Abstract
As people age they may face chronic medical conditions requiring a higher level of care. If they have lower socioeconomic status, and lack family or other informal support systems, their options of where to live become limited. For many it may seem that the only choice for long-term care is a skilled nursing facility. The purpose of this thesis is to evaluate various models of long-term care that are currently in existence for frail older adults within home- and community-based settings. The objective is to identify barriers to the least restrictive options, with a focus on accessibility for those who are of lower socioeconomic status. The intended outcome will be to shed light on policy changes or program modifications that will empower older adults with choices, thereby allowing them to maintain a sense of control over their living environment.
