Abstract
The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore how and why the expectations of Baby Boomers inform their Long-Term Supports and Services (LTSS) planning with regard to their social group or formal care providers, their funding sources, and their living arrangements in New Hampshire and Vermont. While extant research attempted to predict Boomer expectations, there was a need to conduct this research at the time that Boomers are beginning to use LTSS. There were two main theoretical foundations for the study: Robison’s Theory of Rational Expectations and Fingerman’s Principle of Reciprocity. The four research questions for this study asked how and why baby boomer expectations inform their LTSS planning with regard to their social group or formal care providers, their funding sources, and their living arrangements. The research utilized a qualitative descriptive design. Data sources included 12 individuals interviews and a focus group interview with 6 individuals, for a total of 18 individuals who were baby boomers that were born between 1946-1964 and residing in New Hampshire or Vermont. The data was analyzed utilizing thematic analysis and study findings were consistent with previous research. Overall, boomers reported that they do not want to be a burden on their children or social groups, are strongly opposed to living in nursing homes as they age and are greatly concerned with the cost of LTSS.