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Abstract

Moving beyond typical dichotomous rural–urban categorizations, this study examines older adults’ likelihood of receiving home- and community-based services. Data from 1608 individuals aged 60+ who requested assistance from Area Agencies on Aging in Virginia in 2014–2015 were analyzed; 88% of individuals received at least one service. Receiving services was associated with geographic-based factors. Individuals living in completely rural areas were significantly less likely to receive any service compared to individuals in mostly rural (OR = 2.46, p = .003) and mostly urban (OR = 1.97, p = .024) areas. There were subtle but significant geographic-based differences in the likelihood of receiving specific services including food/meal, fresh food, information and referral, in-home care, utilities support, and transportation. Findings provide nuanced insights about geographic-based disparities in the receipt of services and suggest the need for new and modified service delivery strategies that maximize older adults’ ability to live.

Keywords

long-term care aging in place geographic-based disparities social services barriers to receiving services

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Location Matters: Disparities in the Likelihood of Receiving Services in Late Life

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