INTEGRATING OLDER ADULTS BACK INTO THE COMMUNITY: THE IMPACT OF COMPREHENSIVE CASE MANAGEMENT

摘要

A primary contributor to the quality of life for any individual is their ability to remain independent and in their homes for as long as possible. Home-based, case management is increasingly used to reintegrate older adults in to the community and assists in maximizing their health outcomes and efficiency. In-home case management services have also shown positive health outcomes such as reduced isolation and depression, lower frequency of hospitalizations, delay in institutionalization, and an increase in program satisfaction. This presentation will highlight an evidence-based model of care coordination that was designed to assist in the re-integration of 175 older adults discharged from long-term care facilities to community-based housing. Participants were independently housed in a new residential facility and a wide array of case management services, health interventions and home-based services were offered on-site. A quasi-experimental, longitudinal study evaluated the impact of these services and programs on the health and quality of life of the participants. Residents who enrolled in the case management program (n=35) and those who refused services (n=14) were interviewed upon entry into the independent residence and again after 8 months. Those receiving case management services reported statistically significant reductions in hospital visits (p<0.01), increased social support (p<0.001), enhanced life satisfaction (p<0.001) and a decrease in social isolation (p<0.001). Focus group sessions with residents receiving case management services revealed greater confidence in living independently and handling one’s personal matters, as well as an increase in self-esteem and hope.