Impact of iN2L Tablets on Loneliness and Well-Being: Findings of an Innovative Industry-AAA Program

Abstract Area Agency on Aging (AAA) senior and adult day centers closed due to COVID-19, causing many older adults to lose an important source of connection and engagement, leading to social isolation. To combat negative consequences, iN2L and a Florida AAA partnered on an innovative program providing iN2L tablets to AAA-supported older adults to use at home. The tablets have a simple interface, content specifically designed for older adults (e.g., games; music; movies), and video call capability. Participants included 51 independent older adults (mean age 77) and 39 family caregivers (mean age 59) of people with dementia. Participants completed phone surveys with AAA case managers at baseline and 3 months, including UCLA Loneliness Scale (3 item) and questions about their tablet experiences. Findings show positive trends for loneliness and well-being in both groups. At 3 months, lonely participants decreased from baseline by 25% for independent older adults and 18% for family caregivers. Over 80% of independent older adults agreed the tablet engages them in meaningful activities, provides daily enjoyment, and helps with relaxation. For family caregivers, 79% agreed the tablet is another tool in their caregiver toolkit and about 70% agreed the tablet adds daily enjoyment, helps with relaxation, and provides engagement in meaningful activities for their family member. Approximately 50% of caregivers felt happier, less stressed, and less irritable since using the tablets. This work has implications for the utility of technology in promoting engagement and connection, alleviating negative effects of social isolation, and the effectiveness of industry-AAA partnerships.

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Alzheimer's Association Project VITAL: A Florida Statewide Initiative Using Technology to Impact Social Isolation and Well-Being

Frontiers in Public Health ◽

10.3389/fpubh.2021.720180 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

Author(s):

Lorna E. Prophater ◽

Sam Fazio ◽

Lydia T. Nguyen ◽

Gizem Hueluer ◽

Lindsay J. Peterson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Online Education ◽

Family Caregivers ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Social Engagement ◽

Well Being ◽

Care Staff ◽

Project Echo ◽

Learning Platform ◽

People With Dementia ◽

The Impact

Lack of social engagement and the resulting social isolation can have negative impacts on health and well-being, especially in senior care communities and for those living with dementia. Project VITAL leverages technology and community resources to create a network for connection, engagement, education, and support of individuals with dementia and their caregivers, and explores the impact of these interventions in reducing feelings of social isolation and increasing mood among residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through two phases, 600 personalized Wi-Fi-enabled iN2L tablets were distributed to 300 senior care communities (55% assisted living communities, 37% skilled nursing communities, 6% memory care communities, and 2% adult family-care homes) to connect and engage residents and their families. Different phases also included Project ECHO, a video-based learning platform, Alzheimer's Association virtual and online education and support for family caregivers, evidence-based online professional dementia care staff training and certification, and Virtual Forums designed to explore ways to build sustainable, scalable models to ensure access to support and decrease social isolation in the future. Tablet usage was collected over an 11-month period and an interim survey was designed to assess the effectiveness of the tablets, in preventing social isolation and increasing mood among residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 105 care community staff (whose community used the tablets) completed the survey and overall, these staff showed a high level of agreement to statements indicating that residents struggled with loneliness and mood, and that the tablet was useful in improving loneliness and mood in residents and allowing them to stay in touch with family and friends. Additional positive results were seen through a variety of other responses around the tablets and Project ECHO. Overall, the tablets were shown to be an effective way to engage residents and connect them with friends and family, as well as being a useful tool for staff members. A third phase is currently underway in the homes of people with dementia and their family caregivers, which includes tablets and direct access to Alzheimer's Association virtual and online education and support programs.

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Understanding Social Network and Support for Older Immigrants in Ontario, Canada: Protocol for a Mixed-Methods Study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.12616 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Sepali Guruge ◽

Souraya Sidani ◽

Lu Wang ◽

Bharati Sethi ◽

Denise Spitzer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Mixed Methods ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Service Providers ◽

Well Being ◽

Older Men ◽

Negative Consequences ◽

Older Immigrants ◽

Increased Risk ◽

The Social

BACKGROUND Older adults are the fastest growing age group worldwide and in Canada. Immigrants represent a significant proportion of older Canadians. Social isolation is common among older adults and has many negative consequences, including limited community and civic participation, increased income insecurity, and increased risk of elder abuse. Additional factors such as the social, cultural, and economic changes that accompany migration, language differences, racism, and ageism heighten older immigrants’ vulnerability to social isolation. OBJECTIVE This mixed-methods sequential (qualitative-quantitative) study seeks to clarify older immigrants’ social needs, networks, and support and how these shape their capacity, resilience, and independence in aging well in Ontario. METHODS Theoretically, our research is informed by an intersectionality perspective and an ecological model, allowing us to critically examine the complexity surrounding multiple dimensions of social identity (eg, gender and immigration) and how these interrelate at the micro (individual and family), meso (community), and macro (societal) levels in diverse geographical settings. Methodologically, the project is guided by a collaborative, community-based, mixed-methods approach to engaging a range of stakeholders in Toronto, Ottawa, Waterloo, and London in generating knowledge. The 4 settings were strategically chosen for their diversity in the level of urbanization, size of community, and the number of immigrants and immigrant-serving organizations. Interviews will be conducted in Arabic, Mandarin, and Spanish with older women, older men, family members, community leaders, and service providers. The study protocol has received ethics approval from the 4 participating universities. RESULTS Quantitative and qualitative data collection is ongoing. The project is funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Council of Canada. CONCLUSIONS Comparative analyses of qualitative and quantitative data within and across sites will provide insights about common and unique factors that contribute to the well-being of older immigrants in different regions of Ontario. Given the comprehensive approach to incorporating local knowledge and expert contributions from multilevel stakeholders, the empirical and theoretical findings will be highly relevant to our community partners, help facilitate practice change, and improve the well-being of older men and women in immigrant communities. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPOR DERR1-10.2196/12616

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Exploring resilience and well-being of family caregivers of people with dementia exposed to mandatory social isolation by COVID-19

Dementia ◽

10.1177/14713012211042187 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 147130122110421

Author(s):

David Sánchez-Teruel* ◽

María Auxiliadora Robles-Bello* ◽

Mariam Sarhani-Robles ◽

Aziz Sarhani-Robles

Keyword(s):

Family Caregivers ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Emotional Regulation ◽

Online Survey ◽

Health Care Systems ◽

Well Being ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Predictive Variables ◽

People With Dementia ◽

Care Systems

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has raised questions about the resilience of health care systems worldwide. In this regard, one group of people whose physical and mental health has been affected has been family caregivers of people with dementia. Objective This study aims to identify the variables that predict a high degree of well-being in family caregivers of people with dementia during this period of mandatory lockdown. Methods A total of 310 respondents participated in an online survey (266 women and 44 men) from various regions in Spain, aged between 20 and 73 years old (M = 46.45; SD = 15.97), and all were family members. Results The results showed that there were notable differences in all the protective variables, together with a significant strong positive relationship between well-being and resilience ( r = 0.92; p < 0.01) and with coping strategies ( r = 0.85; p < 0.01), and there were also some significant negative relationships between well-being and difficulties in emotional regulation (ρ = −.78; p < 0.01). The most predictive variables of a higher level of well-being included the type of dementia (β = 1.19; CI (95%) = 1.01-1.29; p< 0.01), living in a large house (β = 0.97; CI (95%) =. 23-0.98; p < 0.01), social support as a coping strategy (β = 1.27; CI (95%) = 1.21-1.29; p < 0.01) and mainly resilience (β = 1.34; CI (95%) = 1.30-1.37; p < 0.01). Discussion We discuss the importance of promoting higher levels of resilience through the development of protective psychosocial variables in caregivers of people with dementia exposed to situations of mandatory social isolation as a modulator of the psychosocial well-being of these family caregivers.

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Health Effects of the Relocation of Patients With Dementia: A Scoping Review to Inform Medical and Policy Decision-Making

The Gerontologist ◽

10.1093/geront/gny031 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 59 (6) ◽

pp. e674-e682 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Frida V M Ryman ◽

Jetske C Erisman ◽

Lea M Darvey ◽

Jacob Osborne ◽

Ella Swartsenburg ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Literature Review ◽

Health Effects ◽

Policy Decision ◽

Well Being ◽

Social Consequences ◽

Negative Effects ◽

Mortality And Morbidity ◽

People With Dementia ◽

Design And Methods

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesResearch into the relocation (including international relocation) of people with dementia is increasingly important due to the aging population and latest developments in the international politics (including globalization and concerns over international migration). There is need for an overview of the health effects of relocation to facilitate and inform decision- and policy-making regarding these relocations. The aim of this literature review was to provide insight into the physical, psychological, and social consequences of varied types of relocations of older adults suffering from dementia.Research Design and MethodsA scoping literature review with a systematic search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, PsychInfo, JSTOR, and ScienceDirect. The articles dealing with subject of relocation of older adults from 1994 to 2017 were included and analyzed. Methodological quality assessment was performed for all articles.ResultsFinal list included 13 articles. The effects of relocation were discussed in terms of mortality and morbidity. In most studies, the health effects of the relocation of older adults suffering from dementia were negative. A decline in physical, mental, behavioral, and functional well-being was reported. The most recurring effect was a higher level of stress, which is more problematic for patients with dementia. In general, unless it is carefully planned, it is best to avoid changing lives of people with dementia and it is recommended to actively work to reduce their exposure to stress.Discussion and ImplicationsThe outcomes of the study suggest definite evidence for the negative effects of relocation of the older adults. This research aims to be used as the support of the legal and medical decisions of relocation of patients with dementia.

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Social Isolation, Depressive Symptoms and Perceived Neighborhood Environment of Older Adults During COVID-19

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.2689 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 727-727

Author(s):

Ke Li ◽

Fengyan Tang

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Social Cohesion ◽

Well Being ◽

Neighborhood Environment ◽

Physical Disorder ◽

Negative Effects ◽

The Relationship ◽

Perceived Neighborhood Environment

Abstract Social isolation has been recognized as a social problem with negative effects on psychological well-being. Older adults are disproportionately affected by social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using data from the 2020 Health and Retirement Study COVID-19 Project, this study examined the relationship between social isolation and depressive symptoms among two groups of respondents differentiated by whether themselves or their social relationships were diagnosed with COVID-19. This study also explored the moderating role of perceived neighborhood environment. Depressive symptoms were measured using the eight-item CES-D. The index of social isolation was generated using five indicators, including living alone, no social participation, and less than monthly contact with children, family members, and friends. The moderator assessed two aspects of the neighborhood environment, including physical disorder and social cohesion. The results of bivariate analyses showed that respondents who were affected by COVID-19 were younger, more likely to be female, Hispanic, and Non-Hispanic Black, and with lower levels of social isolation. The results of multiple regression analyses indicated that social isolation was associated with more depressive symptoms, but this relationship was found to be only significant among respondents who were affected by COVID-19. Perceived neighborhood environment significantly moderated the relationship, as the effect of social isolation on depressive symptoms was stronger for respondents with more neighborhood physical disorders and less social cohesion. This study has implications for practice and policy, in that it underscored the importance of enacting strategies to improve the neighborhood environment, particularly for socially isolated older adults during the COVID-19.

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Effects of Household Size and Partner Status on Financial Well-Being and Financial Exploitation

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.377 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 114-115

Author(s):

Jessica King McLaughlin ◽

Elizabeth Anderson ◽

Ashley Taeckens-Seabaugh ◽

Jennifer Greenfield ◽

Eric Chess ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Significant Risk ◽

Well Being ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Negative Effects ◽

Chi Square ◽

Partner Status ◽

Financial Exploitation ◽

Socially Isolated

Abstract Social isolation and loneliness are significant risk factors for older adults (adults over the age of 50) for a multitude of reasons. This study explored the connections between social isolation, vulnerability to financial exploitation, and financial wellbeing in a sample of older adults. Using the concept of precarity as a guiding framework, this study assessed behaviors that expose individuals to financial exploitation as well as indicators of financial wellbeing in individuals with varying degrees of social isolation. One-hundred-eight community-dwelling older adults completed a pen-and-paper survey containing measures of risk to financial exploitation and financial wellbeing. Participants were predominantly female (75.9%), White (90.7%), and highly educated. Fifty-eight participants were unpartnered (53.7%) and 67 participants (62%) lived with at least one other person. Chi-square analyses resulted in a significant association between partner status and being a victim of financial exploitation (χ2(1) = 10.842, p≤.001). Furthermore, there was an association between social isolation and engaging in certain behaviors that put someone at risk for financial exploitation (such as reading junk mail). As for measures of financial wellbeing, partner status was significantly associated with feelings of financial freedom (χ2(3) =8.608, p =.035). These findings indicate that socially isolated individuals may be at greater risk of financial exploitation and have lower levels of financial wellbeing, such as feeling unprepared for retirement (χ2(2) =7.358, p =.025). The results of this study highlight the risks involved with social isolation and indicate further research is needed into ways to mitigate these negative effects.

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EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY ON OLDER ADULTS' WELL-BEING

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.696 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S193-S194

Author(s):

Walter R Boot

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Older Adults ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Technology Use ◽

Internet Use ◽

Well Being ◽

Life Transitions ◽

Health Concern ◽

Negative Consequences ◽

The Impact

Abstract Recent research had indicated clear links between social isolation and loneliness, and a host of negative consequences, including poor mental and physical health, cognitive decline, and even increased mortality risk. These consequences make clear that social isolation is a significant and urgent public health concern that requires attention and action. Increasingly, researchers have begun to explore the role technology can play in reducing social isolation and increasing social support. This symposium contains five talks that address this question directly, presenting a nuanced picture of the potential effects of technology on well-being among older adults. The first presentation will highlight the potential positive side of internet use on wellbeing using longitudinal data from the Health and Retirement Study. The next talk explores how the internet can support older adults undergoing significant life transitions. Importantly, the link between internet use and well-being appears to be context-dependent, with internet use being associated with positive or negative effects depending on other contextual factors. This presentation is followed by another, finding that technology use can have varying effects depending on how and what the technology is used for. This is followed by a presentation that directly compares technology-based communication to in-person communication, and the different effects of each on well-being. The session concludes with a presentation on how novel robotic technology might provide emotional and social support. In answer to the question of whether technology can reduce social isolation and loneliness, and improve social support: It’s complicated.

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Lighting and Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias: Spotlight on sleep and depression

Lighting Research and Technology ◽

10.1177/14771535211005835 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 53 (5) ◽

pp. 405-422

Author(s):

MG Figueiro ◽

HC Kales

Keyword(s):

Alzheimer’S Disease ◽

Older Adults ◽

Alzheimer's Disease ◽

Neurodegenerative Disease ◽

Sleep Disturbances ◽

Well Being ◽

Pharmacological Intervention ◽

Negative Effects ◽

Health And Well Being ◽

Positive Results

Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias is the collective term for a progressive neurodegenerative disease for which there is presently no cure. This paper focuses on two symptoms of the disease, sleep disturbances and depression, and discusses how light can be used as a non-pharmacological intervention to mitigate their negative effects. Bright days and dark nights are needed for health and well-being, but the present components of the built environment, especially those places where older adults spend most of their days, are too dimly illuminated during the day and too bright at night. To be effective light needs to be correctly specified, implemented and measured. Yet, without the appropriate specification and measurement of the stimulus, researchers will not be able to successfully demonstrate positive results in the field, nor will lighting designers and specifiers have the confidence to implement lighting solutions for promoting better sleep and mood in this population.

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Understanding the Link between Family Caregiver Quality of Life and the Care Provided to Older People With Dementia

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.500 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 153-154

Author(s):

Afeez Hazzan

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Quality Of Care ◽

Older People ◽

Family Caregivers ◽

Family Caregiver ◽

Well Being ◽

The United States ◽

People With Dementia ◽

The Impact

Abstract Dementia is one of the most rapidly growing diseases in the United States. In 2018, the direct costs to American society of caring for older people with dementia was approximately $277 billion. Primary informal caregivers are mainly responsible for the care of older people with dementia including Alzheimer’s disease. Caregivers perform a myriad of duties ranging from shopping for their loved ones’ groceries, helping with medications, and managing finances. The caregiving role becomes more demanding as the disease progresses over time, and studies have shown that the quality-of-life (QoL) experienced by caregivers of older adults who have dementia is lower than the QoL of caregivers for older people who do not have dementia. To the best of our knowledge, there has been no research conducted to investigate whether lower caregiver QoL affects the level or quality of care that caregivers provide to persons with dementia. In the current study, we interviewed family caregivers living in Rochester, New York to inquire about their quality of life and the care provided to older people living with dementia. Further, caregivers completed the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) as well as a draft questionnaire for measuring the quality of care provided to older people living with dementia. Both quantitative and qualitative findings from this study reveals important relationships between family caregiver QoL and the care provided, including the impact of social support and financial well-being. The study findings could have significant impact, particularly for the provision of much needed support for family caregivers.

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Impact of Social Isolation on People with Dementia and Their Family Caregivers

Journal of Alzheimer s Disease ◽

10.3233/jad-201580 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-11

Author(s):

Lílian Viana dos Santos Azevedo ◽

Ismael Luis Calandri ◽

Andrea Slachevsky ◽

Héctor Gastón Graviotto ◽

Maria Carolina Santos Vieira ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Family Caregivers ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Clinical Symptoms ◽

Memory Function ◽

South American ◽

Severe Dementia ◽

Dementia Caregivers ◽

People With Dementia ◽

Moderate Dementia ◽

Severity Of Dementia

Background: People with dementia and their family caregivers may face a great burden through social isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which can be manifested as various behavioral and clinical symptoms. Objective: To investigate the impacts of social isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals with dementia and their family caregivers. Methods: Two semi-structured questionnaires were applied via telephone to family caregivers of people diagnosed with dementia in three cities in Argentina, Brazil, and Chile, in order to assess clinical and behavioral changes in people with dementia and in their caregivers. Results: In general, 321 interviews were conducted. A significant decline in memory function has been reported among 53.0%of people with dementia. In addition, 31.2%of individuals with dementia felt sadder and 37.4%had increased anxiety symptoms. These symptoms of anxiety were greater in individuals with mild to moderate dementia, while symptoms of agitation were greater in individuals with severe dementia. Moreover, compulsive-obsessive behavior, hallucinations, increased forgetfulness, altered appetite, and increased difficulty in activities of daily living were reported more frequently among individuals with moderate to severe dementia. Caregivers reported feeling more tired and overwhelmed during this period and these symptoms were also influenced by the severity of dementia. Conclusion: Social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic triggered a series of negative behavioral repercussions, both for people with dementia and for their family caregivers in these three South American countries.

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