerged of five themes, describing varied approaches to planning for future care needs: (a) Autonomous Care Planners, (b) Externally Reliant Planners, (c) Aware of Preference, (d) Wishful Thinkers, and (e) Avoidant. A distinct group included women performing only end-of-life planning. Barriers to planning included low-perceived vulnerability, financial constraints, being uninformed of needed actions, and fear of burdening. Discussion: Although the majority undertook active steps to prepare for future care needs, many missed key steps or achievement of planning goals recommended by experts. Findings may be applied to long-term care planning research by providing added, rich detail on how aging women construct their options, make choices, and address this important area for future well-being.