Complementary and Compensatory Functions in Social Network Relationships Among the Elderly

Abstract

This paper examines some effects on health status and health services utilization of simultaneous participation by elderly persons in family and neighbor network systems. The functions of this simultaneous participation are viewed as complementary, compensatory, or noncompensatory. Results showed the greatest health needs and highest rates of use of formal health services to be among the noncompensated relationships and indicated that either complementary or compensatory relationships in networks can provide support for the elderly.