Informal networks and knowledge of services for older persons.

Although informal networks may serve as lay referral to formal services, they may also reduce awareness of formal services by substituting for them. This reflects the distinction between weak and strong ties. The association between informal ties and service knowledge was investigated in a sample of 1,185 persons aged 60 and over. Such ties have generally weak associations with service awareness. Friends and neighbors appear to make small positive contributions to knowledge, as do having a confidant or instrumental helper, but ready access to children, confidants, and instrumental helpers also appears to reduce awareness of formal services. Older persons would appear to be served best by informal networks that balance weak and strong ties, yielding appropriate coordination with formal service networks.