Anita M Souza1, Jenny Hsin-Chin Tsai1, Kenneth C Pike2, Francesca Martin3, Susan M McCurry1. 1. Department of Child, Family, and Population Health Nursing, University of Washington School of Nursing, Seattle. 2. Office of Nursing Research, University of Washington School of Nursing, Seattle. 3. Solutions4community llc, Harwich, Massachusetts.
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Formerly homeless older adults residing in Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) represent an invisible subsector of two distinct, yet related populations: the homeless population and the elderly population. Little research is focused on the complex health concerns facing this aging population within the homelessness response system. Of particular concern is the identification and support of individuals with cognitive impairment and co-occurring chronic conditions. We collaborated with a leading housing services provider to develop a systematic screening system for case managers to capture the cognitive, physical, and psychosocial health of older adults served within homeless housing programs. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: PSH residents aged ≥50 years in four sites screened as being without cognitive impairment on the Mini-Cog were enrolled. A brief demographic survey and selected PROMIS measures were used to characterize participants' demographics, cognition, global physical and mental health, physical functioning, self-efficacy for social interactions, and instrumental support. PSH case managers were trained to recruit participants and collect data. PROMIS scales were scored using the Health Measures Scoring Service. Descriptive statistics, correlations, and one sample t-tests were performed. RESULTS: Fifty-three residents (mean age = 60.8 years, range 50-76 years) participated. The majority self-identified as male and were military veterans; 60% reported having a history of two or more episodes of homelessness. All PROMIS scores were significantly (p < .05) lower than reference U.S. population means, with global mental health and cognition having the lowest scores. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Self-reported cognitive functioning and global mental health were residents' greatest concerns. Strengthening housing case manager capacity to assess residents' cognitive and health status could increase support for older adults in PSH. It is feasible to train PSH staff to conduct structured interviews to identify resident cognitive and health needs to help support this "invisible" population to successfully age in place. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Gerontological Society of America 2020. This work is written by (a) US Government employee(s) and is in the public domain in the US.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Formerly homeless older adults residing in Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) represent an invisible subsector of two distinct, yet related populations: the homeless population and the elderly population. Little research is focused on the complex health concerns facing this aging population within the homelessness response system. Of particular concern is the identification and support of individuals with cognitive impairment and co-occurring chronic conditions. We collaborated with a leading housing services provider to develop a systematic screening system for case managers to capture the cognitive, physical, and psychosocial health of older adults served within homeless housing programs. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: PSH residents aged ≥50 years in four sites screened as being without cognitive impairment on the Mini-Cog were enrolled. A brief demographic survey and selected PROMIS measures were used to characterize participants' demographics, cognition, global physical and mental health, physical functioning, self-efficacy for social interactions, and instrumental support. PSH case managers were trained to recruit participants and collect data. PROMIS scales were scored using the Health Measures Scoring Service. Descriptive statistics, correlations, and one sample t-tests were performed. RESULTS: Fifty-three residents (mean age = 60.8 years, range 50-76 years) participated. The majority self-identified as male and were military veterans; 60% reported having a history of two or more episodes of homelessness. All PROMIS scores were significantly (p < .05) lower than reference U.S. population means, with global mental health and cognition having the lowest scores. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Self-reported cognitive functioning and global mental health were residents' greatest concerns. Strengthening housing case manager capacity to assess residents' cognitive and health status could increase support for older adults in PSH. It is feasible to train PSH staff to conduct structured interviews to identify resident cognitive and health needs to help support this "invisible" population to successfully age in place. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Gerontological Society of America 2020. This work is written by (a) US Government employee(s) and is in the public domain in the US.
Entities:
Keywords:
Access to and utilization of services; Case management; Cognition; Geriatric conditions; Homelessness
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