Gender Differences in Access to Home-based Long-term Care in Thailand

Abstract

This study examines the determinants of long-term care use, as well as the equality and horizontal equity in the use of home-based care, with a focus on gender differences. Using data from the 2021 survey of older persons in Thailand, the findings highlight the important role of gender alongside other socio-economic factors in determining caregiver arrangements for elderly individuals with disabilities living at home. Elderly males are more likely to receive care from informal caregivers than elderly females but are less likely to receive care from paid caregivers. The gender gap tends to decrease as elderly individuals age or become more dependent in activities of daily living. Additionally, this study provides empirical evidence of inequality and horizontal inequity in long-term care use. Informal caregiving favors individuals with lower socio-economic status, while paid home caregiving favors those with higher socio-economic status. The degree of inequality and horizontal inequity is more severe among elderly males than females.