Using the concept of activity space to understand the social health of older adults living with memory problems and dementia at home

BACKGROUND Understanding the mobility patterns and experiences of older adults with memory problems living at home has the potential to improve autonomy and inform shared decision making (SDM) about their housing options. OBJECTIVE We aim to (1) assess the mobility patterns and experiences of older adults with memory problems, (2) co-design an electronic decision support intervention (e-DSI) that integrates users’ mobility patterns and experiences, (3) explore their intention to use an e-DSI to support autonomy at home, and (4) inform future SDM processes about housing options. METHODS Informed by the Good Reporting of A Mixed Methods Study (GRAMMS) reporting guidelines, we will conduct a 3-year, multipronged mixed methods study in Canada, Sweden, and the Netherlands. For Phase 1, we will recruit a convenience sample of 20 older adults living at home with memory problems from clinical and community settings in each country, for a total of 60 participants. We will ask participants to record their mobility patterns outside their home for 14 days using a GPS tracker and a travel diary; in addition, we will conduct a walking interview and a final debrief interview after 14 days. For Phase 2, referring to results from the first phase, we will conduct one user-centered co-design process per country with older adults with memory issues, caregivers, health care professionals, and information technology representatives informed by the Double Diamond method. We will ask participants how personalized information about mobility patterns and experiences could be added to an existing e-DSI and how this information could inform SDM about housing options. For Phase 3, using online web-based surveys, we will invite 210 older adults with memory problems and/or their caregivers, split equally across the three countries, to use the e-DSI and provide feedback on its strengths and limitations. Finally, in Phase 4, we will triangulate and compare data from all phases and countries to inform a stakeholder meeting where an action plan will be developed. RESULTS The study opened for recruitment in the Netherlands in November 2018 and in Canada and Sweden in December 2019. Data collection will be completed by April 2021. CONCLUSIONS This project will explore how e-DSIs can integrate the mobility patterns and mobility experiences of older adults with memory problems in three countries, improve older adults’ autonomy, and, ultimately, inform SDM about housing options. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04267484; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04267484 INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT DERR1-10.2196/19244

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Technology to Improve Autonomy and Inform Housing Decisions for Older Adults With Memory Problems Who Live at Home in Canada, Sweden, and the Netherlands: Protocol for a Multipronged Mixed Methods Study

JMIR Research Protocols ◽

10.2196/19244 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. e19244

Author(s):

Jodi Sturge ◽

Louise Meijering ◽

C Allyson Jones ◽

Mirjam Garvelink ◽

Danielle Caron ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Mixed Methods ◽

The Netherlands ◽

Mixed Methods Study ◽

Mobility Patterns ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Memory Problems ◽

Housing Options ◽

With Memory ◽

At Home

Background Understanding the mobility patterns and experiences of older adults with memory problems living at home has the potential to improve autonomy and inform shared decision making (SDM) about their housing options. Objective We aim to (1) assess the mobility patterns and experiences of older adults with memory problems, (2) co-design an electronic decision support intervention (e-DSI) that integrates users’ mobility patterns and experiences, (3) explore their intention to use an e-DSI to support autonomy at home, and (4) inform future SDM processes about housing options. Methods Informed by the Good Reporting of A Mixed Methods Study (GRAMMS) reporting guidelines, we will conduct a 3-year, multipronged mixed methods study in Canada, Sweden, and the Netherlands. For Phase 1, we will recruit a convenience sample of 20 older adults living at home with memory problems from clinical and community settings in each country, for a total of 60 participants. We will ask participants to record their mobility patterns outside their home for 14 days using a GPS tracker and a travel diary; in addition, we will conduct a walking interview and a final debrief interview after 14 days. For Phase 2, referring to results from the first phase, we will conduct one user-centered co-design process per country with older adults with memory issues, caregivers, health care professionals, and information technology representatives informed by the Double Diamond method. We will ask participants how personalized information about mobility patterns and experiences could be added to an existing e-DSI and how this information could inform SDM about housing options. For Phase 3, using online web-based surveys, we will invite 210 older adults with memory problems and/or their caregivers, split equally across the three countries, to use the e-DSI and provide feedback on its strengths and limitations. Finally, in Phase 4, we will triangulate and compare data from all phases and countries to inform a stakeholder meeting where an action plan will be developed. Results The study opened for recruitment in the Netherlands in November 2018 and in Canada and Sweden in December 2019. Data collection will be completed by April 2021. Conclusions This project will explore how e-DSIs can integrate the mobility patterns and mobility experiences of older adults with memory problems in three countries, improve older adults’ autonomy, and, ultimately, inform SDM about housing options. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04267484; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04267484 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/19244

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523 - The design and implementation of Comprehensive Resilience-building psychosocial Intervention (CREST) for people with memory problems/dementia in the community: a pilot study

International Psychogeriatrics ◽

10.1017/s1041610221002180 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 33 (S1) ◽

pp. 70-71

Author(s):

Priscilla Doyle ◽

Grace O’Sullivan ◽

Niamh Gallagher ◽

Siobhán Smyth ◽

Dympna Casey

Keyword(s):

Psychosocial Intervention ◽

Quantitative Methods ◽

Research Priorities ◽

Cognitive Stimulation ◽

Future Research ◽

Memory Problems ◽

Phone Calls ◽

The Social ◽

Intervention Content ◽

With Memory

Background:In Ireland, approximately 65,000 people live with memory problems/dementia (PWMP). Most live in the community, supported by informal caregivers such as relatives. A comprehensive resilience-building psychosocial intervention (CREST) to strengthen intra- and interpersonal resources was piloted by PWMP and caregiver dyads, local GPs, and the community.Methodology:An advisory forum of PWMP, caregivers, and dementia advocacy representatives provided guidance on the intervention design and materials (e.g., interview guides), to ensure they addressed the needs of PWMP and caregivers. The 15-week CREST intervention comprised three components: cognitive stimulation therapy for PWMP (CST; 7 weeks), physical exercise for PWMP and partners from the community (8 weeks), and dementia education for key supporters of PWMP: caregivers (6 weeks), GPs, and the community (one-off events). Intervention processes (e.g., recruitment, data collection measures) were evaluated at each stage by PWMP and caregivers through qualitative (verbal feedback, interviews) and quantitative methods (ratings, questionnaires), to ensure they were feasible and acceptable.Findings:Nine PWMP/caregiver dyads were recruited and completed the CREST intervention; attendance was consistently high (90-95%) throughout. The dyads reported that the recruitment materials, phone calls, and letters from the research team were helpful and easy to understand. Feedback from PWMP, caregivers, event attendees, and programme facilitators confirmed that the intervention content and delivery were acceptable. Minor changes were recommended, and changes which facilitated participation by the PWMP during this pilot (e.g., giving verbal rather than written feedback, larger-print handouts) were implemented immediately. The PWMP enjoyed the CST activities (e.g., collages, tasting childhood sweets) and the “bit of fun” the group shared; some also perceived improvements in concentration and confidence. The PWMP enjoyed the group Exercise sessions, particularly the social aspects (e.g., “banter”, exercising with partners), and some reported improved fitness and feeling less breathless. Caregivers felt better informed about managing dementia and communicating with PWMP and enjoyed sharing experiences with other caregivers. Attendees at the community and GP education events reported improved knowledge of dementia.Conclusion:The involvement of the PWMP and caregivers was valuable to the iteration of the pilot CREST intervention. Consultations with both groups are ongoing to inform future research priorities.

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Visitrack: A Pervasive Service for Monitoring the Social Activity of Older Adults Living at Home

Ubiquitous Computing and Ambient Intelligence - Lecture Notes in Computer Science ◽

10.1007/978-3-319-67585-5_52 ◽

2017 ◽

pp. 520-530

Author(s):

Alonso Gaete ◽

Francisco J. Gutierrez ◽

Sergio F. Ochoa ◽

Pablo Guerrero ◽

André Wyzykowski

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Social Activity ◽

The Social ◽

Pervasive Service ◽

At Home

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Sport, physical activity and social health in older adults. Caring with technology in the COVID-19 pandemic

International Review for the Sociology of Sport ◽

10.1177/10126902211045675 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 101269022110456

Author(s):

Ivana Matteucci

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Social Support ◽

Older Adults ◽

Social Networks ◽

The Elderly ◽

Social Health ◽

Short Version ◽

The Social ◽

Communications Technologies ◽

The Impact

The aim of this paper was to photograph this precise moment in history, focusing on the situation of older adults during the COVID-19 health emergency in Northern Italy. In particular, we analysed the relationship between social networks and social support, sport and recreational activity, and the use of communications technologies in December 2020. We investigated and discussed such use of technologies, wondering if and how it helped to compensate for the diminishment in social health, usually gained trough social interactions and the practice of sport and physical activity. We examined how reduction of mobility, social distancing and isolation measures imposed by the government to reduce the spread of COVID-19, affected the living conditions of the older adults, in particular their social health, and the level of sport and physical activity they were engaged in. We collected data through interviews with the subjects, assessing their social networks, the perceived social support provided by their family members, friends and caregivers, and the level of sport and physical activity they were engaged in. Moreover, we analysed the impact of technological communications devices, which were employed to help older adults to maintain their relationships with the outside world and to preserve their active life. The interview questions were formulated based on the Lubben Social Network Scale-Revised (LSNS-R), the short version of the Social Support List (SSL12-I) for the elderly and the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE). A relationship was found between the social health related to physical activity of the older adults subjects during the COVID-19 emergency and the use of communications technologies, which played a role in mitigating the impact of the crisis on their social health by helping them to keep physically and socially active.

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