Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/316732 
Year of Publication: 
2025
Series/Report no.: 
IZA Discussion Papers No. 17777
Publisher: 
Institute of Labor Economics (IZA), Bonn
Abstract: 
Assistance with daily activities is crucial for persons living with dementia and disabilities, yet many face significant challenges in accessing adequate care and support. Using harmonized longitudinal survey data (2012-2018) from the United States, England, 18 European countries and Israel, and China, we found that at least one-fifth of persons with dementia and disabilities received no personal assistance for basic or instrumental activities of daily living (ADL/IADL), regardless of regional development level. Care gaps were widespread across both ADL and IADL limitations, as well as for informal and formal care. Disparities were evident, with less-educated individuals more likely to lack formal care, while those living alone often lacked informal support, resulting in the absence of any care. Alarmingly, care availability showed no improvement over time. Our findings underscore the urgent need for policies to address inequities and ensure critical access to care services for this vulnerable population worldwide.
Subjects: 
elder care
unmet need
global aging
dementia
disability
ADL
IADL
JEL: 
J14
J18
I11
I18
Document Type: 
Working Paper

Files in This Item:
File
Size





Items in EconStor are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.