Abstract
This study explores the perceptions of health care providers towards how clients select formal or informal care services for Mexican American elders. This qualitative, exploratory study uses Andersen’s Behavioral Model of Health Service Use as its theoretical basis. Data was analyzed using content analysis and manifest coding. For the purpose of this study, a snowball sampling method was used. The participants included ten healthcare providers from the Contra Costa and Sacramento Counties. Information was gathered on the types of services the agencies offered as well as on those individuals within the agency whom worked with Mexican American elders or their families in the selection of care. The following themes emerged when discussing unique barriers to health care access experienced by Mexican Americans in regards to long-term care: language issues, cultural issues, lack of awareness of services, and financial issues.