Social supports as a determinant of community-based care utilization among rehabilitation patients.

摘要: Objective We determine the extent to which noninstitutionalized long-term care patients receive assistance from family members and friends, evaluate effect of this on use outpatient rehabilitative personal services. Data sources study setting Over 12 months, primary data were collected 289 in noninstitutional settings after inpatient rehabilitation at three Boston-area hospitals. patients' acute stays obtained medical record reviews. Patients provided sociodemographics, living arrangements, social supports, functional status, health behaviors, life events, services during period. The latter was verified service charge providers. Study design longitudinal observational. Patient-provided information one, six, twelve months postdischarge. ANALYTIC METHODS: Multivariate Tobit regression used supports services, controlling for sociodemographics status. Service measured as charges incurred 12-month Principal findings Results confirm role friends providing daily identify availability that support a key determinant expenditures community-based Social do not predict use. Conclusions Differing eligibility criteria seem appropriate current emphasis status determining appears appropriate; but we find considering would be both meaningful eligibility. This approach avert expense making universally available, while facilitating whose put them increased risk institutional placement.