The relationship between formal and informal care use, cognitive decline and life satisfaction

Despite increases in both longevity and in the numbers of those experiencing cognitive problems in later life, and reforms that limit availability of and access to needed care service systems, we lack extensive and topical research on the relationship between use of informal and formal care among older people, cognitive ability and life satisfaction. While it is understood that aging, cognitive ability and life satisfaction intersect with the need for and use of care, research that examines all of these factors, and their interrelationships, is lacking. In this study, we explore the extent to which aging and cognitive decline affect the use of informal care and different formal care services, and associations between the use of different types of care and life satisfaction. This information contributes to knowledge and understanding of the relationship between the nature of care and the needs of older people.