Successful aging in place could hinge on access to nursing services to identify illnesses early and quickly, according to a new study by AARP.
Researchers at the University of Missouri analyzed health data from 2011 to 2019 for nearly 200 residents at TigerPlace, a senior living community developed in partnership with MU School of Nursing and Americare Senior Living. Researchers found most of the older adults were able to stay healthier longer and age in place at the senior living community because registered nurse care coordinators were able to quickly diagnose illnesses and provide residents with appropriate care. The care provided reduced the need to transfer the seniors to nursing homes for more intensive levels of care.
Registered nurses performed assessments on the residents every six months related to cognitive function, depression, completing daily tasks and fall risks. Some residents also chose noninvasive motion, bed and depth sensors to track their level of activity, fall detection, respiratory and heart rate. Changes in those activities could raise a red flag to illness such as pneumonia and urinary tract infections early, so interventions could begin as quickly as possible.
“The benefits of both the regular health assessments and use of non-invasive sensors helped to keep them steady as they age comfortably,” Lori Popejoy, lead author on the study and an associate professor in the MU Sinclair School of Nursing, said in a press release. “The goal is to identify slight declines in health as early as possible so the right services can be put into place, whether it is connecting them with a doctor, beginning therapy or starting treatment for depression, whatever is needed based off the assessments.”
TigerPlace offers individual senior apartments with recreational benefits, such as fitness centers, live music performances, sports bars and other group activities. Popejoy said regular exercise and socialization were also key to keeping the residents fit, both physically and mentally.
Still, many of the nation’s 72 million aging baby boomers have indicated they plan to remain in their own homes as they age. An AARP study last year found 77% of people 50 and older want to remain independent at home, however they define it. Their large numbers are creating new opportunities for payers and providers to keep older adults healthy at home. Last week, CVS Health announced it will provide virtual primary care to members of its wholly owned Aetna insurance plans, select private insurance plans, and Caremark clients. Mobile primary care service provider DocGo has partnered with Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, and some Medicare Advantage plans are offering in-depth personal health assessments in seniors’ homes.
See more coverage of this study in sister publication McKnight’s Senior Living.
