scholarly journals Enriched Tai Chi (ETC) Program Enhances Quality of Life for Older Adults in Assisted Living Facility: Feasibility Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Pooja Ghai ◽  
Amanda J. Mohler ◽  
Mary Tracy Morrison
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Feasibility Study ◽  
Assisted Living ◽  
Tai Chi ◽  
Assisted Living Facility

scholarly journals Feasibility of Implementing a Tai Chi Program in an Assisted Living Facility: Reducing Fall Risks and Improving Quality of Life

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 1277
Author(s):  
Yingying Chen ◽  
Deborah Ringdahl ◽  
Rachel Trelstad-Porter ◽  
Olga V. Gurvich
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Assisted Living ◽  
Tai Chi ◽  
Fear Of Falling ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Improvement Project ◽  
Fall Risks ◽  
Relative Change

One in four American older adults fall every year, resulting in injuries, death, and significant financial burden. Although fall etiology is multifactorial, the medical problems and aging factors that lead to unsteady gait and imbalance represent one of the major fall risks among older adults. A growing number of research studies support the health benefits of regular Tai Chi (TC) practice including improved physical, cognitive, and psychological function. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to assess the feasibility of establishing a 12-week (45 min per session) Tai Chi (TC) program (Sun Style Tai Chi) in a 75 bed assisted living facility as well as to evaluate the potential of the TC program to improve the fear of falling and functional mobility (as proxy for fall risk) and quality of life (QoL). A nurse who was a certified TC instructor taught the program. Twenty-three participants, 96% female and 96% white, mean (SD) age 83 (±7) years, attended one or more TC classes. Class attendance, self-reported questionnaires (e.g., fear of falling, QoL), and objective measure Timed Up and Go (TUG) were used to collect data. Nine participants (39%) completed 9 out of 12 sessions. Eleven participants (48%) completed both pre- and post-intervention measurements and twelve (52%) provided feedback on a post-intervention satisfaction survey. Participants showed 20% improvement in fear of falling (mean relative change) and 21% decrease (mean relative change) in TUG test (p = 0.001) with no clinically important changes in QoL. This quality improvement project suggested that TC is a feasible exercise that might have the potential to reduce risk of falls in older adults, and the program was well accepted with no serious or other adverse events reported. Further research studies are needed to examine the potential effects of TC programs with an appropriately powered RCT and longer intervention period.

Exercise and perceived quality of life among frail older adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-38
Author(s):  
Ofer Israel Atad ◽  
Dafna Caspi
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Assisted Living ◽  
Easy Access ◽  
Assisted Living Facility ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Frail Older Adults ◽  
Exercise Class

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the association between level of physical activity (PA) and perception of quality of life (QOL) and physical health in frail and non-frail older adults. Design/methodology/approach Volunteer participants in this quantitative cross-sectional study were a convenience sample of 236 independent residents (120 frail, 116 non-frail) in an assisted living facility in Israel. Frailty was measured by Fried et al.’s phenotype; QOL and physical health were measured using the World Health Organization Quality of Life Instruments (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire. PA level was ascertained from attendance lists completed by exercise class instructors in each class during the eight-week study. Findings Frail older adults who engaged in regular PA (at least 2.5 h/week) reported the same physical health as non-frail older individuals performing a similar level. Research limitations Unsupervised PA performed independently was not taken into consideration; exercise class attendance may be a less reliable criterion of PA than collection of objective data, i.e. calories burned; participants were selected from an economically homogeneous population of a specific assisted living facility with easy access to a variety of PA. Practical implications The level of PA performed by frail older adults impacts their perceived QOL and physical health. The logs were an incentive to attend PA classes. Originality/value A minimum of 2.5 h a week of regular PA can be a protective factor that improves perceived QOL and physical health in frail older adults.

scholarly journals Agitated Behavior of Elderly and Alternative Simple Treatments: Individualized music – A feasibility study (the ABrEAST-iM feasibility study)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anastasia Mallidou ◽  
Anne-Marie Boström ◽  
Daphne Kaitelidou ◽  
Jennifer Brett ◽  
Sara John Fowler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Positive Affect ◽  
Clinical Significance ◽  
Residential Care ◽  
Feasibility Study ◽  
Residential Care Facilities ◽  
Care Facilities ◽  
Individualized Music

Abstract Background Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) influence older persons’ quality of life. Non-pharmacological interventions such as individualized music (iM) are promising to reduce BPSD and sustain interpersonal connectedness that contributes to quality of life. The purpose of this study was to assess the practicalities (e.g., process, results) of iM activities application on older adults over 65 years of age diagnosed with dementia living in residential care facilities. Our objectives were to: a) evaluate the recruitment process; b) explore the process of iM activity implementation; c) assess the clinical significance of the outcomes. Methods A concurrent mixed methods feasibility study designed and was conducted in two residential care facilities in British Columbia, Canada to assess the practicalities (i.e., recruitment, acceptability of the intervention, adherence to it, and clinical significance) of iM activities implementation on older adults diagnosed with dementia living in residential care facilities. Data were collected from residents, their families and staff using administrative records, observations, surveys, and interviews. Our primary outcomes were affect and quality of life. Results The observed iM activities were feasible, acceptable and adhered to by residents with clinical significance. Specifically, about 47% of eligible residents, their families and staff agreed to participate in and completed the study (recruitment); approximately 86% of participants enthusiastically received and were satisfied with the iM activity (acceptability); more than 70% of participants completed at least seven of the nine iM sessions (adherence); about 55% of participants experienced an increase in positive affect scores and 29% had a decrease in negative affect scores after the intervention; more than 43% of participants had a reduction in BPSD (clinical significance). Finally, participants reported improvement of quality of life and positive effects of iM intervention and provided insights and suggestions to improve it. Conclusions Individualized music activities can be successfully implemented (i.e., feasible, acceptable, adherent) with significant clinical outcomes. Participants reported positive affect emotions, increase in quality of life and well-being. With this feasibility study, we developed a process to identify challenges and their solutions that may assist us in a following pilot study with similar iM intervention.

scholarly journals Satisfaction With Outdoor Activities Over Time Among Long-Term Services and Supports Recipients

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 189-190
Author(s):  
Justine Sefcik ◽  
Karen Hirschman ◽  
Darina Petrovsky ◽  
Liming Huang ◽  
Nancy Hodgson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Assisted Living ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Chronic Health ◽  
Outdoor Activities ◽  
Services And Supports ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Approximately 85% of older adults have at least one chronic health condition. The onset of chronic health conditions and mobility issues can constrain activities, including outdoor recreation. There is limited knowledge of older adults receiving long-term services and supports (LTSS) and their satisfaction with outdoor activities over time after enrolling in services. This study examined predictors of change in ratings of satisfaction with outdoor activities. A secondary analysis was conducted of data involving structured interviews with older adults (N=470) over the first two years of receiving LTSS (Health-Related Quality of Life: Elders in Long-Term Care; R01AG025524). Participants lived in assisted living communities, nursing homes, or their home. A single item on satisfaction with outdoor activities (assessed using a 5-point Likert scale: not at all to extremely satisfied) was the primary outcome. Mixed effects linear regression modeling using a backward elimination process was used for building a final multivariable model. In the final model, older age (p<0.001) and higher overall quality of life ratings (p<0.001) at baseline were associated with slower rates of increase in outdoor satisfaction over time. Higher education level (p=0.035) at baseline was associated with a faster rate of increase in outdoor satisfaction over time. Additionally, those who moved into an assisted living community (p=0.024) or nursing home (p=0.016) at baseline were associated with faster rates of increase in outdoor satisfaction over time compared to those in the home. Knowledge of factors influencing satisfaction with outdoor activities can assist interdisciplinary teams implement interventions for individual or organizational changes.

scholarly journals Factors Associated With Perceived Worsened Physical Health Among Older Adults Who Are Newly Enrolled Long-term Services and Supports Recipients

2020 ◽  
Vol 57 ◽  
pp. 004695801990083
Author(s):  
Jasmine L. Travers ◽  
Karen B. Hirschman ◽  
Alexandra L. Hanlon ◽  
Liming Huang ◽  
Mary D. Naylor
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Assisted Living ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Health Care Need ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Services And Supports

Limited information exists on the perceived health of older adults new to receiving long-term services and supports (LTSS) compared with the year prior, posing challenges to the anticipation of health care need and optimization of wellness efforts for this growing population. In response, we sought to identify differences in perceived worsened physical health across three LTSS types (nursing home, assisted living, and home and community-based services) along with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) characteristics associated with older adults’ ratings of perceived worsened physical health at the start of receiving LTSS. Enrolled LTSS recipients completed a single interview assessing their HRQoL. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to determine associations in LTSS types and HRQoL characteristics with perceived worsened physical health among older adults (≥60 years old) since 1 year prior to study enrollment. Among the 467 LTSS recipients, perceived physical health was rated as worse than the previous year by 36%. Bivariate analyses revealed no differences in perceived worsened physical health across LTSS types. In adjusted analyses, religiousness/spirituality and better mental and general health perception had a decreased odds of being associated with perceived worsened physical health ( P < .05). Participants with major changes in their health in the past 6 months were more likely to report perceived worsened physical health ( P < .001). Findings provide information that may be used to target efforts to enhance perceived physical health and improve quality of life among LTSS enrollees.

Quality of Life for Diverse Older Adults in Assisted Living: The Centrality of Control

2016 ◽  
Vol 59 (7-8) ◽  
pp. 512-536 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharon D. Koehn ◽  
Atiya N. Mahmood ◽  
Sarah Stott-Eveneshen
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Assisted Living

scholarly journals QUALITY OF LIFE AND PERCEIVED NEEDS AMONG OLDER ADULTS RECEIVING LONG-TERM SERVICES AND SUPPORTS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S625-S625
Author(s):  
Eleanor Rivera ◽  
Karen Hirschman ◽  
Mary Naylor
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Therapy ◽  
Assisted Living ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Social Activities ◽  
Perceived Needs ◽  
Services And Supports

Abstract Long term services and supports (LTSS) are vital for older adults with physical and cognitive disabilities. LTSS can be provided in settings such as nursing homes, assisted living, or via community-based services. The aim of this study is to describe the perceived needs for older adults new to LTSS, examine whether those needs are met in the first three months of LTSS, and determine the relationship with quality of life (QoL). This secondary analysis included data from 470 older adults new to LTSS (average age: 81, 71% female, 51% white, 35% black, 20% Hispanic.) The main outcome of QoL was measured using a single item (“How would you rate your overall quality of life at the present time?”). Perceived needs included supportive equipment devices, transportation, physical therapy, and social activities. Analyses at baseline and three months included t-tests, ANOVAs and simple regression modeling. LTSS recipient reported needs at baseline were: 29% supportive equipment, 31% transportation, 20% physical therapy, and 25% social activities. Those who reported needs at baseline had a lower QoL than those who reported no needs (for all). At three months reported needs decreased by an average of 6% (range: 3%-10%). QoL ratings were associated with changes in physical therapy and social activities needs at three months. The implications of these results related to LTSS recipients’ QoL in the first three months of services, with emphasis on physical therapy and social activities needs, is an opportunity to be more person-centered in delivery of care.

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