Older adults’ perceptions of community-based telehealth wellness programs: a qualitative study

Author(s):  
Zhan Zhang ◽  
Tiffany Henley ◽  
Melody Schiaffino ◽  
Jason Wiese ◽  
David Sachs ◽  
...  
2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
XinQi Dong ◽  
E-Shien Chang ◽  
Esther Wong ◽  
Melissa Simon

This qualitative study examines US Chinese older adults’ views on the perceived effectiveness, challenges, and cultural adaptations of elder abuse interventions to psychological distress in the Chinese community in Chicago. A community-based participatory research approach was implemented to partner with the Chinese community. A total of 37 community-dwelling Chinese older adults (age 60+) participated in focus group discussions. Data analysis was based on grounded theory framework. Our findings suggest that older adults perceived social support, empowerment, and community-based interventions design as most effective to promote psychological well-being of victims. The perceived preferences were similar between elder abuse victims and non-victims. Strategies to culturally adapt evidence-based interventions were proposed with respect to nurturing filial piety values, familial integrations, and increased independence. Research and educational outreach initiatives were also discussed. This study has wide policy and practice implications for designing and deploying interventions to reduce psychological distress with respect to elder abuse outcome. Cultural relevancy of health interventions is important in the context of the Chinese communities. Collective federal, state, and community efforts are needed to support the culturally appropriate design and implementation of interventions suitable for the needs of the Chinese older adults.


BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. e033069 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emmy Racine ◽  
Anna Soye ◽  
Patrick Barry ◽  
Finola Cronin ◽  
Orla Hosford ◽  
...  

ObjectivesMultifactorial falls risk assessments reduce the rate of falls in older people and are recommended by international guidelines. Despite their effectiveness, their potential impact is often constrained by barriers to implementation. Attendance is an issue. The aim of this study was to explore why older people attend community-based multifactorial falls risk assessment clinics, and to map these reasons to a theoretical framework.DesignThis is a qualitative study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and analysed thematically. Each theme and subtheme were then mapped onto the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to identify the determinants of behaviour.ParticipantsOlder adults (aged 60 and over) who attended community-based multifactorial falls risk assessments.ResultsSixteen interviews were conducted. Three main themes explained participants’ reasons for attending the multifactorial risk assessment; being that ‘type of person’, being ‘linked in’ with health and community services and having ‘strong social support’. Six other themes were identified, but these themes were not as prominent during interviews. These were knowing what to expect, being physically able, having confidence in and being positive towards health services, imagining the benefits given previous positive experiences, determination to maintain or regain independence, and being ‘crippled’ by the fear of falling. These themes mapped on to nine TDF domains: ‘knowledge’, ‘skills’, ‘social role and identity’, ‘optimism’, ‘beliefs about consequences’, ‘goals’, ‘environmental context and resources’, ‘social influences’ and ‘emotion’. There were five TDF domains that were not relevant to the reasons for attending.ConclusionsThese findings provide theoretically based factors that influence attendance which can be used to inform the development of interventions to improve attendance to falls prevention programmes.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Majid Mufaqam Syed-Abdul ◽  
Chrissa L. McClellan ◽  
Elizabeth J. Parks ◽  
Stephen D. Ball

Abstract Ageing is associated with reduced muscle mass, strength, flexibility and balance, resulting in a poor quality of life (QOL). Past studies have occurred in highly controlled laboratory settings which provide strong support to determine whether similar gains can be made in community programmes. Twenty participants were enrolled in an eight-week community-based resistance training programme (mean age = 61.3 (standard error (SE) = 0.9) years); Body Mass Index = 32.0 (SE = 1.3) kg/m2). All participants completed surveys to assess outcomes associated with QOL. Given the relationship between muscle function and nerve health, nerve conduction studies (NCS) were also conducted in a separate group of participants (mean age = 64.9 (SE = 2.0) years; Body Mass Index = 32.6 (SE = 1.9) kg/m2). This community-based training programme significantly improved QOL measures in older adults (p < 0.001). Although weight loss was not the primary outcome of the study, participants reduced their body weights (p < 0.001), by primarily reducing fat mass (p = 0.007) while maintaining muscle mass. Significant improvements were observed in muscle strength (2.2%), flexibility and balance (3.2–464.2%, p ⩽ 0.05 for all). Improvements were also observed in plasma glucose (p = 0.05), haemoglobin A1C (p = 0.06) and aldolase enzyme levels (p < 0.001). Scores for surveys on memory and sleep improved (p < 0.05). Improved QOL was associated with increased lean mass (r = −0.714, p = 0.002), decreased fat mass (r = −0.702, p = 0.003) and improved flexibility and balance (r = −0.627, p = 0.008). An eight-week, community-based resistance training programme significantly improved QOL in older adults. Influence on the lipid profile and NCS still needs further investigation.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 958-958
Author(s):  
Keith Chan ◽  
Sarah LaFave ◽  
Maggie Ratnayake ◽  
Christina Marsack-Topolewski ◽  
Jillian Graves ◽  
...  

Abstract There is a growing population of older adults who are living longer and acquiring chronic illness and disabilities, making it difficult for them to complete everyday activities and age in place. More than 2 million of these older adults are homebound and 5 million need help leaving their homes. They experience social isolation, food insecurity, and lack of connection to community resources which has intensified since the pandemic. Integrative service learning models can provide home-based support to older adults while offering valuable, hands-on learning experiences for students. This study examined findings for a community-based program which trained university students to provide practical home-based support for older adults and their caregivers. Data was collected for 109 older adults who were connected with student trainees. Students provided services with groceries, companionship, and help accessing needed services. Findings from t-test results using the UCLA Loneliness Scale indicated that older adults reported less loneliness after engagement with students (mean difference = 6.15, t = 3.14, df = 82, p &lt; 0.01). Qualitative process data suggested that older adults benefited from services and a connection to their assigned students prior to and during the pandemic. Student trainees reported that the experience enriched their learning and reaffirmed their commitment to working with older adults. Community-based service learning can address home-based needs of older adults and their caregivers and enhance learning opportunities for students. Policies and practice can support a pipeline of geriatric health professionals through innovative service learning models to benefit older adults, caregivers and students.


2021 ◽  
pp. 073346482110125
Author(s):  
Haley B. Gallo ◽  
Lia W. Marshall ◽  
Lené Levy-Storms ◽  
Kathleen H. Wilber ◽  
Anastasia Loukaitou-Sideris

Mobility and technology can facilitate in-person and virtual social participation to help reduce social isolation, but issues exist regarding older adults’ access, feasibility, and motivation to use various forms of mobility and technology. This qualitative study explores how a diverse group of low-income, urban-living older adults use mobility and technology for social participation. We conducted six focus groups ( N = 48), two each in English, Spanish, and Korean at a Los Angeles senior center. Three major themes emerged from thematic analysis: using technology for mobility; links between mobility and social participation; and technology-mediated social participation. Cost, perceived safety, (dis)ability, and support from family and friends were related to mobility and technology use. This study demonstrates the range of mobility and technology uses among older adults and associated barriers. The findings can help establish a pre-COVID-19 baseline on how to make mobility and technology more accessible for older adults at risk of isolation.


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