More older women receiving care at home

Results of insurance survey released

More older women obtain home-based care for chronic health issues than men, according to a study by the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance (AALTCI).

The study showed that about 60% of home care recipients were women. Among the same group, more than 80% were 75 years or older. There were 1,000 men and women respondents to the survey, which was conducted by the association through a one-week period in March 2010.

"The vast majority of both men and women home care recipients were over age 71, and most received care for three days a week or less," explains Jesse Slome, executive director of AALTCI. Two-thirds (66%) of women received care at home for three days a week or less, while fewer men (49%) used the same service in the same frequency.

"People do need long-term care services at younger ages, typically as a result of accidents or illnesses," Slone noted. In fact, a vast majority (90.7%) of long-term care insurance claims begin at age 70. Among women under 64 years who received home care, about 20% received care for seven days a week, while 40% required care five days each week. Slightly more than 25% of women age 82 who required home care needed care for five days a week or more.

According to the National Association for Home Care and Hospice in Washington, DC, about 7.6 million people are recipients of home-based care today, usually as a result of an acute illness, long-term health condition, permanent disability, or terminal illness.