Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
5034421 Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization 2017 15 Pages PDF
Abstract
In this paper, we show how and to what extent cultural factors may influence the LTC market and elderly living arrangements. Using a spatial regression discontinuity design, we exploit the within-state variation in language groups in Switzerland to provide evidence about cultural differences in LTC use. We show that elderly people residing in regions speaking a Latin language (French, Italian and Romansh) enter nursing homes in worse health conditions and rely more on home-based care compared to elderly people residing in the neighboring German regions. Differences in the strength of family ties across linguistic groups represent the most reasonable explanation for such differences.
Related Topics
Social Sciences and Humanities Economics, Econometrics and Finance Economics and Econometrics
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