The Use of Social Supports by Elderly Chinese Immigrants.

This study explores the use of informal and formal social supports among ninety-three elderly Chinese immigrants residing in California. A historical and cultural overview of the Chinese immigrant experience is presented as a contextual framework. Results showed that family and kin were perceived as the most satisfying sources of support. Barriers to utilization of formal services and agencies were lack of knowledge of services, language differences and lack of transportation. The implications of these results within the changing dynamics of Chinese-American families are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]