Long-term Care Settings Research Articles

Private Enterprises and Innovative Interventions in Long-Term Care for Older People: Insights into Residual Stereotypes of Greek Rural Areas

In many areas of rural Greece there exist remnants of traditional stereotypes that were socially constructed in closed societies where the institution of the patriarchal family previously reigned and are regenerated by the dominant culture. These stereotypes have shaped over time the perception that long-term care for older adults should be provided within the family structure and exclusively by family members. Notably, it was previously considered a disgrace in Greek rural society if children moved their parents to a residential or nursing home. Public or other care facilities for older people emerged just two decades ago, except a few led by the church. However, these attitudes have been softened in recent years. European and National funded programmes have shaped different notions towards long-term care in these areas. This was facilitated by the structural changes that occurred in the Greek countryside in combination with the existing low birth rate in these areas and the presence of concrete migratory flows. The present study explores the business environment that is being formed and its potential to unleash the productive forces that have pinned down the relevant residual stereotypes. It also examines the socio-economic impact of the above enterprises on rural areas. Qualitative interviews were conducted with eight entrepreneurs who have invested in rural long-term care settings for older persons and eight elected chairpersons of local councils. Our findings indicate that regardless of financial support towards private care entities for older people, in order for the services offered to take a more prominent social role, the development of local consensus and innovative interventions is required in tandem. If achieved, such care providers can contribute to the socio-economic development of rural areas. This study provides international literature with further evidence on the crucial role of such enterprises on supportiveness towards inhabitants’ quality of life improvement while results can be useful for Greek and European decision-making centers as well as potential rural entrepreneurs.

Feasibility and Effectiveness of a 12-Week Concurrent Exercise Training on Physical Performance, Muscular Strength, and Myokines in Frail Individuals Living in Nursing Homes: A Cluster Randomized Crossover Trial

ObjectiveTo examine the feasibility and effects of a 12-week exercise intervention on physical performance, muscular strength, and circulating myokines in frail individuals living in nursing homes. DesignA cluster randomized, 2-period, 2-intervention crossover trial. Setting and ParticipantsFrail residents of 9 nursing homes were randomly assigned to either 12 weeks of concurrent exercise training (n = 5, 29 participants) or usual care (n = 4, 17 participants). The concurrent exercise training consisted of resistance and aerobic exercises (3 days/week). The usual care consisted of everyday routine and standard care. After a 4-week washout period, participants crossed to the other intervention. MethodsThe feasibility outcomes included recruitment rate, dropout rate and reasons, harms during the trial, adherence to exercise, and implementation cost. The primary endpoint was the change in physical performance measured by the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). The secondary endpoints were changes in muscular strength (eg, handgrip strength, isokinetic knee extension, and flexion strength) and serum myokines concentration (myostatin and decorin). ResultsFrom the 46 participants enrolled (aged 70–99 years, 67.4% female), 34 completed the trial (26.1% dropout rate), the median adherence was 93.75%, and no adverse events occurred during the exercise sessions. The concurrent exercise training provided significant benefits over usual care on SPPB (B = 2.18; 95% CI, 1.35–3.00; P < .001), handgrip strength (B = 2.15; 95% CI, 1.00–3.30; P < .001), myostatin concentrations (B = −7.07; 95% CI, −13.48 to −0.66; P = .031) and myostatin-decorin ratio (B = −95.54; 95% CI, −158.30 to −32.78, P = .004). No significant between-group differences were found for the remaining secondary endpoints. Conclusions and ImplicationsThis concurrent exercise training is feasible, well-tolerated, and effective in improving physical performance, handgrip strength, myostatin, and myostatin-decorin ratio concentrations in frail older adults residing in nursing homes. These data reinforce the relevance of integrating exercise interventions in long-term care settings.

The gap between expectations and reality in advance care planning in long-term care settings

Background: Advance care planning (ACP) is an integral part of good quality end-of-life care. This study aimed to explore the role and practice of ACP among health and social care professionals (HSCPs) in a community long-term care facility. Methods: This was a mixed-methods study. The study purposefully sampled 12 HSCPs from one community long-term care facility in Macao, China. All data were collected in November 2022. Results: Some participants had discussed with terminally ill residents or with families in terms of end-of-life care preferences, the average correct rate of ACP knowledge was 67.4%. Interview data showed that HSCPs were primarily concerned with information-giving. The responsibility of decision-making was found to have been placed predominantly on family members of the residents. Conclusion: Study findings raised awareness in that the execution of ACP has remained in discord with the expectations in practicing ACP. The study illuminated that the perceived sense of responsibility among HSCPs was influenced by the potential legal risks involved and consequentially impacted on the adherence to individual's decisions.

P27: From Development to Implementation: A Novel Clinical Post-Fall Assessment Tool in Long-Term Care

Objectives: The study aims to: (i) develop a clinical post-fall assessment tool for older adults in long-term care (LTC) settings; (ii) validate the tool’s effectiveness and usability; and (iii) assess the practical application and impact of the tool within LTC units.Methods: The three-phase study employed a sequential exploratory mixed-Methods framework. Phase I: Tool development comprised a comprehensive literature review and a qualitative study of semi-structured interviews with nine healthcare professionals. Phase II: Validation adopted an embedded design, where qualitative perceptions from 18 professionals through two focus groups informed iterative improvements and a quantitative questionnaire (a Likert scale and open-ended questions) assessed the tool’s effectiveness and user experience. Phase III: Implementation encompassed a retrospective and prospective longitudinal study, focusing on fall incidence, communication efficacy, and usability, to gauge the tool’s real-world impact.Results: From Phase I, a mnemonic checklist was developed and structured into five sections: patient characteristics, fall description, primary and secondary assessments, and post-fall management—selected for clinical practicality. In Phase II, focus group insights prompted refinements to the tool, while follow-up questionnaires indicated the tool’s substantial utility in enhancing practice (65%), communication (69%), usability (71%), and satisfaction (76%). Responses highlighted key challenges such as resistance to change and workload, contrasting with facilitators like availability and uniformity. The need for training and a period of adaptation were viewed as factors that could compromise use. In Phase III, the tool showed greater utility for identifying fall-related complications and managing falls, with a notable preference among all nurses, regardless of experience level, particularly those with less than 5 years of experience.Moreover, a comparison of falls over two three-month periods—one without the tool and one with it—revealed that the tool enhanced communication between doctors and nurses. This improvement led to quicker notification of doctors and more efficient transfers of patients to the emergency room when necessary.Conclusions: Our tool aims to improve comprehensive post-fall assessments for older adults in LTC settings, facilitating improved communication and decision-making among healthcare professionals. With its usability and practical design, this mnemonic checklist shows great potential for wide adoption in enhancing patient care practices.

FC35: The use of narrative approaches to improve quality of care in the long-term care setting: a scoping review

Objectives: Experienced quality of care of older people using long term care is not sufficiently reflected in quantitative quality measures, like surveys or indicators. Therefore, care organizations increasingly use narrative approaches to collect and analyze experiences of clients, relatives, and professionals with quality of care. These Methods enable care organizations to share experiences, identify dilemmas in care provision and provide rich information for quality improvement. However, information about such Methods is scattered. The aim of this scoping review is to explore which types of narrative approaches are used for quality improvement in the long- term care setting for older people. The review identifies, among other things, types of narrative approaches, their goal and challenges.Methods: A literature search (in Embase, Medline ALL, Web of Science Core Collection, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Sociological Abstracts – proquest, Social Services Abstracts, International Bibliography of the Social Sciences, Google Scholar) was performed from inception up to 28th of April 2022. Thirty-nine articles were included.Results: Almost all included studies were from Western countries, in particular the Netherlands and Canada, and much focused on intramural care. Different types of narrative approaches were identified, such as a participatory or co-design, photovoice or interview approach. The goal of the approaches was directed at the client, care relationship, organization, or a combination of those levels. The agenda for quality improvement was usually informed by insights revealed during the execution of the narrative approach and researchers were often leading this process. Most approaches are used in practice only once at one or more locations. Findings and suggestions for further research will be discussed, for example about including people with cognitive impairments or relatives.Conclusions: This scoping review revealed a variety of approaches that attempt to collect narrative information from older people, relatives, and professionals to improve quality of long- term care. Development opportunities for narrative approaches are structural embedding of narrative approaches in practice, including people with (severe) cognitive problems, and effect studies about achieved improvements.

Predictors and shared traits of longevity within 1 year before death in patients with schizophrenia receiving long-term care: 3-year retrospective cross-sectional study.

Research on schizophrenia and life expectancy has mainly focused on premature mortality. This study investigates factors associated with longevity in patients with schizophrenia receiving long-term care and identifies shared traits among these individuals. A retrospective cross-sectional study analysing the clinical records of 138 patients with schizophrenia who died between 2015 and 2017 in a psychiatric long-term care facility was conducted. Longevity was defined by life tables drawn from the national health database. Variables were compared between longevity and control groups to determine predictors of longer lifespans. Cluster analysis was employed to identify shared traits among individuals with longevity. Causes of death by age were compared. In the long-term care setting, of the 138 participants, 45 were in the longevity group. This group had more males, lower antipsychotic doses, but more mobility issues. Significant predictors of longevity included older age at onset, longer length of stay, lower activities of daily living scores and a hypertension diagnosis. Cluster analysis revealed two patterns, suggesting that poorer health indicators did not necessarily lead to shorter lives. Fatalities caused by pneumonia were associated with a higher age, compared to those from cancer and choking. Addressing modifiable risk factors enhances life expectancy in patients with schizophrenia, especially for males, while the age at onset may play a significant role. An integrated long-term care model with close monitoring and timely provision of mental and general healthcare may help extend lifespans. Further research is needed to balance long-term residential care and community-based care for elderly patients with schizophrenia.

FC11: The Baycrest Quick-Response Caregiver Tool: Preliminary Results in the Long-Term Care Setting

Objectives:1.Describe the Baycrest Quick-Response Caregiver Tool2.Describe the feasibility and utility of the tool in the long-term care contextBackground: Neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia (NPS) are common and result in poor outcomes such as caregiver burnout, poor quality of life, and elevated health care costs. The Baycrest Quick-Response Caregiver Tool TM (BQRCT) assists the caregiver to manage NPS in real time. Previously, the tool was studied in community- based family caregivers with positive results in terms of its feasibility and ease of use. The current study adapted the training module for health care professionals in the long-term care (LTC) context and assessed its utility and feasibility using a mixed-Methods approach.Methods: The online training module involves a video about neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia and a general overview of the tool, and 3 videos involving actors to demonstrate how LTC staff could use the tool in typical scenarios. A short instruction manual and pocket guide are included in the tool. Participants completed a pre-survey, the training module, and post-surveys immediately following the training, and after 4 weeks. Survey data included demographics, face-valid Likert questions for program impact, and feasibility questions.Results: Twenty-four staff participants were recruited from LTC homes. The average number of years working with persons with dementia was 7.41. The BQRCT was found to be “moderately” to “extremely” useful in 87% of participants. 79% of participants would recommend the tool to other staff in LTC. At 4 weeks post intervention, 79% of participants reported that their interactions with residents improved as a result of viewing the BQRCT and 54% responded “much” or “very much” regarding learning effective steps to respond to residents’ symptoms. 83% of participants reported that the training module helped them implement the steps in the BQRCT. The qualitative analysis revealed that the tool was educational, informative, and reflected realistic scenarios. Participants found the tool to be practical, understandable, and easy to use. The tool allowed LTC staff to develop empathy through self-reflection.Conclusions: The BQRCT was found to be feasible and of utility for the majority of participants in the LTC setting. The training module was found to be easy to use and fostered empathy and self-reflection in formal caregivers.

An Automated Malnutrition Screening Tool Using Routinely Collected Data for Older Adults in Long-Term Care: Development and Internal Validation of AutoMal

ObjectiveTo develop and internally validate a malnutrition screening tool based on routinely collected data in the long-term care setting. DesignDiagnostic prediction model development and internal validation study. Setting and ParticipantsResidents (n = 539) from 10 long-term care facilities in Australia. MethodsCandidate variables identified through expert consultation were collected from routinely collected data in a convenience sample of long-term care facilities. Logistic regression using the Subjective Global Assessment as the reference standard was conducted on 500 samples derived using bootstrapping from the original sample. Candidate variables were selected if included in more than 95% of samples using backwards stepwise elimination. The final model was developed using logistic regression of selected variables. Internal validation was conducted using bootstrapping to calculate the optimism-adjusted performance. Overall discrimination was evaluated via receiver operator characteristic curve and calculation of the area under the curve. Youden's Index was used to identify the optimal threshold value for classifying malnutrition. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated. ResultsBody mass index and weight change % over 6 months were included in the automated malnutrition screening model (AutoMal), identified in 100% of bootstrapped samples. AutoMal demonstrated excellent discrimination of malnutrition, with area under the curve of 0.8378 (95% CI, 0.80–0.87). Youden's Index value was 0.37, resulting in sensitivity of 78% (95% CI, 71%–83%) and specificity of 77% (72%–81%). Optimism-corrected area under the curve was 0.8354. Conclusions and ImplicationsThe AutoMal demonstrates excellent ability to differentiate malnutrition status. It makes automated identification of malnutrition possible by using 2 variables commonly found in electronic health records.

Translating relational theories into dementia care using research-informed drama

ABSTRACT Culture change initiatives in older adult and dementia care have called for a new care paradigm informed by a relational ontology and relational theories. Yet translating these humanizing principles into practice has proven difficult; traditional approaches to knowledge translation have not had a sustained impact. One of the most significant impediments to transforming the culture of care has been the lack of understanding of what it means to be and act relational in practice. A growing body of research is demonstrating the potential of critical arts-based inquiry/pedagogy (CABI/P) for translating theory in accessible and relevant ways for diverse audiences and for shifting images, understandings and actions in healthcare in more effective ways. As part of a larger longitudinal project, this paper explores the immediate impacts of a research-informed drama called ‘Cracked: new light on dementia,’ and how it might enhance understandings of relational caring for staff working in long-term care (LTC) homes. Data from post-performance focus group/interview discussions with staff working in two different LTC settings point to the effectiveness of Cracked in translating key principles of relational theories into older adult and dementia care and the possibilities of CABI/P in gerontological education more broadly. Although organizational and broader system change is needed to achieve sustained impact of relational caring practices, CABI/P, such as Cracked, has the potential to expose and challenge entrenched assumptions, policies, practices, and to imagine and effect more compassionate, humane, and equitable care.

Developing a comprehensive curriculum program for nurse practitioners delivering primary care in the long-term care setting.

In the Long-Term Care (LTC) setting, comprehensive primary care is often provided by Nurse Practitioners (NPs). NPs are uniquely positioned to meet the evolving primary care needs of LTC residents. However, caring for this population requires additional education and training due to its special considerations. To meet the learning needs of NPs entering the LTC workplace, a Certificate Program was designed to enhance primary care competencies within the LTC setting. The aim of the program is to increase knowledge, capacity, and confidence of NPs to deliver quality, evidence-based, integrated, and interprofessional primary care to LTC residents. This curriculum is anticipated to address the growing need for LTC services and improve the delivery of high-quality primary care.

Nurse-reported workplace violent events: Results from a repeated statewide survey

BackgroundWorkplace violence significantly affects registered nurses, contributing to burnout and intention to leave. MethodsThe Michigan Nurses Study conducted surveys in 2022 and 2023, examining the prevalence of verbal, physical, and sexual violence, and coworker bullying. Personal and workplace factors associated with reporting any violent event were examined using multivariable logistic regression. ResultsThere was a decline in overall workplace violence from 50.2% to 43.4%, despite a rise in sexual harassment from 9.9% to 11.8%. Over half of the events were patient sourced. Underreporting remained a problem. Factors associated with increased likelihood of reporting any violent event included younger age, employment in acute care and long-term care settings, unfavorable practice environments, less confidence in management, inadequate support for workplace stress, and understaffing on the past shift. ConclusionsDespite a decrease in reported violent events, incidents remain common. Improvements in working conditions, management of understaffing, and support systems are crucial to mitigate workplace violence against nurses.

Overview of Post-acute and Long-term Care Providers and Services Users in the United States, 2020.

This report presents national results from the National Post-acute and Long-term Care Study to describe providers and services users in seven major settings of paid, regulated post-acute and long-term care services in the United States. Data are from the 2020 National Post-acute and Long-term Care Study, which includes surveys of adult day services centers and residential care communities and administrative data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on home health agencies, hospices, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, long-term care hospitals, and nursing homes. The findings show variation in characteristics of the seven post-acute and long-term care settings. About 68,150 providers served roughly 7.3 million people in the United States; about one-half of these providers were residential care communities, and about one-quarter were nursing homes. The Northeast had a higher percentage of adult day services centers than other settings, the Midwest had a higher percentage of nursing homes, the South had a higher percentage of long-term care hospitals, and the West had a higher percentage of residential care communities. Among the settings, more registered nurses were employed in inpatient rehabilitation facilities and long-term care hospitals, and more licensed practical nurses in home health agencies and long-term care hospitals. The most common services were skilled nursing and therapeutic services. Adult day services centers had the highest percentage of users younger than age 65, while nearly one-half of hospice and nursing home users were age 85 and older. Adult day services centers had the highest percentage of other non-Hispanic and Hispanic users among the settings. The percentage of users with selected diagnoses and activities of daily living difficulties varied by setting. The providers described in this report comprise a large share of the U.S. post-acute and long-term care industry. This report provides the most recent nationally representative information on these providers and services users and updates findings from previous National Center for Health Statistics reports.

Impact of Antecedent and Organizational Differences on Nurse-Social Worker Collaboration in a Retirement and Assisted Living Community with Skilled Nursing Care.

Nurse-social worker collaborative interactions in long-term care settings have received limited attention. This qualitative thematic study of 23 participants (11 social workers and 12 nurses) at an urban retirement and assisted living community explores experiences of collaborative work. Two themes of contrasts in responding to resident complexity and contrasts in peer-to-peer work highlight four subthemes reflecting: (a) social workers' orientation toward resident self-determination, requisite care, and advocacy; (b) nurses' orientation toward resident safety, tasks, and clinical outcomes; (c) social workers' devalued professional identity; and (d) nurses' attribution of collaborative challenges to individuals. Social workers showed greater openness toward working with nurses and viewed nurses as close partners. Nurses showed greater separation from social workers and non-clinical peers and maintained a greater intraprofessional focus. Whereas challenges may stem from antecedent disciplinary training nurses and social workers receive, organizational triggers related to residents' care and associated decision-making exacerbate them. Interprofessional education may strengthen collaboration.

Scoping review protocol: what is the state of evidence for the use of communication apps with immigrant seniors in long-term care and community settings?

First language care is critical for older immigrant adults with limited English proficiency, especially in long-term care settings where most residents require staff assistance and experience complex chronic conditions, resulting in multiple communication interactions where language poses a barrier. Although there are a myriad of cultural-language translation apps and devices available, there is a gap in both research and practice on the acceptability and feasibility of these digital resources within the context of long-term care and community settings for older immigrant adults, from a cultural relevance and digital health equity perspective. Our paper outlines a scoping review protocol to examine the state of the literature on the extent to which cultural-language translation apps are used in long-term care settings and community-based elder care. We will also examine the extent to which such apps bridge or further gaps in equitable, accessible and acceptable care for older immigrant adults with limited English language proficiency. This scoping review protocol will employ an adapted five-stage framework outlined by Arksey and O'Malley guided by enhancements recommended by Levac et al and Colquhoun et al. Using the Joanna Briggs Institute's population, concept and context framework, we defined the scope of the scoping review by identifying the target population, concepts for investigation and the context within which the research is situated. We will conduct a search of the literature from 2005 to 2024 using five bibliographic databases from health sciences (Healthstar OVID, MEDLINE OVID and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) EBSCO), engineering (Engineering Village Elsevier) and a cross-disciplinary database (Web of Science Clarivate). The research team will adopt a critical, equity-focused approach for the scoping review by integrating Richardson et al's framework for Digital Health Equity into our analysis of the findings. This will ensure that health and social equity perspectives are integrated within our methodology and analytical lens. Our analysis will specifically examine selected studies for their engagement with health equity and their ability to address issues such as ageism, ableism and the digital divide within geriatric care. Ethics approval is not required for this scoping review as it involves secondary analysis of published works and no primary data collection involving human subjects. Findings of the review will be shared with community partners and disseminated through publications, conferences and peer-reviewed publications.

Equity and Inclusion for LGBTQ+ Residents: Lessons Learned from the Initial Long-Term Care Equality Index (LEI)

ObjectivesMost older adults with lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, questioning, transgender, and related identities (LGBTQ+) are concerned about receiving lower-quality care and/or being mistreated in nursing homes. Older LGBTQ+ veterans may have additional reservations about care in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) nursing homes (Community Living Centers [CLCs]) because of experience with past discriminatory military policies (eg, bans on participating in military service, Don't Ask Don't Tell). This article describes one of the first VA CLCs to participate in the Human Rights Campaign–developed Long-Term Care Equality Index (LEI). DesignA single-site formative evaluation was completed to support quality improvement and identify opportunities for growth using the LEI. The LEI is a facility benchmarking tool to support more inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ residents and employees. The LEI offers 4 evaluation criteria: (1) Non-Discrimination and Staff Training; (2) LGBTQ+ Resident Services and Support; (3) Employee Benefits and Policies; and (4) Resident and Community Engagement. Facilities receive ratings based on the number of requirements achieved in each category. Participants and Methods: Older LGBTQ+ veterans, current CLC residents, interdisciplinary CLC providers and leadership, and national Geriatrics and Extended Care program managers collaborated to pilot the LEI and develop tools and materials to support other VA facilities' participation in the LEI. ResultsQualitative interviews with veterans and CLC residents supported inclusion of gender identity and sexual orientation in resident handbooks, discussions about person-centered care, and opportunities for additional staff training and community engagement (eg, observing Pride Month in June). Resources to support VA long-term care facilities' participation in the LEI were developed. Conclusions and ImplicationsThe LEI offers a structured approach to identifying areas for improvement in providing high-quality and equitable care in long-term care settings. Practical suggestions for CLCs and other nursing home settings considering the LEI for the first time are discussed.

“Elderly care through new eyes: Insights from Spain's future nurses” A phenomenological study

This study explores nursing students' perceptions of institutionalized elderly care, aiming to identify attitudes and biases that influence their academic and professional development in gerontological nursing. Conducted with 128 students across two campuses, this qualitative study utilized 15 focus groups for data collection. Five primary themes emerged through thematic and inductive analysis: Institutionalized Living, Stereotypes, Improvement Proposals, Exemplary Practices and Positive Observations and Educational Strategies and Person-centered Care Integration. Findings underscore the multifaceted nature of elderly long-term care settings, highlighting the prevalence of loneliness. Despite institutionalization's intent to mitigate loneliness, results suggest its effectiveness is variable, with a deficiency in social interaction opportunities. This underscores the imperative for comprehensive socialization programs. Additionally, integrating students into professional teams has been shown to foster positive interpersonal relationships significantly. Recommendations for enhancing care quality include personalizing living spaces, strengthening bonds between staff and residents, and enriching the nursing curriculum with advanced professional training.

2243 Modification effect of disability profiles on the association of blood pressure and mortality among older long-term care people

Abstract Introduction Evidence of the optimal blood pressure target for older people with disability in long-term care is limited. We aim to estimate the associations of blood pressure with all-cause and cause-specific mortality in older people with different profiles of disability. Methods This prospective cohort study was based on the government-led long-term care program in Chengdu, China, including 41,004 consecutive disabled adults aged ≥60 years. The association between blood pressure and mortality was analysed with doubly robust estimation, which combined exposure model by inverse probability weighting and outcome model fitted with Cox regression. The non-linearity was examined by restricted cubic spline. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality, and the secondary endpoints were cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular mortality. Results The associations between systolic blood pressure (SBP) and all-cause mortality were close to a U-shaped curve in mild–moderate disability group (Barthel index ≥40), and a reversed J-shaped in severe disability group (Barthel index &amp;lt;40). In mild–moderate disability group, SBP &amp;lt; 135 mmHg was associated with elevated all-cause mortality risks (HR 1.21, 95% CI, 1.10–1.33), compared to SBP between 135–150 mmHg. In severe disability group, SBP &amp;lt;150 mmHg increased all-cause mortality risks (HR 1.21, 95% CI, 1.16–1.27), compared to SBP between 150–170 mmHg. The associations were robust in subgroup analyses in terms of age, cardiovascular comorbidity and antihypertensive treatment. Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) &amp;lt; 67 mmHg (HR 1.29, 95% CI, 1.18–1.42) in mild–moderate disability group and &amp;lt; 79 mmHg (HR 1.15, 95% CI, 1.11–1.20) in severe disability group both demonstrated an increased all-cause mortality risk. Conclusion The optimal blood pressure range was higher in older long-term care people with severe disability than those with mild–moderate disability. This study provides new evidence for optimal individualised management of blood pressure in disabled older people in long-term care settings.

Caregiving in long-term care before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review.

The COVID-19 pandemic magnified pre-existing socioeconomic, operational, and structural challenges in long-term care across the world. In Canada, the long-term care sector's dependence on caregivers as a supplement to care workers became apparent once restrictive visitation policies were employed. We conducted a scoping review to better understand the associations between caregiving and resident, formal and informal caregiver health in long-term care before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. A literature search was performed using MEDLINE, AgeLine, Google Advanced, ArXiv, PROSPERO, and OSF. Pairs of independent reviewers screened titles and abstracts followed by a review of full texts. Studies were included if they reported biological, psychological, or social health outcomes associated with caregiving (or lack thereof). After screening and reviewing 252 records identified by the search strategy, a total of 20 full-text records were eligible and included in this review. According to our results, research on caregiving increased during the pandemic, and researchers noted restrictive visitation policies had an adverse impact on health outcomes for residents and formal and informal caregivers. In comparison, caregiving in long-term care prior to the pandemic, and once visitation policies became less restrictive, led to mostly beneficial health outcomes. Caregiver interventions, for the most part, appear to promote better health outcomes for long-term care residents and formal and informal caregivers. Suggestions to better support caregiving in long-term care settings are offered.

Care quality and safety in long-term aged care settings: A systematic review and narrative analysis of missed care measurements.

To critically evaluate missed care measurement approaches and their application in long-term aged care (LTAC) settings. Systematic review using Tawfik's guideline. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL and ProQuest were searched. Supplemental searching was from reference lists of retrieved records, first authors' ORCID homepages and Google advanced search for grey literature. Search limitations were English language, published between 1 January 2001 and 31 December 2022. COVIDENCE was utilized for screening, data extraction and quality appraisal. JBI Critical Appraisal Tools and COSMIN Risk of Bias Tool were used for quality appraisal. Data were summarized and synthesized using narrative analysis. Twenty-four publications across 11 regions were included, with two principal methods of missed care measurement: modified standard scales and tailored specific approaches. They were applied inconsistently and generated diverse measurement outcomes. There were challenges even with the most commonly used tool, the BERNCA-NH, including absence of high-quality verification through comparative analysis against an established 'gold standard', reliance on self-administration, incomplete assessment of constructs and inadequate exploration of psychometric properties. Globally, there are deficiencies in the effectiveness and comprehensiveness of the instruments measuring missed care in LTAC settings. Further research on theoretical and practical perspectives is required. Findings highlighted a critical need to establish a standardized, validated approach to measure missed care in LTAC settings. This review calls for collaborative efforts by researchers, clinical staff and policymakers to develop and implement evidence-based practices as a way of safeguarding the well-being of older clients living in LTAC settings. Measurements of missed care in LTAC settings rely on adapting acute care tools. There is a critical gap in measuring missed care in LTAC settings. Developing a new tool could improve care quality and safety in LTAC settings globally. Adhered to PRISMA guideline. No patient or public contribution.

Efficacy of the residential care transition module: A telehealth intervention for dementia family caregivers of relatives living in residential long-term care settings.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the Residential Care Transition Module, a six-session, psychosocial, and psychoeducational telehealth intervention for family caregivers of cognitively impaired relatives living in a residential long-term care setting. Eligible participants (including care recipients, regardless of time since admission) were randomized to treatment or usual care control conditions. Survey data were collected at baseline, 4 months, 8 months, and 12 months (N = 240). Primary analytic outcomes included caregiver subjective stress (a stress process mechanism) and depressive symptoms (a measure of global well-being). Secondary analytic outcomes included secondary role strains, residential care stress, caregiver sense of competence, and self-efficacy (additional mechanisms of action). General linear models tested for the main effects of the intervention at 4 months, and longitudinal mixed models examined the 12-month effects of the intervention. Post hoc analyses also examined the influence of moderators. No significant differences between the treatment and control groups for any primary analytic outcome were apparent. Caregivers in the treatment group whose relatives were admitted to residential long-term care in the prior 3 months were more likely to indicate reductions in depressive symptoms over the first 4 months of participation. Over the 12-month study period, caregivers in the treatment group who were employed reported increased self-efficacy over time. The heterogeneity of dementia care requires a broader consideration of key contextual factors that may influence the efficacy of nonpharmacological interventions. Aligning measures with the preferences, goals, and values of dementia caregivers may further demonstrate the direct benefits of interventions such as the Residential Care Transition Module. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).