The Effect of Functional Limitations on the Demand for Dental Care Among Adults 65 and Older

In California, adults living in the community who have two or more of six functional limitations in activities of daily living outnumber adults who live in skilled nursing, intermediate care, and congregate living facilities by almost 2:1. In 2003, approximately 106,000 elderly women living in the community experienced two or more limitations in activities of daily living and were thus 40 percent less likely to access dental care relative to elderly women with fewer limitations.