Older Adults' Preferences for Informal, Formal, and Mixed Support for Future Care Needs: A Comparison of Germany and the United States

Abstract

Based on the complementary model of support use, we investigated older adults' preferences for short-term and long-term future care needs in a U.S. and a German sample (65+ years). A greater preference for the exclusive use of informal support and for mixed support (a combination of informal and formal support) was found with regard to short-term care needs whereas a greater preference for the exclusive use of formal support was reported for long-term care needs. German seniors were more likely than U.S. seniors to report a preference for informal support. U.S. seniors, however, were more likely than German seniors to prefer mixed support. Being male, and having more contact with relatives predicted stronger preferences for informal and mixed support. In addition, age, the number of adult children, previous receipt of support, education, and income were associated with preferences for future support.