Elderly Nursing Home Residents Research Articles

Estimating the height of elderly nursing home residents: Which equation to use?

Estimating equations can be used when measuring the height of elderly persons is not possible. However, such methods are not always applicable; therefore, it is necessary to consider several aspects, such as sex, age, and ethnicity of the studied population to generate these equations. This study aimed to compare and validate methods of estimating the height of the Brazilian elderly nursing home residents. An accuracy study was conducted with 168 elderly persons. A total of 23 equations were quantitatively evaluated by plotting the differences in means, the Student’s t-test for paired samples, the coefficient of determination (R2), the root-mean-square error (RMSE), the interclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and by graphic analysis of the residuals. A significance value of p <0.05 was adopted. An equation was considered applicable when it had R2 >0.7, the lowest RMSE among the equations evaluated, ICC >0.7, and a confidence interval of 95%, with the smallest difference between the upper and lower limits. A greater mean height was noted among younger elderly persons and elderly men compared to up to 80 years and women elderly. Quantitative analysis revealed that equation for Puerto Ricans, using knee height and age, was the most applicable for the overall population (ICC = 0.802). The same equation was applicable for the elderly Brazilian male participants (ICC = 0.838) and for those aged 60–69 years (ICC = 0.895). None of the equations used were applicable for the height estimation of elderly women or individuals aged 70 years or more.

Factors influencing the quality of life among Indonesian elderly

Purpose In spite of being a significant public health concern, quality of life (QoL) amongst elderly in nursing home (NH) settings is rarely analyzed. The purpose of this paper is to examine the level of QoL and factors influencing QoL amongst elderly NH residents in Indonesia. Design/methodology/approach A survey was conducted amongst 181 elderly at three NHs in three districts in Yogyakarta province, Indonesia. Purposive sampling was used for the study site and sample collection. Face-to-face interviews were performed using the WHO Quality of Life BREF Indonesian version questionnaire to assess elderly QoL. Multivariate linear regression was performed to determine the factors influencing the QoL amongst elderly NH residents. Findings The response rate was 66.3 percent. A total of 64.1 percent of elderly had a fair level of QoL, whereas 16.6 percent still had a poor level of QoL. A total of 86.7 percent of elderly lived in an NH due to compulsion, and more than half (53.6 percent) perceived inadequacy of care. The QoL was significantly low amongst those who live in NHs due to compulsion, no social support resources, not receiving any kind of support, having three chronic diseases and perceived inadequacy of care (p&lt;0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that perceived adequacy of care reasons for living in NH was associated with QoL (p&lt;0.001). Originality/value Perceived adequacy of care and reason for living in an NH were highlighted as predictors of QoL amongst elderly NH residents. Improving adequate healthcare services and developing treatment strategies to enforce the adaptation process is required in order to maintain the QoL in elderly NH residents.

Exercise beliefs and contributing factors among elderly nursing home residents

Background/Aims: Despite the benefits of exercise for older adults, elderly nursing home residents remain largely inactive. This study examined differences in outcome expectations for exercise, and self-efficacy for exercise between older adults in nursing home care, and older adults in the community. We also assessed the association between these exercise beliefs and participants' physical, psychological and medical conditions. Methods: A total of 22 nursing home residents and 20 community-dwelling older adults completed the Outcome Expectations for Exercise Scale, and the Self-Efficacy for Exercise Scale. Findings: Outcome expectations did not differ between the groups (P=0.78). Self-efficacy for exercise was significantly lower among nursing home residents than in community-dwelling older adults (P=&lt;0.01). Findings indicate that the presence of depressive symptoms were significantly associated with poor exercise beliefs in older adults. Conclusions: Self-efficacy and psychological health could be targets of interventions to increase older adults' exercise participation.

Psychometric properties of the Persian version of the nutritional form for the elderly (NUFFE) in nursing home residents.

Background: The Nutritional Form for the Elderly (NUFFE) is a newly developed tool. This study aimed to carry out a psychometric evaluation of the Persian version of NUFFE (NUFFE-P) among nursing home residents. Methods: Nursing home participant’s aged ≥ 60 years (n=97) were enrolled. The inclusion criteria were residency for at least 6 months in the nursing home, and ability to communicate. Exclusion criteria included cognitive impairment, having depressed mood, severe hearing loss, problems in upper and lower extremities also, history of hospital admission during 6 months before enrollment. Anthropometric measures, laboratory tests, three-day food intake, NUFFE-P version, Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), Barthel Index (BI) and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) were assessed. The relationship between the NUFFE-P and MNA scores was considered as concurrent validity. Results: The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of NUFFE-P tool was 0.76. The intraclass correlation coefficient for the total score between two raters obtained 0.98 (CI 0.97-0.99). The correlation coefficient between the NUFFE-P and the MNA scores was -0.75 (p<0.01). Four factors were extracted for the NUFFE-P in an exploratory factor analyses. Sensitivity 69.8% and 100% and specificity 75.7% and 85.6% were achieved to detect elderly at medium risk (cutoff=6), and at high risk of under-nutrition (cutoff=11) respectively. Conclusion: The NUFFE-P has sufficient psychometric properties in nutritional status screening among the Iranian elderly nursing homes residents.

Mini Nutritional Assessment and its Correlation With Elderly Nursing Home Residents in Khorramabad, Iran

Mini Nutritional Assessment and its Correlation With Elderly Nursing Home Residents in Khorramabad, Iran

Effectiveness of Training the Review of Life on Life Satisfaction and Sense of Coherence Middle-aged women and elderly nursing home residents in Qazvin

Effectiveness of Training the Review of Life on Life Satisfaction and Sense of Coherence Middle-aged women and elderly nursing home residents in Qazvin

The Prevalence of Sarcopenia in Chinese Elderly Nursing Home Residents: A Comparison of 4 Diagnostic Criteria

ObjectivesTo investigate the prevalence and associated factors of sarcopenia defined by different criteria in nursing home residents. DesignA cross-sectional study. SettingFour nursing homes in Chengdu, China. ParticipantsElderly adults aged 65 years or older. MeasurementsWe applied 4 diagnostic criteria [European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP), Asia Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS), International Working Group on Sarcopenia (IWGS), and Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH)] to define sarcopenia. Muscle mass, strength, and function were measured based on bioimpedance analysis, handgrip strength, and walking speed, respectively. Nutrition status, activities of daily living, calf circumference (CC), and other covariates were evaluated. ResultsWe included 277 participants. The prevalence of sarcopenia was 32.5%, 34.3%, 38.3%, and 31.4% according to the EWGSOP, AWGS, IWGS, and FNIH criteria, respectively. Fifty-eight participants (20.9%) were sarcopenic by all the 4 criteria. Regardless of the diagnostic criteria of sarcopenia, malnutrition was independently associated with sarcopenia [EWGSOP: odds ratio (OR) 4.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05-15.39; IWGS: OR 2.46, 95% CI 1.23-4.90; AWGS: OR 3.29, 95% CI 1.49-7.28; FNIH: OR 4.52, 95% CI 1.28-16.00], whereas CC was negatively associated with sarcopenia [EWGSOP: OR per standard deviation (SD) 0.32, 95% CI 0.20-0.52; IWGS: OR per SD 0.26, 95% CI 0.15-0.43; AWGS: OR per SD 0.32, 95% CI 0.19-0.52; FNIH: OR per SD 0.39, 95% CI 0.25-0.60]. Furthermore, falls ≥1 time in the past year were associated with AWGS-defined sarcopenia (OR 2.92, 95% CI 1.04-8.22). Conclusion/ImplicationsSarcopenia is highly prevalent in elderly Chinese nursing home residents regardless of the diagnostic criteria. Malnutrition and CC are associated with sarcopenia defined by different criteria. Therefore, it is important to assess sarcopenia and malnutrition in the management of nursing home residents. Prospective studies addressing the outcomes of sarcopenia in nursing home residents are warranted.

Unexplained absence resulting in deaths of nursing home residents in Australia-A 13-year retrospective study.

To examine deaths of Australian nursing home (NH) residents following an unexplained absence. Population based cross-sectional study was conducted using coronial data from the National Coronial Information System. Participants are residents of accredited NHs if death followed an unexplained absence and was reported to the Coroner between July 1, 2000 and June 30, 2013. Individual, organisational, environmental, and unexplained absence event factors were extracted from coronial records. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Of 21672 NH deaths, 24 (0.1%) followed an unexplained absence. This comprised 17 unintentional external (injury-related) causes and 7 natural cause deaths. Drowning was the most frequent external cause of death (59%, n=10). Deaths occurred more frequently in males (83.3%, n=20), and in the age group 85-94years (37.5%, n=9). The majority of NH residents, for whom data were available (n=15), had a diagnosis of dementia (86.7%, n=13). Most residents were found in waterways (41.7%, n=10). Median distance travelled was 0.5km (IQR: 0.25-2.4km), with almost 70% of residents found within 1.0km of their NH. Most residents left the NH by foot (88.2%, n=15). Half of the residents were found within 6hours of time last seen (median: 6hours, 40minutes; IQR: 6.0-11.45hours). Unexplained absences in elderly NH residents are a relatively common event. This study provides valuable information for aged care providers, governments, and search and rescue teams, and should contribute to debates about balancing issues of safety with independence.

HU2 - Cognitive Decline with Anticholinergic Medication Use Among Elderly Nursing Home Residents with Depression

HU2 - Cognitive Decline with Anticholinergic Medication Use Among Elderly Nursing Home Residents with Depression

Prevalence and risk factors of depression among Indonesian elderly: A nursing home-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe burden of depressive elderly is high globally. However, nursing home-based studies on prevalence and risk factors of depression are scarce due to feasibility and difficulties in data collection. MethodsThis cross sectional study was conducted at three nursing homes (NHs) in three districts in Yogyakarta province, Indonesia. A total of 181 elderly NH residents aged ≥60 were recruited purposively. Information regarding socio-demographics, health-related characteristics and social support among respondents were collected by a modified questionnaire through face-to-face interviews. A short form Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) Indonesian version was employed to assess levels of depression. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the data. ResultsOverall, the prevalence of geriatric depression was assessed to be at 42.5% (31.5% in women and 11% in men). Risk factors that were found to be significantly associated with depression in the univariate analysis were female, none or lack of social support, had ≥3 chronic diseases, and perceived inadequacy of care. In the multivariate analysis, perceived inadequacy of care remained significant risk factor for depression amongst the elderly NH residents. LimitationsBesides a number of important variables were determined by self-report, the used sampling technique was purposive. In addition, the elderly who had severe cognitive impairment or dementia and were not able to communicate meaningfully were excluded from this study. ConclusionsThe prevalence rates of depression were relatively high among elderly NH residents in our study area. Adequate health services are needed in order to reduce the risk of depression among elderly NH residents.

Investigating the effect of multisensory stimulation on depression and anxiety of the elderly nursing home residents: A randomized controlled trial.

The aim was to determine the effect of multisensory stimulation (MSS) on the depression and anxiety status among nursing home-dwelling elderly people in Ahvaz, Iran. This clinical trial study conducted on 28 old people living in nursing homes in Ahvaz, who were divided into two groups of intervention and control. The interventions included sensory stimulations of touch, sound, and sight for 4 weeks and 3 sessions weekly and 25 min per each session. The mean depression and anxiety scores of the intervention group before and after the intervention were 14.5 ± 5.5 and 10.1 ± 5.3 and, 9.6 ± 8.1 and 6.1 ± 6.2, respectively. MSS could improve the condition of depression and anxiety in the elderly nursing home residents.

The effect of religious intervention on depressive symptoms and quality of life among Indonesian elderly in nursing homes: A quasi-experimental study.

PurposeThis study aimed to investigate the effect of religious intervention on depressive symptoms and quality of life (QOL) among Indonesian elderly in nursing homes (NHs).Patients and methodsThis was a quasi-experimental study with repeated measures. Sixty elderly residents at three NHs in three districts in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, with the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) score of 5–11 were recruited and purposively assigned to the religious intervention group (combining 36 sessions of listening to Qur’anic recital and 3 sessions of attending a sermon by a preacher, n=30) and the control group (treatment as usual/TAU, n=30). The primary outcome was depression, measured by a short form GDS questionnaire. The QOL as the secondary outcome was assessed by the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL)-BREF Indonesian version. Both groups were evaluated at the baseline, 4th, 8th, and 12th week after the interventions were performed.ResultsIn both groups, there were statistically significant reductions in depression scores after the 12-week intervention (P<0.001). There was also a statistically significant improvement in QOL mean scores in both intervention and control groups at the 12-week post-intervention. However, the religious intervention group showed a greater decrease in depressive symptoms and a greater improvement in the QOL mean scores than those in the control group. There was a statistically significant difference in geriatric depression and QOL mean scores between groups at the 4th, 8th, and 12th week post-interventions.ConclusionsIt can be concluded that religious-based intervention has a greater impact on relieving depressive symptoms and increasing the QOL amongst elderly NH residents.

Erratum to "Characterizations of oral microbiota in elderly nursing home residents with diabetes".

The publisher regrets that in the above-mentioned article, there was an error in the list of references. The reference numbers "29-32" should be "28-31".

The influence of dietary habits and the intake of fermented milk containing Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota on bowel habits in elderly nursing home residents

The influence of dietary habits and the intake of fermented milk containing <i>Lactobacillus casei</i> strain Shirota on bowel habits in elderly nursing home residents

Thiamine Concentrations in Newly Hospitalized Elderly Patients with Infectious Diseases at a Community Hospital in Japan.

The association between advanced age and the thiamine concentration has not been conclusively determined. A recent report from Japan showed that more than half of nursing home elderly residents at an institution had a low whole-blood thiamine concentration (<20 ng/mL). Therefore, a high incidence of low thiamine concentrations among hospitalized elderly has been anticipated in the Japanese population but never investigated. We evaluated the whole thiamine concentration in newly hospitalized elderly patients (≥65 y old) with infectious diseases. Evaluations were performed on admission and at days 6-8 of hospitalization with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). As a result, we enrolled a total of 471 patients from September 2015 to December 2016. The median thiamine concentration was 46 ng/mL (IQR, 37-58 ng/mL). Only 7 patients (1%) had thiamine concentrations below 20 ng/mL (66 nmol/L) on admission. Five of these patients were bedridden and unable to eat food by themselves, and the other two patients used loop diuretics for chronic heart failure. The thiamine concentration declined in most patients (84%) at days 6-8 of admission, regardless of their dietary intake during hospitalization. In conclusion, a low thiamine concentration was not prevalent among newly hospitalized elderly patients with infectious diseases. However, the thiamine concentration significantly decreased during the 6-8 d of hospitalization.

Serum Cardiac Troponin T Levels in Asymptomatic Elderly Nursing Home Residents

BackgroundThe definition of myocardial infarction relies on elevated troponin levels. However, elevated levels of high sensitive cardiac troponin (hs-cTnT) assays have been reported in elderly patients without acute myocardial infarction. We sought to determine whether elevated hs-cTnT levels have a prognostic value in stable elderly subjects without any acute illness. MethodsThe study cohort included residents of a nursing home who were asymptomatic without any acute medical problem. Serum hs-cTnT levels were measured, and participants were divided into high and low hs-cTnT groups. We measured hs-cTnT levels of young healthy volunteers as well and compared them with hs-cTnT levels of those nursing home residents. ResultsFifty-seven nursing home residents and 14 young volunteers were included in the study. The average age of nursing home residents was 83 ± 14 years, compared with 37 ± 3 years of the volunteers. Levels of hs-cTnT were significantly higher in the elderly compared with the volunteers (0.02 ± 0.016 ng/mL vs 0.005 ± 0.0003 ng/mL; P < .001); accordingly, we chose a cutoff of 0.02 ng/mL hs-cTnT and divided the 57 patients into 2 subgroups for further evaluation. After adjustment for age, gender, and glomerular filtration rate, the hs-cTnT was still an independent predictor of 1-year mortality (relative risk 2.04 [95% conficence interval, 2.009-29.45], P = .003). ConclusionsMild elevations of hs-cTnT levels are common in elderly patients, and hs-cTnT level is an independent marker of mortality risk in this population. For patients older than 70 years, a different hs-cTnT cutoff is required (eg, higher than 0.014 ng/mL).

Associations between skin barrier characteristics, skin conditions and health of aged nursing home residents: a multi-center prevalence and correlational study

BackgroundGeriatric patients are affected by a range of skin conditions and dermatological diseases, functional limitations and chronic diseases. Skin problems are highly prevalent in elderly populations. Aim of this study was to investigate possible associations between health, functional and cutaneous variables in aged long-term care residents.MethodsThis observational, cross-sectional, descriptive prevalence study was conducted in a random sample of 10 institutional long-term care facilities in Berlin. In total, n = 223 residents were included. Demographic and functional characteristics, xerosis cutis, incontinence associated dermatitis, pressure ulcers and skin tears were assessed. Stratum corneum hydration, transepidermal water loss, skin surface pH and skin temperature were measured. Data analysis was descriptive and explorative. To explore possible bivariate associations, a correlation matrix was created. The correlation matrix was also used to detect possible collinearity in the subsequent regression analyses.ResultsMean age (n = 223) was 83.6 years, 67.7% were female. Most residents were affected by xerosis cutis (99.1%; 95% CI: 97.7% - 100.0%). The prevalence of pressure ulcers was 9.0% (95% CI: 5.0% - 13.0%), of incontinence associated dermatitis 35.4% (95% CI: 29.9% - 42.2%) and of skin tears 6.3% (95% CI: 3.2% - 9.5%). Biophysical skin parameters were not associated with overall care dependency, but with age and skin dryness. In general, skin dryness and measured skin barrier parameters were associated between arms and legs indicating similar overall skin characteristics of the residents.ConclusionPrevalence of xerosis cutis, pressure ulcers and skin tears were high, indicating the load of these adverse skin conditions in this population. Only few associations of demographic characteristics, skin barrier impairments and the occurrence of dry skin, pressure ulcers, skin tears and incontinence-associated dermatitis have been detected, that might limit the diagnostic value of skin barrier parameters in this population. Overall, the measured skin barrier parameters seem to have limited diagnostic value for the reported skin conditions except xerosis cutis.Trial registrationThis study is registered at https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02216526. Registration date: 8th November 2014.

Disability and its influence in nutritional assessment tools in elderly people living in nursing homes.

Poor nutritional status is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, especially in older people. The aim of this study was to assess nutritional status in elderly nursing home residents with different nutritional test, and to determine which parameters used for nutritional assessment can be carried out in this population, which usually have a high prevalence of functionally dependent residents. A cross-sectional study was performed in 383 elderly. The nutritional assessment tools used were the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), the new ESPEN consensus definition of malnutrition, and the tool for Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT). Moreover, the ability to perform basic activities of daily living was assessed with the Barthel index (BI). According to BI, 78.9% had a total dependence and only 20.9% could be weighed and heighed. The prevalence of malnutrition with MNA, ESPEN and CONUT was 21.3%, 17.6% and 20.7%, respectively. The agreement between MNA vs ESPEN criteria was moderate (kappa = 0.483), but with CONUT was low. Nursing homes had a high percentage of totally dependent residents. This high degree of functional dependence made difficult to obtain some anthropometric parameters such as weight and height, which are essential to carry out most nutritional tests. MNA, CONUT and the new ESPEN criteria of malnutrition showed a high prevalence of malnutrition and risk of malnutrition in subjects in which they could be performed.

Effects of protease-treated royal jelly on muscle strength in elderly nursing home residents: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-response study

Although we have found that protease-treated royal jelly (pRJ) benefit for the skeletal muscle mass and strength in the aged animals, the potential beneficial effects have not been evaluated in humans. The aim of this study was to determine whether pRJ intake had beneficial effects on muscle strength in elderly nursing home residents. One hundred and ninety-four subjects enrolled into this multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Subjects received either placebo(Group 1), pRJ 1.2 g/d(Group 2), or 4.8 g/d(Group 3). Data through 1 year are reported for 163 subjects. The primary outcome measure is handgrip strength. Secondary outcomes include several physical performance tests (six-minute walk test, timed up and go test, and standing on one leg with eyes closed). The dropout rate was 16.0%. The means (95% confidence interval) of change in handgrip strength for placebo, low-dose, and high-dose groups are −0.98(−2.04,0.08), 0.50(−0.65,1.65) and 1.03(−0.37,2.44) kg (P = 0.06, P for trend = 0.02), respectively. No significant effects of the interventions were observed for physical performances. These findings suggest that pRJ treatment might not improve, but rather attenuate the progression of decrease in muscle strength in elderly people. In addition, we have not found that pRJ intervention can achieve improvement or attenuating the decrease in physical performance.

Prevalence and associated factors of skin diseases in aged nursing home residents: a multicentre prevalence study

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to measure the prevalence of skin diseases in aged nursing home residents and to explore possible associations with demographic and medical characteristics.DesignDescriptive multicentre prevalence...