DETERMINANTS OF LIVING ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELDERS TRANSITIONING FROM A NURSING HOME INTO THE COMMUNITY

The Money Follows the Person (MFP) Demonstration allows nursing facility residents to transition into community living arrangements. Research has shown racial differences in living arrangements – Blacks are more likely than Whites to live in multigenerational households. Transitioning into the community may also be accompanied by challenges (i.e. lack of housing). This study examines the influence of race, choice, and transition challenges on living arrangements in N =659 ( n= 495, 75% White, n= 164, 25% Black) older (aged 65+) MFP participants in Connecticut. Multinomial and binomial regression models predicted living arrangements in unmarried and married participants. Findings show that among unmarried participants, Blacks are more likely to live alone or with family, and Whites are more likely to live with a live-in caregiver/supervised housing. White participants were also more likely to report having helped choose their home. Women and participants with more functional needs are more likely to live with family as well as with a live-in caregiver/supervised housing compared to those living alone. Having service challenges was a negative predictor of living with family, and having financial challenges was a negative predictor of living with a live-in caregiver/supervised housing compared to living alone. Among married participants, having more functional needs predicts living with a spouse, while those with housing challenges are less likely to live with a spouse. Research should further explore the impact of transition challenges on rebalancing programs. Findings can influence community housing plans and inform the field of gerontology with respect to cultural patterns in housing and service use.