PYSICAL AND PSYCHOSOCIAL STATUS OF ELDERLY IN LONG TERM CARE SETTINGS; A   CROSS CULTURAL COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN INDIA AND U.S.A

          Renu Abraham Varughese,

Abstract.

          The notion of elder care is deeply ingrained in the rubric of family dynamics and values.  Family has been the traditional support and source of elder care in almost all societies, especially in eastern cultures. Although this concept still holds truth to some extent, eldercare by family  members are   becoming more burdensome due to various socio technological factors. Many seniors are choosing Old Age Homes as an alternate way of living arrangement which was considered as a western practice.   This study is an attempt to compare the Physical, Psychological and Social status of the elderly residing in Old Age Homes in India and the elderly in Long Term Care facilities of USA. 150 senior residents of old age homes in India and 150 senior residents of Long term care facilities from New York State were selected for the study. Minimum Data Set { MDS} was used to measure physical status and Geriatric Depression Scale was used to measure psychological status {Depression} of the subjects.  A structured schedule was used to obtain the information on support systems from the American and Indian senior residents. Data analysis   include both descriptive and inferential statistics and case studies. The results indicate similarities and differences in Physical, Psychological and Social status and the formal and informal support systems available to the elderly in both countries. Need for Regulatory Agencies for Old Age Homes and   Policy implications of this comparative study are discussed.