Toe Grip Strength and Its Related Factors among Older Adults Receiving Services from Home-visiting Caregivers

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to measure toe grip strength (TGS) and identify its related factors among older adults receiving services from home-visiting caregivers. It is necessary to investigate TGS to develop fall prevention programs because the chance of falling at home increases among older adults.Methods: Data were gathered from 91 older adults enrolled in six home-visiting care centers located in C city. Six trained social workers at each center visited older adults’ homes and gathered data between March 29 and April 15, 2021.Results: There were significant differences in TGS by gender (t=2.15, p=.035), age (r=-.28, p=.006), education level (F=6.69, p<.001), living arrangement (F=6.13, p=.003), and diabetes mellitus (DM) (t=-2.50, p=.014). Levels of TGS were significantly correlated with self-rated health status (r=.28, p=.08), satisfaction with daily life together (r=.28, p=.007), and number of falls (r=-.22, p=.035). TGS was influenced by being educated(high school and beyond) (β=.28, p=.004), living with a spouse only (β=.26, p=.009), having DM (β=.23, p=.015), and satisfaction with doing daily life together with caregivers (β=.21, p=.030). The regression model explained 25% of study participants’ TGS.Conclusion: TGS among Korean older adults receiving services from home-visiting caregivers was low. At-home fall prevention programs must develop for the older population. Home-visiting caregivers must take key roles to strengthen older adults’ TGS and prevent their falls.