Residential differences in the use of formal services prior to entering a nursing home.

The relationship between place of residence and use of formal services prior to entering a nursing home was examined in a sample of older persons within 30 days of admission. There were no residential differences in the percent reporting the use of formal services prior to admission. Among those who had been receiving services, there were no residential differences in the number of services received, the kinds of services used, or the average length of time services had been received. Residents of rural facilities were more apt to indicate that needed services were not available in their communities.