scholarly journals Assessing Needs, Well-being, and Telehealth Access of Older Adults with Limited Resources during COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 738-738
Author(s):  
Sashah Damier ◽  
Assma Twahir ◽  
Sweta Tewary ◽  
Naushira Pandya ◽  
Nicole Cook
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Access To Care ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Well Being ◽  
South Florida ◽  
Management Support ◽  
Nova Southeastern University ◽  
Study Team ◽  
Barriers And Challenges

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic created new barriers and challenges to accessing primary care services, particularly among older adults who already faced barriers related to access to care, including transportation, health literacy, and self-management support. Nova Southeastern University South Florida Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program (NSU SFGWEP) partnered with primary care clinics to conduct wellness calls to older adult patients identified through clinic EHR. The wellness calls’ objectives were to 1) discuss COVID-19 protective measures; 2) assess wellness needs and access to care barriers; and 3) screen for telehealth support. From September 2020 to February 2021, the team (including medical students, public health students, and SFGWEP staff) contacted 200 patients via telephone and conducted a comprehensive wellness survey developed by the study team, informed by validated surveys. Among the 200 patients called, 60% (n=34) were very concerned about the Covid-19 pandemic, 33% (n=34) reported often feeling isolated from others, and 20% (n=34) expressed difficulty getting medical care. A smaller subset of patients reported concern about limited COVID-19 testing (n=1), lack of knowledge about seeing their provider via telehealth (n=7), lack of face masks (n=1), and challenges with obtaining medication refills (n=1). Following wellness calls, the NSU SFGWEP team provided education, referred to clinical resources, and, for low-income patients with access to care challenges, provided Samsung Tablets (n=50) with peer training to enable telehealth.

scholarly journals Online Social Environment Impacts Feelings of Social Connection in Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 954-955
Author(s):  
Brittany Derynda ◽  
Mary Goodyear ◽  
Jade Kushner ◽  
Nicole Cook
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
South Florida ◽  
Social Connection ◽  
Start Time ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Nova Southeastern University ◽  
Social Opportunities ◽  
Specific Feedback ◽  
Lifelong Learning Institute

Abstract Evidence suggests that nearly one-third of older adults experience loneliness and/or social isolation; an increase in these rates during the current pandemic is anticipated. The Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI) at Nova Southeastern University (NSU) in South Florida has worked to engage seniors in fun learning activities and social opportunities since 1977. When “stay at home” orders went into effect in March, 2020 the LLI moved to online program delivery via Zoom. To understand the implementation of zoom among LLI members, NSU students, researchers and LLI member advisory committee developed a cross-sectional research study using an online survey that was administered to LLI members three months post-zoom implementation in May, 2020. Results among the 127 responders demonstrated that a majority of members were not comfortable using zoom (57%) especially the chat, reactions or camera features. More than 80% of responders did report that zoom helped them keep their spirits up. Respondents had specific feedback to improve Zoom programming including Youtube videos on use, retraining, training on features (e.g. chat, camera, reaction), closed captioning, program reminders and links sent out more frequently and within 30 minutes of start time. There were also several comments about internet connectivity, identifying opportunities for router and internet plan education. Finally, respondents noted new opportunities to enhance virtual programming including engaging speakers from across the nation and world. In summary, direct feedback from seniors on how to improve the online social and learning environment is pivotal to improving experience, programming and social connection during COVID-19.

scholarly journals Nutrition Education Among Low-Income Older Adults: A Randomized Intervention Trial in Congregate Nutrition Sites

2006 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 374-392 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roger E. Mitchell ◽  
Sarah L. Ash ◽  
Jacquelyn W. McClelland
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Hierarchical Linear Modeling ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Limited Resource ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Linear Modeling ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Randomized Intervention ◽  
And Control

Nutritional well-being among older adults is critical for maintaining health, increasing longevity, and decreasingthe impactofchronicillness. However, few well-controlledstudies have examinednutritionalbehav ior change among low-income older adults. A prospective, controlled, randomized design examined a fivesession nutrition education module delivered to limited-resource older adults ( N = 703) in Congregate Nutrition sites by Cooperative Extensionagents. Experimentalgroupparticipantswere significantly more likely than con trol groupparticipants to increase multivitamin use, to increase calcium supplementuse, to read labels of dietary supplements, to carry a supplement and/or medication list, and to discuss such use with their health care profes sional. The study addresses weaknesses in the literature by using a theoretically derived education component, implementing the intervention within a setting regularly used by low-income older adults, employing random ized assignment to intervention and control conditions, and using hierarchical linear modeling to deal with “nested” data.

scholarly journals PRESIDENTIAL SYMPOSIUM: HARNESSING SOCIAL NETWORKS TO OPTIMIZE ENVIRONMENTAL CONTEXTS FOR DIVERSE AGING EXPERIENCES

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S583-S583
Author(s):  
Philip A Rozario ◽  
Emily Greenfield ◽  
Nancy Kusmaul
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Disaster Preparedness ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Senior Housing

Abstract Social networks provide opportunities for engagement with others and structure the receipt and provision of emotional, instrumental, informational and appraisal support. Indeed scholars in this field have documented the importance of having strong social networks in influencing older adults’ well-being and quality of life. The three papers in this symposium draw on the convoy model of social relations and ecological model to examine and better understand the micro, mezzo, macro contexts that shape and influence how older people engage with and benefit from their networks in three areas: low-income senior housing communities, urban areas specifically targeting older Latinos with dementia, and disaster preparedness in micropolitan counties in eastern Iowa. The first paper, a cross-sectional study focusing on social connections in senior housing communities, examines levels of social networks, engagement, support and loneliness and their relationship with well-being outcomes. The second paper, a community-based participatory research project, reports an intervention that seeks to train natural helpers in a predominantly Latino urban neighborhood to identify and refer older Latinos with dementia to bilingual assessment services. The third paper, synthesizing findings from interventions targeting network building at the individual and state levels as well as a community-based network analysis, presents ways to strengthen networks at the mezzo and macro levels as well as environmental contexts that enable better disaster preparedness for community-based older adults. These papers will consider practice, policy and research implications in strengthening social networks and engagement to optimize older adults’ well-being in various settings.

A Meta-Study of Qualitative Research on Social Support Related to Physical Activity Among Older Adults

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
L. Jayne Beselt ◽  
Michelle C. Patterson ◽  
Meghan H. McDonough ◽  
Jennifer Hewson ◽  
Scott MacKay
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Supportive Behaviors ◽  
Study Methodology ◽  
Barriers And Challenges

Physical activity (PA) and social support have known benefits for the well-being and health of older adults, and social support is associated with PA behavior and positive affective experiences in PA contexts. The aim of this study was to synthesize qualitative research conducted on the experiences of social support related to PA among older adults (age ≥55 years). Following meta-study methodology, the authors searched nine databases and extracted information from 31 studies. Results were synthesized in terms of common themes and in light of theoretical and methodological perspectives used. The qualitative literature identifies supportive behaviors and social network outcomes which may be useful for informing how best to support older adults to be physically active. This literature rarely reflected the experiences of vulnerable populations, and future research should aim to further understand supportive behaviors which enable older adults to overcome barriers and challenges to being physically active.

Primary Care Physicians' Discussion of Emotional Distress and Patient Satisfaction

2007 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 331-345 ◽  
Author(s):  
Revital Gross ◽  
Shuli Brammli-Greenberg ◽  
Hava Tabenkin ◽  
Jochanan Benbassat
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Patient Satisfaction ◽  
Emotional Distress ◽  
Family Physician ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Satisfaction With Care ◽  
The Past ◽  
The Family ◽  
Patient Satisfaction With Care

Objectives: To assess: a) the prevalence and determinants of self-reported emotional distress in the Israeli population; b) the rate of self-reported discussion of emotional distress with family physicians; and c) the association between such discussions and patient satisfaction with care. Method: Design: Retrospective, cross-sectional survey that was conducted through structured telephone interviews in Hebrew, Arabic, and Russian. This study was part of a larger study assessing patients' perceptions of the quality of health services. Participants: A representative sample of 1,849 Israeli citizens aged 22 to 93 (response rate: 84%). Independent variables: Gender, age, ethnicity (spoken language), education, income, self-reported chronic disease, self-reported episode(s) of emotional distress during the last year, and having discussed emotional distress with the family physician. Outcome measure: satisfaction with care. Results: 28.4% reported emotional distress and 12.5% reported discussion of emotional distress with a primary care physician in the past year. Logistic regression identified female gender, Arab ethnicity, low income, and chronic illness as independent correlates of emotional distress. These as well as Russian speakers and having experienced emotional distress during the past year were identified as independent correlates of discussion of emotional distress with the family physician. Patients who reported discussion of emotional distress with their family physician were significantly more satisfied with care. Conclusions: Encouraging physicians to detect and discuss emotional distress with their patients may increase patient satisfaction with care, and possibly also improve patients' well-being and reduce health care costs.

scholarly journals Using the 4 M of the Age Friendly Health System to improve MIPS documentation in Primary care: A Feasibility study

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 829-829
Author(s):  
Sweta Tewary ◽  
Denise Kruszynski ◽  
Naushira Pandya ◽  
Nicole Cook ◽  
Sashah Damier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Health Systems ◽  
Medication Management ◽  
South Florida ◽  
Coordinated Care ◽  
Quality Healthcare ◽  
Training Clinic ◽  
Nova Southeastern University ◽  
Clinical Measures ◽  
What Matters

Abstract Age Friendly Health Systems (AFHS) commit to evidence-based, low-risk, coordinated care that is centered on what matters most to older adults, their families and caregivers. Nova Southeastern University South Florida Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program (NSU SFGWEP) has partnered with multiple primary care clinics to provide dedicated AFHS training and support to increase AFHS transformation in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties. As part of the initiative, SFGWEP provide didactic training, clinic on-site brief demonstration, and infographic guidance for EHR documentation. NSU SFGWEP activities are conducted through training surveys, provider feedback, and e-clinical measures that align with CMS MIPS measures. Three participating health systems report annually on seven e-clinical measures that, collectively, provide indicators of the 4Ms of AFHS (what matters, medication management, mentation and mobility.) From baseline to Year 1, NSU SFGWEP saw improvement in controlled hypertension (54% to 94%), opioid screening (<1% to 11%), advance care planning (21% to 35%) and falls risk assessment (45% to 59%). Results demonstrate the need to continue and expand AFHS interventions for sustainability. In Year 2, SFGWEP will continue to expand awareness of best practices and benefits of the AFHS through education and training at NSU and at the various primary care sites. As mutual collaboration and implementation methods are shared among participating members, the expectation is that quality healthcare of our elder community adults will measurably improve.

scholarly journals Evaluating The Economic Impact Of Marriage Versus Cohabitation In Same-Sex Couples Age 50+

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 876-876
Author(s):  
Setarreh Massihzadegan ◽  
Jan Mutchler
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Marital Status ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Economic Security ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Same Sex ◽  
Same Sex Couples

Abstract Utilizing the first set of 5-year American Community Survey data available since the United States’ legalization of same-sex marriage in mid-2015, this poster investigates the economic security of older adults (age 50+) in same-sex marriages compared to those in same-sex partnerships who are cohabiting but not married. Viewed through the lens of cumulative disadvantage theory, we consider differences in the economic circumstances of same-sex couples by gender and by geographic location. Findings point to gender differences in economic well-being, but relatively few differences based on marital status. For example, rates of low income are somewhat higher among female couples than among their male counterparts, but marital status differences are not substantial. These findings suggest that the benefits of being married that have long been recognized among older adults may not extend equally to same-sex couples. Findings are discussed with respect to the emerging salience of marriage within the LGBTQ older community, future research opportunities, and important policy implications.

scholarly journals Seeking help for sexual difficulties: findings from a study with older adults in four European countries

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 185-195 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharron Hinchliff ◽  
Ana Alexandra Carvalheira ◽  
Aleksandar Štulhofer ◽  
Erick Janssen ◽  
Gert Martin Hald ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Care Physician ◽  
Professional Help ◽  
The Past ◽  
Multivariable Regression ◽  
Seeking Help ◽  
Sexual Difficulty

Abstract Sexual well-being is an important part of life for many people aged 60 and older. However, older adults often face barriers to seeking and receiving help for sexual difficulties. This study used data from a probability survey (n = 3820) on sexuality and ageing to examine help-seeking in 60–75-year-olds in Norway, Denmark, Belgium, and Portugal. More men (12.2%) than women (6.8%) had sought professional help for a sexual difficulty in the past 5 years. The main reason for help-seeking was that sex was important to the participant and/or their relationship. The main source of professional help was the primary care physician. Of those who had sought professional help, 48% were satisfied or very satisfied with the help received, 31.6% were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied, and 20.4% were dissatisfied or very dissatisfied. Others had sought help from informal sources, particularly partners, friends, or websites. The main reasons for not seeking professional help included not being distressed by the symptoms, and thinking that the difficulty would clear up on its own. Multivariable regression analysis revealed that significant correlates of seeking professional help for women and men were level of distress about the sexual difficulty. With regard to women, those who were married, and/or from Portugal were more likely to have sought help. And regarding men, those who attended religious services were more likely to have sought professional help. These results have important implications for healthcare and can be used to inform the development and delivery of services for older adults who experience sexual difficulties.

scholarly journals AN ACTING AND IMPROV CLASS: WELL-BEING AND COMMUNITY BELONGING FOR OLDER AFRICAN AMERICANS IN LOW-INCOME HOUSING

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S144-S144
Author(s):  
Laura Sutherland ◽  
Ruth E Dunkle ◽  
Garrett T Pace ◽  
Ariel Kennedy ◽  
Pat Baldwin
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Public Performance ◽  
Community Belonging ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults ◽  
Low Income Housing

Abstract Arts-based interventions can enhance the quality of life of older adults, but community-dwelling older adults may have reduced access to such interventions. The purpose of this study was to examine whether a creative arts program can improve the overall health and well-being of older adults in low-income housing. A university social work department and community agency collaborated in establishing a professionally run theater group of older adults in two low-income housing buildings in an urban area. All residents were encouraged to participate. The study consisted of three twelve-week acting and improvisation courses, focusing on either staged reading of monologues and dialogues, co-writing a script, or staged reading of a complete play. Each class culminated in a public performance for the building. Fourteen participants enrolled, all African American (11 women, 3 men; mean age 66 years; mean ADL = 1.4 (range of 1-2.5)). Attendance on average was 8 classes. Data were collected through pre- and post-test questionnaires, participant observation of class sessions, semi-structured interviews with building managers, and post-session participant reflections. Thematic analysis was performed, and revealed key themes of increased community belonging, increased confidence, and increased daily coping abilities. Additional themes included the gaining of new artistic skills and interest in continuing classes. Barriers to participation included difficulty in recruitment and absence due to ongoing health conditions and caregiving responsibilities. This project has implications for the potential of arts-based programming to increase well-being for underrepresented community-dwelling older adults.

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