An Analysis of Need Among the Black Elderly: Implications for Administering Human Services Delivery Systems (Michigan).

Abstract

This study was designed to uncover the needs of low income black elderly residing in public housing in the inner-city of Detroit, Michigan. An analysis of need was obtained through responses on questions in the areas of social, psychological and physical well-being. A prioritized listing of needs and a listing of service utilization were developed. An abridged version of the Duke University's Older Americans Resources and Services was administered in this study to 100 subjects 60 years of age and older. In addition, the investigator gathered observational data relative to environmental impact on quality of life. Findings disclosed an average ten percent greater level of impairment than was found in several other comparable studies or reported in governmental statistics. Moreover, 96% of the subjects reported full impairment in the area of income/economics. Persons providing assistance to the elderly were among the members of the informal social network (i.e., friends and family). Friends and their families were often given fictive-kin relationships. Evidence of the existence of an extended family was found. Offspring were often absent in the day-to-day lives of their elderly parent(s). Recommendations for improving the quality of life and the effectiveness of service delivery to the inner city black elderly include: (1) Employment and training of the informal social network (gr and children, family and friends) in providing para-professional services. (2) Adult basic educational services in leisure and arts and crafts to be presented within the housing project. (3) Development of routinely scheduled bus transportation for leisure and recreation and for medical, dental, shopping and other essentials. (4) Employment of the elderly in child care activities. (5) Greater security and increased police protection (i.e., police on scooter, horseback, etc...). (6) Development of pamphlets and brochures identifying private and public services within a one mile radius of the housing project.