scholarly journals COVID-19 Lockdown Measures: Impact On Older Adults With Dementia And Their Caregivers In Singapore

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 142-142
Author(s):  
Tharshini Lokanathan ◽  
Hui-Ching Chen ◽  
W Quin Yow
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Support Networks ◽  
Behavioral Changes ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Caregiving Stress ◽  
Community Based Services ◽  
Qualitative Analyses

Abstract Family caregivers typically rely on community-based services and social support networks to supplement their caregiving of older adults with dementia (OAwD). In April 2020, the Singapore government implemented a partial lockdown to contain the spread of COVID-19. We assessed the policy's impact on the physical and mental health of caregivers and their OAwD. As part of a larger study, 30 caregivers were interviewed and rated the stress they experienced when caring for an OAwD during the partial lockdown. Qualitative analyses found significant behavioral changes in OAwD such as irritability, aggression and hallucinations, which led some caregivers to believe their dependents’ condition had deteriorated, as well as heightened levels of caregiving stress. Overall, our preliminary results suggested that although social distancing measures may be effective in containing the spread of COVID-19, these measures could lead to negative outcomes on vulnerable populations such as OAwD and their caregivers.

The Impact of Consolidating AAA on the Delivery of HCBS: Evidence From Iowa

2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (7) ◽  
pp. 751-759
Author(s):  
Kanika Arora ◽  
Sato Ashida ◽  
Erin M. Mobley ◽  
G. Joseph Sample
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Detectable Effect ◽  
American Population ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Average Proportion ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Community Based Services ◽  
Qualitative Analyses

In this study, the authors evaluate the 2013 consolidation of Iowa’s Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) on the delivery of home and community-based services (HCBS) to older adults in the state. A mixed-methods approach combined a quasi-experimental design using longitudinal service delivery data with qualitative analyses of surveys and interviews with AAA staff and clients. Overall, consolidation had no detectable effect on the proportion of older adults served by the AAAs. Subgroup analysis showed that consolidation increased the average proportion of older adults served in nonmetropolitan counties and the proportion served through congregate meals. AAA staff and clients described both positive and negative aspects of consolidation: better collaboration across agencies, improved consistency in services, significant challenges with completing consolidation processes, and serving expanded geographic areas. As the American population ages and budgetary allocations tighten, findings from this evaluation can inform other states considering similar restructuring efforts.

Home First: Exploring the Impact of Community-based Home Care for Older Adults and Their Family Caregivers

2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 432-442 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roslyn M. Compton ◽  
Alex Olirus Owilli ◽  
Vera Caine ◽  
Charlotte Berendonk ◽  
Donna Jouan-Tapp ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Home Care ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Care Home ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Care Processes ◽  
Older Adult Population ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Community Based Services

ABSTRACTGiven the rapidly expanding older adult population, finding health care approaches that support older adults to age in their choice of place, with an accompanying philosophical re-orientation of health services, is becoming more urgent. We studied the Home Care Home First – Quick Response Project to understand how clients over age 75 and their family caregivers perceived the enhanced community-based services delivered through Home First. Using interpretive description as the methodological design, we explored the experiences of eight older adults and 11 family caregivers; all older adults were enrolled in Home First due to a significant change in their health status. We identified four themes: growing older in chosen places with support, philosophy of care, processes of Home First, and the significance of Home First for clients. Overall, clients and family caregivers responded positively to the Home First services. Clients valued their independence and growing older in places they had specifically chosen.

scholarly journals Dual Caregivers of Relatives with Dementia in Rural Virginia: The Added Stress of COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 943-943
Author(s):  
Emily Hoyt ◽  
Jyoti Savla ◽  
Karen Roberto ◽  
Aubrey L Knight ◽  
Rosemary Blieszner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Daily Stressors ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Dementia Caregivers ◽  
Telephone Interviews ◽  
And Behavior ◽  
Behavior Models ◽  
Community Based Services

Abstract Family caregivers often find themselves “sandwiched” between caring for an older relative with dementia (PWD) and another person. Serving in a dual caregiving role presents unique challenges and has consequences for caregivers’ physical and mental health. Seven daily diary interviews with 46 dual dementia caregivers assessed their daily stressors and informal and formal supports. Results showed that dementia caregivers who also cared for another older relative reported poorer physical health and used more community-based services to care for the PwD. Conversely, dementia caregivers who also cared for younger relatives reported greater secondary stressors, lower family support, and use of fewer community-based services to care for the PwD. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, two telephone interviews were conducted with 15 dual dementia caregivers. Caregivers were asked in-depth questions about how the pandemic had impacted their caregiving responsibilities, mental health, and use of community-based services. Guided by stress process and behavior models, a thematic analysis of dual caregivers’ interviews revealed that caregivers had less time for themselves, engaged in self-care activities less often, and felt their social life had suffered. Many of the caregivers reported feeling exhausted, stressed, and had more things to do than they could handle. Of the eight caregivers that used services before COVID-19, six experienced a change in services including loss of services, different workers, or self-selected cancellation of services. Discussion focuses on challenges dual dementia caregivers face and the added stressors they experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Physical Inactivity in Older Adult Couples: A Dyadic Analysis Using Continuous In-Home Monitoring

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 412-412
Author(s):  
Chao-Yi Wu ◽  
Lyndsey Miller ◽  
Rachel Wall ◽  
Zachary Beattie ◽  
Jeffrey Kaye ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Physical Inactivity ◽  
Home Monitoring ◽  
Health Determinants ◽  
Dyadic Analysis ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Positive Health ◽  
Aging Research

Abstract Many older adults remain inactive despite the known positive health implications of physical activity (e.g. improved mood, reduced mortality risk). Physical inactivity is a known interdependent phenomenon in couples, but the majority of research identifies determinants of physical inactivity at the individual level. We estimated the average amount of physical inactivity for older adult couples and, using dyadic analysis, identified physical and mental health determinants thereof. Forty-eight heterosexual older adult couples (mean age=70.6, SD=6.63) from the Veterans Integrated Service Network 20 cohort of the Collaborative Aging Research using Technology (CART) initiative were included in this study. Both dyad members wore actigraph devices for a month. The average number per day of inactive periods (defined as no movement or sleep activity for ≥ 30 minutes) was estimated. Multilevel modeling revealed that, within couples, there was no difference between partners in the average number of inactive periods, but on average across couples, males had more inactive periods per day (13.4, SD=4.43) than females (12.3, SD=4.87). For males, older age was the only variable associated with more inactive periods (β=0.13, p=.013). For females, more depressive symptoms in men were associated with fewer inactive periods (β=-0.37, p=.002), and more dependence in completing their own IADLs predicted more inactive periods (β=2.80, p<.001). All models were adjusted for covariates. Viewing couples’ activity as a unit, rather than as separate individuals, provides a novel approach to identifying pathways to reduce inactivity in older adults, especially when focusing on mental health issues and decreased independence within the couple.

scholarly journals The Sense of Smell and Aging: What We Have Learned From Population Studies

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 810-811
Author(s):  
Jayant Pinto
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Population Studies ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Sensory Function ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Sense Of Smell ◽  
Health Aging

Abstract Decline of the sense of smell with age causes a marked impact on older adults, markedly reducing quality of life. Olfactory dysfunction impairs nutrition, decreases the ability to experience pleasure, and results in depression, among other burdens. Large-scale population studies have identified impaired olfaction as a key heath indicator that predicts the development of decreased physical and mental health, reduced physical activity, weight loss, mild cognitive impairment and dementia, and mortality itself. These data have been generated via analyses of data from several aging cohorts, including the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP); the Beaver Dam cohort; the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities project; the Rush Memory and Aging Project; the Health, Aging, and Body Composition project; the Washington Heights/Inwood Columbia Aging Project; among others. In this presentation, we will review the close connection between olfaction, health, aging, including discussion of insights from these studies. We will also discuss emerging data from NSHAP on the effects of sensory function on cognition, mental health, and social interaction, which demonstrate that sensory function plays a vital role in the lives of older adults. Part of a symposium sponsored by Sensory Health Interest Group.

scholarly journals Cognition, Health, and Social Support of Formerly Homeless Older Adults in Permanent Supportive Housing

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anita M Souza ◽  
Jenny Hsin-Chin Tsai ◽  
Kenneth C Pike ◽  
Francesca Martin ◽  
Susan M McCurry
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Global Mental Health ◽  
Case Managers ◽  
Supportive Housing ◽  
Homeless Population ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Permanent Supportive Housing ◽  
Formerly Homeless

Abstract Background and Objectives Formerly homeless older adults residing in Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) represent an invisible subsector of two distinct, yet related populations: the homeless population and the elderly population. Little research is focused on the complex health concerns facing this aging population within the homelessness response system. Of particular concern is the identification and support of individuals with cognitive impairment and co-occurring chronic conditions. We collaborated with a leading housing services provider to develop a systematic screening system for case managers to capture the cognitive, physical, and psychosocial health of older adults served within homeless housing programs. Research Design and Methods PSH residents aged ≥50 years in four sites screened as being without cognitive impairment on the Mini-Cog were enrolled. A brief demographic survey and selected PROMIS measures were used to characterize participants’ demographics, cognition, global physical and mental health, physical functioning, self-efficacy for social interactions, and instrumental support. PSH case managers were trained to recruit participants and collect data. PROMIS scales were scored using the Health Measures Scoring Service. Descriptive statistics, correlations, and one sample t-tests were performed. Results Fifty-three residents (mean age = 60.8 years, range 50–76 years) participated. The majority self-identified as male and were military veterans; 60% reported having a history of two or more episodes of homelessness. All PROMIS scores were significantly (p < .05) lower than reference U.S. population means, with global mental health and cognition having the lowest scores. Discussion and Implications Self-reported cognitive functioning and global mental health were residents’ greatest concerns. Strengthening housing case manager capacity to assess residents’ cognitive and health status could increase support for older adults in PSH. It is feasible to train PSH staff to conduct structured interviews to identify resident cognitive and health needs to help support this “invisible” population to successfully age in place.

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