Spatial Correlation Between Neighborhood Characteristics and Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Availability in Virginia

Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) support the better health and well-being of older adults, but there are significant disparities in their availability across regions. HCBS availability can be influenced by neighborhood characteristics such as socio-economic status, demographics, and rurality. This study investigates the spatial correlation between neighborhood characteristics and HCBS availability in Virginia. Data from the National Neighborhood Data Archive (NaNDA) and Senior Navigator were used for the analysis. Results indicate a positive correlation between population density and HCBS availability in most areas. However, Southside Virginia suffered from lower HCBS availability despite a significantly older adult population. Findings suggest that policymakers consider the spatial distribution of HCBS and neighborhood characteristics in resource allocation decisions.