Receiving help at home: the interplay of human and technological assistance.

OBJECTIVES This research investigated use of mobility equipment as a substitute for human assistance and also examined whether use of mobility equipment results in out-of-pocket cost savings associated with formal home care services. METHODS The authors analyzed data collected from 9,230 respondents to the Adult Followback Survey of the Disability Supplement to the 1994 and 1995 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS-D) who reported both mobility and limitations in daily living activities to test study hypotheses, using regression analyses to control for selection effects in mobility equipment use. RESULTS Use of canes and crutches (but not walkers and wheelchairs) reduced both formal and informal hours of care received per week by sample members; there was also evidence of substitution on the individual activities of daily living task level. Use of canes and crutches was also associated with lower out-of-pocket costs for formal helping services. DISCUSSION Findings suggest that canes and crutches are effective and efficient home care resources that have the potential to increase the autonomy of adults with disabilities and to facilitate chronic condition self-management.