Journal of Applied Gerontology current issue

Short-Term Effects of a Self-Management Intervention on Health Status of Housebound Older Adults With Arthritis

Laforest, S., Nour, K., Gignac, M., Gauvin, L., Parisien, M., Poirier, M.-C. — 2008-10-08

This study examines the impact of a self-management intervention for housebound adults with arthritis and presence of moderating variables. A total of 113 adults with a mean age of 77.7 years and diagnosed with osteoarthritis (62%) or rheumatoid arthritis (38%) were randomized to intervention (n = 65) and control groups (n = 48). Information on health, self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and health behaviors was collected (a) at baseline, (b) 2 months later, and (c) following the intervention. Multilevel analysis reveals that experimental group participants reported significantly fewer functional limitations and less helplessness than control participants postintervention. A trend for improved coping effectiveness was observed (p = .06). Greater improvements in outcome expectations and physical behaviors were associated with greater decreases in helplessness. Larger improvements in outcome expectations were associated with greater decreases in functional limitations. A structured self-management intervention can have a positive impact on the health status of housebound adults with arthritis.

Predictors of Satisfaction for African-American and White Family Caregivers of Adult Care Home Residents

Wallace Williams, S., Desai, T., Rurka, J. T., Mutran, E. J. — 2008-10-08

This study examines satisfaction with care for African-American and White family caregivers of assisted living (adult care and family care homes) residents. Demographic factors, particularly race, caregiving experiences, and structural characteristics, were analyzed. A regression model correcting for design effects was analyzed. Because of the number of significant interactions, separate analyses for each race were completed. Results support the conceptualization of satisfaction with long-term care as a multidimensional process, incorporating demographic characteristics of family caregivers, the caregiving experience, and structural characteristics of the facility. Findings also suggest that predictors of satisfaction with care differ by race. A focus by long-term care administrators and staff on aspects highlighted in this study could improve relationships with family members and marketability of their facility. Findings can also benefit potential residents of adult care homes and/or their family members who need to select a long-term care facility.

Men Planning for Retirement: Changing Meanings of Preretirement Planning

Phua, V., McNally, J. W. — 2008-10-08

Using data from 69 in-depth interviews, the authors examine how men define financial planning and preretirement planning. The analyses show that younger men are less likely than older men to actively plan for retirement, and a clearer distinction is made between financial planning and preretirement planning. The results also show that the meanings of the two phrases overlap as one ages and that financial habits change over the life course. Understanding the changes over the life course would ensure that successful programs aim at securing financial security at older ages.

State Differences and Facility Differences in Nursing Home Staff Turnover

Castle, N. G. — 2008-10-08

The author uses data from 8,023 nursing homes to examine state differences in turnover and vacancy rates and organizational characteristics associated with turnover rates. The analyses focus on nurse aides, licensed practical nurses, and registered nurses as caregivers. Findings show that the 2004 turnover and vacancy rates for these caregivers were high and that there were differences across states for turnover and vacancy rates. The author shows that staffing levels of caregivers, quality of care, and top management turnover are associated with caregiver turnover.

Aging in Brazil: Physical Activity, Socioeconomic Conditions, and Diseases Among Older Adults in Southern Brazil

2008-10-08

This report describes the outcomes of an epidemiological study that examined the association among physical activity participation, household income, and the prevalence of chronic diseases among 875 older persons living in southern Brazil. At least one disease or chronic condition was reported by 71.1% of the older adults. The survey identified 59.3% of the older adults as more active. Physical activity levels were found to be independent predictors of disease status. Less active seniors were more than twice as likely to report the presence of disease than were their more active counterparts. In addition, socioeconomic status was found to be significantly related to physical activity participation, with lower income seniors less likely to be physically active. These findings underscore the value of physical activity interventions for preserving health and independence among older Brazilians. Special efforts should be made to design physical activity interventions that target low-income seniors.

A New Look at Episodes of Mistaken Identity: Opportunities for Preserving Personhood

Dran, D. S. — 2008-10-08

Facility caregivers of persons with dementia in residential facilities often find themselves mistaken by residents for people from the residents' past. Such episodes of mistaken identity are usually considered a sign of impairment and simply ignored. This study presents vignettes in which facility caregivers played roles from the resident's past, briefly and without rehearsal or deliberation. During these episodes, residents were able to experience a continuity of identity, a sense of belonging, and a recognition for past accomplishment. This article argues that these brief episodes of mistaken identity were spontaneous opportunities to preserve the personhood of persons with dementia.