Using the Transtheoretical Model of Change to Implement Home Safety Modifications with Community-Dwelling Older Adults: An Exploratory Study

Development of a lifestyle-integrated physical exercise training and home modification intervention for older people living in a community with a risk of falling (Part 1): the FIT-at-Home fall prevention program

PURPOSE

In this paper, we report on the development and refinement of a progressive physical exercise training and home modification intervention for older people with a risk of falling located in Germany by using the United Kingdom's Medical Research Council framework.

METHODS

The process was iterative and six phases of development emerged: (1) establishing an intervention development group, (2) identifying the evidence on interventions, (3) identifying a theory to underpin the intervention, (4) designing the intervention components, (5) drafting the intervention manual and training course, and (6) piloting and refining of intervention components.

RESULTS

The result was an evidence-based, theory-informed, and user-endorsed intervention: FIT-at-Home. This intervention comprised nine individual sessions over 12 weeks and two follow-up booster sessions delivered by trained occupational therapists. A feasibility study demonstrated the acceptance and feasibility of intervention delivery. Users responses were generally favorable and included recommendations about the intervention manual, mode of delivery of the home hazard assessment, and producing a manual for older people.

CONCLUSIONS

We developed a feasible home-based lifestyle-integrated physical exercise training and home modification intervention for older people with a risk of falling by using a systematic approach. Implications include how this intervention could enrich occupational therapy fall prevention strategy in older people living at home.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONFalls in older people represent a major public health concern and occupational therapists in rehabilitation practice are encouraged to apply evidence-based interventions that reduce the risk of falls in older people living in a community.Many physical and environmental fall risks are modifiable by lifestyle changes such as physical exercise training, home safety assessment, and home modification. We developed a home-based balance and strength exercise training and home modification intervention that aims to improve strength, balance, and home safety.This study indicates that older people, at risk of falling, with functional limitations, and limited mobility, who participated in the FIT-at-Home intervention, felt that exercising at home suited them best.

An Investigation of Occupational Therapists' and Physical Therapists' Perspectives on the Process of Change That Occurs among Clients during Rehabilitation, Including Their Use of Response Shift and Transformative Learning

Purpose: A significant change in one's health status creates a process of change that has an impact on one's health-related quality of life. This process has been conceptualized in several theories, including response shift (RS) and transformative learning (TL). The purpose of this study was to investigate occupational therapists' and physical therapists' perspectives on the process of change that occurs in clients during rehabilitation. Method: An interpretive description approach guided this study. Five profession-specific focus groups were conducted. Participants were asked about their ideas, thoughts, and understanding of processes of change. Focus group discussions were recorded and transcribed. Data analysis was carried out using both inductive and deductive methods. Results: Participants were 14 physiotherapists and nine occupational therapists with 5-30 years of experience in rehabilitation settings. Participants recognized personal change in clients and noted that it involves many steps. They tried to facilitate this change by identifying signs of readiness. Without using theory-specific terminology, participants described observing and using concepts of RS and TL. Conclusions: Occupational therapists and physiotherapists play an important role in helping people learn to live with their chronic illnesses and disabilities. Further studies are needed to investigate how therapists can facilitate the process of change, including using RS and TL concepts and how this facilitation could improve clients' health-related quality of life.

Falls prevention for people with dementia: a knowledge translation intervention

Purpose

Strong evidence exists for falls prevention, yet uptake of strategies can be fragmented and limited. For people with dementia, adoption of strategies may be impacted by changes in memory and planning. This paper describes the findings of a knowledge translation intervention for adoption of falls prevention strategies for people with dementia.

Methods

Twenty-five dyads (people with dementia and their caregivers) participated in this mixed method intervention. The Knowledge to Action framework guided: collation of existing evidence into a useable format; identification of individual issues; understanding context; and evaluation of change over time. Demographic details, functional status, dementia severity, activity level, self-efficacy, falls risk and readiness to change behaviour were collected at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Goal setting and action planning using a discussion tool drove implementation.

Results

Falls rates were 5.4 falls per 1000 days for the 12-month period, with no significant change in functional capacity or self-efficacy. There was a non-significant trend towards reduced falls risk. Readiness to change behaviour for falls risk increased from 84% to 96% by 6 months, with most moving from contemplation into action ( n = 16), or preparation into action ( n = 36), with adoption of strategies high (82%).

Conclusion

Engagement with the person with dementia and their caregiver, through identification of their needs and preferences, and enabling choice resulted in high adoption of falls prevention strategies.

Background characteristics and treatment-related factors associated with treatment success or failure in a non-pharmacological intervention for dementia caregivers

BACKGROUND

Non-pharmacological interventions for persons with dementia often rely on family caregivers for implementation. However, caregivers differ in their readiness to use strategies. This study examines dyadic characteristics and treatment-related mechanisms associated with treatment success (high readiness to use strategies) and failure (low readiness to use strategies) at the conclusion of the Advancing Caregiver Training (ACT) intervention.

METHODS

Caregiver and person with dementia characteristics and treatment-related variables (treatment participation, number and type of strategies introduced and enacted) were examined in 110 caregivers in intervention. Interventionists rated readiness (1=precontemplation; 2=contemplation; 3=preparation; 4=action) of caregivers to use strategies at the final ACT session. Univariate analyses examined dyadic characteristics, and Multiple Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA) and Analyses of Covariance (ANCOVA) examined treatment-related factors associated with readiness to use strategies at treatment completion.

RESULTS

At treatment completion, 28.2% (N=31) scored in pre-action and 71.8% (N=79) at action. Caregivers at pre-action readiness levels were more likely than those at action to be a spouse, report greater financial difficulties and be managing fewer problem behaviors. Although both groups were introduced an equivalent number of non-pharmacological strategies, caregivers at pre-action were less likely than those at action to report enacting strategies.

CONCLUSIONS

Certain dyadic characteristics and treatment-related factors were associated with treatment failure including financial strain and lack of strategy integration. Findings suggest that developing intervention components to address financial concerns and increase opportunities for practicing strategies and then using them between treatment sessions may be important for caregivers at risk of treatment failure.

Impact of caregiver readiness on outcomes of a nonpharmacological intervention to address behavioral symptoms in persons with dementia

BACKGROUND

Previous research shows that nonpharmacological strategies may effectively manage behavioral symptoms (agitation, wandering) in persons with dementia and improve caregiver wellbeing. However, strategies depend upon caregivers for their implementation. We examine the impact of caregiver readiness to use nonpharmacological strategies on treatment outcomes.

METHODS

Data were from a randomized trial involving 110 family caregivers in the treatment group which received nonpharmacologic strategies for managing behavioral symptoms. Interventionists rated caregiver readiness to use nonpharmacologic strategies as pre-action (precontemplation, contemplation, preparation) or action at treatment initiation and conclusion. Caregivers in pre-action and action stages by treatment conclusion (16 weeks) were compared on proximal (frequency of, and caregiver upset and confidence with targeted behaviors) and more distal (caregiver burden and wellbeing) outcomes at 16 and 24-week follow-ups.

RESULTS

By treatment conclusion, 28.2% (n = 31) and 71.8% (n = 79) of caregivers were rated at pre-action and action respectively. Means for proximal outcomes differed between the groups at 16 and 24 weeks; those at action showed greater improvement on all proximal and distal outcomes. Hierarchical regressions showed significant relationships of readiness to targeted outcomes. By 24 weeks, caregiver readiness predicted lower frequency estimates of targeted behaviors (β = -.180, p = .041) and higher confidence (β = .27, p = .009). Readiness was not a significant predictor of caregiver burden and wellbeing at 16 or 24 weeks.

CONCLUSION

By treatment conclusion, >25% of participants were not activated to use nonpharmacologic strategies. Activated caregivers reported greater decline in distressing behavioral symptoms, and more confidence than non-activated participants. Activation is needed to impact behavioral management but not other caregiver outcomes. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Factors Affecting Readiness for Low Vision Interventions in Older Adults

OBJECTIVE

We sought to identify factors that facilitate and inhibit readiness for low vision interventions in people with vision loss, conceptualized as readiness for change in the way they perform daily activities.

METHOD

We conducted 10 semistructured interviews with older adults with low vision and analyzed the results using grounded theory concepts.

RESULTS

Themes involving factors that facilitated change included desire to maintain or regain independence, positive attitude, and presence of formal social support. Themes related to barriers to change included limited knowledge of options and activity not a priority. Themes that acted as both barriers and facilitators were informal social support and community resources.

CONCLUSION

This study provides insight into readiness to make changes in behavior and environment in older adults with vision loss. Study findings can help occupational therapy practitioners practice client-centered care more effectively and promote safe and satisfying daily living activity performance in this population.

Factors associated with caregiver readiness to use nonpharmacologic strategies to manage dementia-related behavioral symptoms

BACKGROUND

Nonpharmacologic strategies to manage dementia-related behavioral symptoms depend upon caregiver implementation. Caregivers may vary in readiness to use strategies. We examined characteristics associated with readiness, extent readiness changed during intervention, and predictors of change in readiness.

METHODS

Data came from a randomized trial involving 119 caregivers in a nonpharmacologic intervention for managing behavioral symptoms. Baseline measures included caregiver, patient, and treatment-related factors. At initial (2 weeks from baseline) and final (16 weeks) intervention sessions, interventionists rated caregiver readiness as pre-action (precontemplation = 1; contemplation = 2; preparation = 3) or action (= 4). Ordinal logistic regression identified baseline characteristics associated with initial readiness. Mc Nemar-Bowker test of symmetry described change in readiness; binary logistic regression identified baseline predictors of change in readiness (initial to final sessions). One-way multivariate analysis of variance identified treatment factors (dose/intensity, number of strategies used, perceived benefits, and therapeutic engagement) associated with change in readiness.

RESULTS

At initial intervention session, 67.2% (N = 80) of caregivers were in pre-action and 32.8% (N = 39) in action. Initial high readiness was associated with better caregiver mood, less financial difficulty, lower patient cognition, and more behavioral symptoms. By final session, 72% (N = 79) were in action and 28% (N = 31) in pre-action; caregivers with less financial difficulty improved in readiness (B = -0.70, p = 0.017); those in action were more therapeutically engaged (F[2,107] = 3.61, p = 0.030) and perceived greater intervention benefits (F[2, 88] = 6.06, p = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

Whereas patient and caregiver-related factors were associated with initial readiness, financial stability, therapeutic engagement, and perceived benefits enhanced probability of change. Understanding caregiver readiness and factors associated with its change may be important considerations in nonpharmacologic interventions.

Current occupational therapy publications in home health: a scoping review

PURPOSE

Recently, home health services have been a topic of increasing interest. Occupational therapy practice and utilization patterns in home care have not been the subject of recent research.

METHOD

I examined 65 publications addressing current occupational therapy practice in U.S. home health. Articles were analyzed to uncover factors influencing occupational therapy utilization and practice.

RESULTS

Results indicate that research has looked at a variety of typologies and efficacy measures for occupational therapy in home care. However, occupational therapy utilization and practice patterns in home health do not appear to be entirely consistent with research. I identify factors explaining this inconsistency and make research and practice recommendations.

CONCLUSION

Results suggest that system challenges limit the utilization and practice of occupational therapy to deliver expected outcomes in home health practice.

Readiness to use compensatory strategies among older adults with functional difficulties

BACKGROUND

Compensatory strategies (behavioral/environmental modifications) can reduce the difficulties of performing daily living activities, fear of falling, and mortality risk. However, individuals vary in their readiness to use strategies. We examined characteristics associated with readiness to use compensatory strategies, the extent to which level of readiness changed from participation in an intervention (Advancing Better Living for Elders (ABLE)) providing compensatory strategies, and factors predictive of change in readiness level.

METHODS

Data from a randomized trial were used. Participants were 148 older adults assigned to the ABLE intervention designed to enhance daily function through compensatory strategy use. Baseline measures included demographic characteristics, functional difficulty level, presence/absence of depressive symptoms, compensatory strategy use, and social support. At initial (2 weeks from baseline) and final (6 months) ABLE sessions, interventionists rated readiness (1 = precontemplation; 2 = contemplation; 3 = preparation; 4 = action/maintenance) of participants to use strategies. Ordinal logistic regression was used to identify baseline characteristics associated with initial readiness rating. A McNemar-Bowker test of symmetry was used to describe change in readiness, and binary logistic regression was used to identify baseline predictors of change in readiness (from initial to final intervention session).

RESULTS

At the initial intervention session, 70.3% (N = 104) scored in pre-action (precontemplation/contemplation, preparation), and 29.7% (N = 44) in action/maintenance. Depressive symptomatology (χ2(2) = 9.08, p = 0.011) and low compensatory strategy use (F(2, 147) = 8.44, p = 0.001) at baseline were associated with lower readiness levels at initial ABLE session. By final ABLE session, most participants demonstrated greater readiness: 72% (N = 105) in action/maintenance, 28% (N = 41) in pre-action (two participants dropped out). A significant baseline predictor of positive change in readiness (from initial to final session) was higher social support levels (b = 0.10, SE = 0.05, Wald = 4.98, p = 0.026).

CONCLUSION

Whereas presence of depressive symptomatology and lower use of compensatory strategies at baseline were associated with lower readiness at initial intervention session, neither predicted change in readiness level. Thus, mood and prior compensatory strategy use do not effect enhancements in readiness to use strategies provided in an intervention. Baseline social support was the strongest predictor of change in readiness suggesting that interventions may need to involve older adults' social networks to enhance acceptability of compensatory strategy use.

Intentions of older homebound women to reduce the risk of falling again

PURPOSE

Researchers have tested interventions to prevent recurrent falls for older people without exploring their intentions to prevent another fall. Lack of knowledge about such intentions is an impediment to intervention effectiveness. The purpose was to describe intentions to prevent another fall as discerned during a study with older homebound women.

METHODS

Data were obtained during a series of four in-home interviews over 18 months with monthly telephone contacts between interviews; fall history was updated at each contact. A descriptive phenomenological method was used to analyze data.

FINDINGS

Of the 40 women, 36 (aged 85 to 98 years) had fallen at home at least once before enrolling in the study, or had a subsequent or initial fall during the study. The overall intention was reducing my risk of falling again at home, with its components figuring out the reason that I fell and changing my ways to reduce my risk of falling again at home. Most women explained reasons for a fall and voiced intentions to prevent a similar fall. Women who viewed falls as unexpected events were uncertain that they could prevent a fall or felt unable to do so and voiced few preventive intentions. A few women voiced generalized preventive intentions to change health-related behaviors or habits.

CONCLUSIONS

Most intentions were tied directly to the situation in which a fall had occurred. Such specificity could limit effectiveness of personal efforts to prevent falls in other situations.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Practitioners should converse with older women who have fallen about their intentions to prevent another fall and weigh the need to help them generalize both the risk of falling again and their risk reduction intentions.

Reducing my risk of intrusion: an intention of old homebound women who live alone

BACKGROUND

In assessing home safety for older persons, nurses have checked home security or assessed fear of crime but neglected to explore intentions to reduce the risk of intrusion.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the intentions of old homebound women relative to reducing the risk of intrusion.

METHODS

A descriptive phenomenological method was used. The 40 participants (aged 85-98 years, M = 89.6) met criteria for age, living alone, and homebound status. Over 18 months, a series of tape-recorded interviews was completed, focusing on perceptions about changes in feeling safe at home and precautions to prevent the need to reaching help quickly. Data analyzed were drawn from interviews with the 32 women who reported intentions to reduce intrusion risk.

FINDINGS

Feeling safe in-place was contextual to recognizing intrusion risk and intentions to reduce the risk. Most women denied a recent change in feeling safe but reported intentions to reduce intrusion risk. The nine women who reported feeling less safe referred to various personal-social situations as explanatory. The five components of the phenomenon were keeping watch here, keeping out of harm's way here, preventing theft and vandalism here, discouraging people who might want to get in here, and keeping intruders out of here. Each component phenomenon was the umbrella for a variety of specific intentions to reduce intrusion risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Each woman was intending to reduce intrusion risk in unique ways. When conducting home safety assessments, nurses should explore intentions to reduce intrusion risk and use that information as a basis for individualized interventions to promote safety, rather than relying on generic suggestions such as locking the door.