Are expectations for care related to the receipt of care? An analysis of parent care among disabled elders

Abstract

This investigation explores the relationship between the degree to which older parents expect assistance from their children and the actual amount of care they receive from their children. Combining the theories of reasoned action and intergenerational solidarity, we hypothesize that global expectations (social norms about receiving care) influence specific expectations (behavioral intentions to seek care), but that it is specific expectations that influence the amount of care received from children. Data were collected at three points over a 12-month period among a sample of impaired older parents (65+) who lived independently in community settings (n = 334). Using structural equation models, the results were consistent with the hypothesis. We conclude that the theory of reasoned action is a useful adjunct to the theory of intergenerational solidarity by proposing that parents adjust their global expectations to reflect the specific realities of the lives of their children.