The structure and function of frail male veterans' informal networks.

OBJECTIVE This research focuses on the role of informal networks in providing emotional support, instrumental aid, and assistance with chronic disease management for frail male veterans. METHODS Telephone interviews were conducted with nursing home eligible veterans living in the community. Name-generating questions were used to illicit network members. RESULTS Data on 198 frail male veterans indicate that they have about three people they rely on for emotional support, instrumental aid, health appraisal, and health monitoring. Networks are composed primarily of family, and adult sons are mentioned almost as often as adult daughters. DISCUSSION Findings illustrate not only the role women play as providers of the majority of informal care to veterans but also the substantial role adult sons have in providing support to their fathers. Many veterans are at risk of institutionalization by having no one to provide instrumental support and health monitoring.