摘要
Using survey data collected during 2009～2010, we documented the growth of elder care homes in Nanjing and Tianjin and examined disparities in access to government-run vi-vis private-sector facilities. Our results indicate that elder care homes grew rapidly in both cities in the last decade, primarily in the private sector. Public financing accounted for a significant portion of daily operating revenues in government- run facilities but little in private homes. On average, government-run homes were large in size and had significantly higher occupancy rates than private facilities.Overall, residents in government-run homes were much healthier than those in private facilities, suggesting selective admission into government-run homes in favor of elders who were not severely impaired. In contrast, private- sector facilities housed more frail and high-acuity residents. These findings suggest disparities in urban elders' access to institutional long- term care. While market forces dictate the construction of more beds to meet rising demands, Chinese policy makers should strive to ensure equitable access to publicly subsidized long-term care services for those most in need.
Using survey data collected during 2009～2010, we documented the growth of elder care homes in Nanjing and Tianjin and examined disparities in access to government-run vi-vis private-sector facilities. Our results indicate that elder care homes grew rapidly in both cities in the last decade, primarily in the private sector. Public financing accounted for a significant portion of daily operating revenues in government- run facilities but little in private homes. On average, government-run homes were large in size and had significantly higher occupancy rates than private facilities.Overall, residents in government-run homes were much healthier than those in private facilities, suggesting selective admission into government-run homes in favor of elders who were not severely impaired. In contrast, private- sector facilities housed more frail and high-acuity residents. These findings suggest disparities in urban elders＇ access to institutional long- term care. While market forces dictate the construction of more beds to meet rising demands, Chinese policy makers should strive to ensure equitable access to publicly subsidized long-term care services for those most in need.
