The link between relationship status, health factors, care needs and utilization of formal care facilities.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: As regards Dutch healthcare, the last decades have been characterized by reforms meant to reduce formal care use. Single older adults are found to be much more dependent on formal care facilities compared to their partnered counterparts, which raises concerns for the expanding number of singles in our society. Objective: The aim was to investigate the link between relationship status and the use of formal care facilities. Methods: Secondary data from TOPICS-MDS (N = 42093) was used to study whether this link can be understood through a mediation effect from health (physical health, mental health, and quality of life) and/or through a moderation effect from being partnered on the link between care needs and the use of formal care facilities. Results: Mediation analyses showed that partnered older adults experienced better health and well-being than their single counterparts, which partly explained that they were less dependent on formal care. Moderation analyses revealed that being partnered decreased the positive link between care needs and the use of certain care facilities. Conclusions: Being partnered reduces formal care dependency through numerous health, social, practical and care benefits. However, in light of the decreasing stability of relationships and overburdening of partner caregivers, policy developments should focus on mobilizing the care potential in the totality of older persons’ social relationships.