[Which pensioners receive home help? A sociomedical survey of 1,261 persons 70-95 years of age].

The aim of the article is to describe variables associated with use of home help. A random sample of 1,261 non-institutionalised elderly persons aged 70-95 years in four communes answered a questionnaire on their health and social situation during the winter 1986/87. Twenty-five percent receive home help: 13%, 26% and 49% in the age groups 70-74, 75-79, and 80-95, respectively. Among those living alone more males than females receive home help (41% vs. 35%), as compared with those not living alone (M: 12%, F: 22%). Individuals receiving home help are characterised by reduced functional capacity; reduced vision, hearing, and memory; reduced quality of life resources (e.g. lonlieness, depression, no future plans). The proportion receiving home help is independent of social class but decreases with increasing income. It is also independent of the extent of the informal social network and the frequency of contacts, however, those receiving home help receive more help from children and kin. A multivariate analysis shows that functional capacity, age, and income are the main predictors. Eight percent think they need (more) home help, 24% among those already using this service and 3% among non-users. In conclusion, home help in Denmark seems to be provided to the oldest elderly persons with the poorest physical and psychological functional abilities.