New Survey Indicates Major Health Concern Among New York City Residents

Residents Of The Big Apple Are Equally Worried About Managing The Care Of An Aging and Elderly Relative As They Are Over The Cost Of The Wars In Afghanistan And Iraq

Even More Are Worried About It Than They Are Over The Direction In Which The Nations Economy Is Headed

NEW YORK, Jan. 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A new survey by Partners in Care, conducted by Gotham Research Group indicates that New Yorkers are equally worried about managing the care of an aging or elderly relative as they are over the cost of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. The poll also indicates that they find it more of a concern than the direction the economy will take over the next few years.

• A telephone survey of 502 New York City residents conducted January 5 through January 7, demonstrates that managing the care of an aging/elderly relative is a major concern for New Yorkers.
  • More than a majority of New Yorkers (55%) report that they are "very worried" about managing the care of an aging/elderly relative.
  • New Yorkers' concern regarding the care for an aging/elderly relative is on par with other major issues including the cost of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq (57% "very worried"), and the direction of the nation's economy over the next few years (52% "very worried").
• The issue of making sure your relative can remain independent and stay in his/her home as long as possible is also a major concern for New Yorkers.
  • Almost half of New Yorkers (49%) report that they are "very worried" about making sure their relative can remain independent and stay in his/her home as long as possible.
  • The level of reported concern regarding this issue is on par with New Yorkers' concern regarding the direction of the nation's economy over the next few years (52% "very worried").

"While we cannot solve the war problem, we can alleviate the worries people have over their aging parents and loved ones," said Marki Flannery*, President of Partners In Care, an affiliate of the Visiting Nurse Service of New York. "The first thing you have to do is define exactly what level of care your relative or friend needs. Every day we help people figure out ways in which to care for their aging loved ones while at the same time helping them realize that with help of a trusted and knowledgeable care provider, they don't have to worry as much. They can rest easier."

Partners in Care, the nation's largest not-for-profit provider of private personal and medical home health care services is now in its 26th year as an affiliate of the Visiting Nurse Service of New York.  The Visiting Nurse Service of New York is the oldest in New York, having been founded in 1893 by Lillan Wald and Mary Brewster.  With over 7,500 home health aides (HHA) employed at Partners in Care, the agency is proud of their affiliation and position as one of the most well-respected and loved agencies in the New York area.  

"The poll is very telling," Ms. Flannery says. "It speaks to the universal truth that underneath all of our concerns about money and politics, New Yorkers are deeply concerned about making sure all people live their lives with dignity and respect."

Methodological Disclosure

The findings described in this release are based on a survey conducted on behalf of Partners in Care, from January 5 through January 7, 2010 among a representative sample of 502 adult residents of New York City (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx and Staten Island). The margin of error on the total sample of 502 is +/- 4.4%.  The study was conducted by telephone and respondents were reached through RDD (random digit dialing).  All respondents were screened to ensure that they are currently 18 years or older and live in one of the 5 boroughs of New York City.  The overall sample results were weighted demographically and geographically based on the Current Population Survey of the U.S. Bureau of the Census. All the numbers are presented as percentages and, due to rounding, may not add up to 100%.  

Summary Table

Full wording of questions is available upon request.

*Marki Flannery is available for interviews regarding this new study, how to determine if a home health aide is an appropriate choice for an individual, issues to consider when hiring one, cost, and general advice on how to provide quality of life for an aging or elderly person.

Press Contact: Glenna Freedman at Keith Sherman & Associate 212-764-7900 or [email protected].

SOURCE Visiting Nurse Service of New York