This study investigates which care provider an elderly person living independently and aged 65 and older would prefer most should he or she be in need of such care. Four (hypothetical) care-need situations were distinguished, and respondents were requested to state their preference in each situation. In addition, the influence on these preferences of both individual and social characteristics of the elders and their previous experience with care was examined. A preference for informal care declines when the expected duration of care is extended and/or the person requires personal care. Previous experience with either formal or informal care increased the likelihood that that type of care would be preferred. Other predictive factors were age, gender, socioeconomic status, and the level of well-being. More research on the preferences of the older persons would enable health care professionals and government to adjust their policies to accommodate the wishes of the elders.
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