There is emerging literature about older adults’ experience of loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic in long term care (LTC) facilities due to isolation protocols. Additionally, staff challenges while providing care for older adults in LTC has also been highlighted. While the literature emphasizes negative pandemic experiences, a gap exists with understanding resilience during the pandemic in LTC settings. The aim of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore the experience of resilience in a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) among residents, their family members, and staff. We conducted 19 in-person interviews and 1 via Zoom in fall 2021 with 5 residents (65 and older), 5 family members, and 10 staff (e.g., administrators, nurses, nursing assistants). A conventional content analysis was employed. While we did hear how the pandemic had a negative impact on everyone, the main themes of resilience identified were: 1) overcoming the pandemic together (sense of community); 2) experience and adaptation (over time being able to adapt to the disruption in their life); 3) staying safe (engaging in precautions and self-care strategies); and 4) positivity (mindset of getting through anything and relying on spirituality). Study findings can inform CCRC administrators on how to support residents, their family, and staff during future pandemics and other challenging times that may disrupt normal routines.
Nutritional status can impact the healing of chronic leg wounds (CLW). This secondary data analysis examined characteristics associated with nutritional status among aging adults (N=62, M= 57.5, SD 12.1 years of age) living with a CLW who were enrolled in a randomized control trial to test a novel ultrasound intervention on wound healing. Nutritional status (Mini-Nutrition Assessment, [MNA]), physical and mental health (36-Item Short-Form Health Status Survey), and inflammation (high-sensitivity C-Reactive Protein [CRP]) were measured at baseline. Majority of the participants were male (54.8%), non-Hispanic Black (67.7%) and either malnourished or at risk of malnutrition (64.5%). Compared to individuals with normal nutrition, individuals with malnutrition or risk for malnutrition had on average poorer physical health (38.7 vs 33.4, p <0.01), mental health (52.4 vs 45.8, p=0.03) and greater inflammation (CRP=13.4 vs 24.0, p=0.05). Tailored interventions targeting nutritional status, inflammation, physical and mental health are needed in aging adults with CLW.
Many older adults find it difficult to drive a car as they age. However, there are lack of studies on the outcomes of driving difficulties among older adults. The aim of this study was to examine the cognitive and psychosocial outcomes of driving difficulties in older adults. This study was a secondary data analysis using National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project Wave 2 (2010-2011) and 3 (2015-2016). This study followed 1,638 older adults that were of the age 65 and older, who had no difficulties driving a car at Wave 2. Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale, Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Perceived Social Isolation Scale were used. For data analysis, chi square tests, t-tests, and regression analysis were used. After 5 years, 11.1% of people began to have difficulties in driving a car (n=180), and 88.9% of people maintained to have no difficulties driving a car (n=1,441). Compared to people who maintained no difficulties of driving a car over time, people who began to have difficulties had more severe cognitive decline (t=4.59, p< 0.001) and more depressive symptoms over time (t=3.253, p=0.001). Univariate regression analysis also indicated that having difficulties of driving resulted in more severe cognitive decline over time (b=0.137, p< 0.001) and more depressive symptoms over time (b=0.097, p< 0.001). Driving difficulties were not related to anxiety or social isolation. As difficulties in driving are related to poor cognitive and psychological outcomes, healthcare professionals should pay more attention to people who experience driving difficulties.
Anxiety is common and distressing in people living with cognitive impairment. High caregiver mastery, a positive view of one’s ability to provide care, is known to be protective against anxiety in people whom they are caring for. However, the longitudinal relationship between caregiver mastery and anxiety is unknown. Our objective was to examine whether improvement in caregiver mastery was related to decrease in anxiety in people living with cognitive impairment. This was a secondary data analyses using Healthy Patterns Clinical Trial (NCT03682185), an RCT of a home-based activity intervention designed to improve circadian rhythm disorders in people living with cognitive impairment. A total of 158 participants with cognitive impairment who provided data at both pretest (T1) and posttest (T2) were analyzed. Measures included Caregiver Mastery Scale and Neuropsychiatric Inventory. We used linear regression analyses to examine the relationship between changes in caregiver mastery and changes in anxiety. The sample was primarily female (66.7%), Black (63.1%), with mean age 73.3±8.4. The mean change of anxiety frequency (T2-T1) was -0.2±1.0; anxiety frequency decreased over time. The mean change of caregiver mastery (T2-T1) was 0.4± 3.0; caregiver mastery improved over time. After controlling for age, cognition, changes in sleep impairments, changes in depression, and intervention group assignment, improvement of caregiver mastery over time (B=-0.087, SE=0.035, t=-2.51, p=0.013) was related to decreased anxiety frequency over time (R2= 0.112, F=2.31, p= 0.039). Interventions to improve caregiver mastery may alleviate anxiety symptoms in people living with cognitive impairment. Additional research and practice implications will be discussed.
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