Tina Sadarangani

Abstract

Introduction: Timely diagnosis is critical for persons with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) to ensure they receive adequate services; however, timely diagnosis may be prevented by a person’s English language skills. The purpose of this integrative review was to understand how limited English proficiency (LEP) impacts older Latino’s ability to access a timely ADRD diagnosis. Methods: Whittemore and Knafl’s methodological approach guided the review. Searches in five databases yielded 12 articles for inclusion. Results: Lack of culturally congruent health care systems, health care providers, and knowledge of ADRD resulted in delays in obtaining a timely ADRD diagnosis among older Latinos with LEP. Discussion: Latinos with LEP and risk for ADRD benefit from language assistance and support in navigating the health care system. Nurses must be advocates, even when a language barrier is present, and recognize that interpreters are not a single source solution.

Abstract

Loneliness and social isolation affect more than 1 in 4 community-dwelling older adults in the United States, who may also require long-term care support. Despite being seen as a solution to the long-term care crisis, most older adults prefer to age in place rather than using skilled nursing facilities. However, in-home care is unsustainable due to a shortage of direct care workers and may exacerbate social isolation by confining older adults to their homes. Adult Day Services (ADS) addresses both issues. ADS provides care to adults with physical, functional, and or cognitive limitations in non-residential, congregate, community-based settings. ADS also provides daily cognitive and physical stimulation, often with medical support, in a social and supported environment, centered around the needs and preferences of participants. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly 5,000 ADS centers were widely available. However, with limited public support, the ADS industry has struggled as demand by the growing number of older adults and families need health and social support. The ADS industry must be recognized for its unique ability to buffer social isolation and loneliness in chronically ill older adults while serving as an effective platform for chronic disease management. This perspective piece highlights the critical role of ADS centers in reducing loneliness and social isolation and promoting healthy equity. We also explore the benefits of ADS, the financial, policy, and societal barriers to utilizing ADS, and the potential solutions to ensure its sustainability and growth.

Abstract

Background: Previous concept analyses have not conceptualized an evidence-based definition of the concept of dementia literacy. Methods: Rodger's evolutionary method was used to conceptualize dementia literacy among informal caregivers of persons living with dementia (PLWD) in the United States. A comprehensive search across four databases and a thorough review process resulted in 22 relevant articles between 2011 and 2023. Discussion: Dementia literacy is defined as the ability to acquire dementia-related knowledge to inform decision-making, self-identify gaps in caregiving support, and secure access to necessary resources to enable long-term care, all while maintaining relationships with an interdisciplinary team of specialized providers. Conclusion: The nursing profession can promote dementia literacy by recognizing the needs of racial and ethnic groups, the complexity of culture and language, and being mindful of potential implicit bias toward informal caregivers who are working diligently to be prepared and proactive for PLWD.

Abstract

PURPOSE: Adult day services (ADS) are a valuable resource for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD) and serve a large population of late-life immigrants, often with limited English proficiency (LEP). This secondary data analysis examined potential disparities in diagnosis, dementia severity, medical complexity, and dementia-related behavioral problems in persons with AD/ADRD with LEP within the ADS setting. METHOD: The current study used data from TurboTAR, the electronic health record for ADS in California. Bivariate analyses were conducted to examine differences in clinical management for those with and without LEP. RESULTS: Of 3,053 participants included in the study, 42.3% had LEP. Participants with LEP had higher rates of emergency department use and medication mismanagement. However, due to non-standard data collection, there was a significant amount of missing data on language preference (38.1%) and race/ethnicity (46.5%). Although these findings suggest LEP may play a role in the clinical management of persons with AD/ADRD in ADS, missing data caused by lack of standardized collection compromise the results. CONCLUSION: It is essential to improve data collection practices in ADS on language, race, and ethnicity to help identify health disparities and promote equitable care for marginalized older adults. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 50(4), 42-47.]

Abstract

Family caregivers of persons living with dementia (PLWD) are often expected to coordinate and manage all aspects of a loved one’s day-to-day care across settings with limited modern, user-friendly resources to support them. We developed CareMOBI, a mHealth app prototype that aims to support improved care coordination and communication between care team members. A concurrent mixed-methods triangulation design was used to assess the acceptability and likelihood of adopting CareMOBI among family caregivers of PLWD. Caregivers (n = 13) completed the Technology Acceptance Model questionnaire (quantitative) and semi-structured interviews (qualitative). Integration occurred using the four themes of the Technology Acceptance Model. There was strong agreement among family caregivers that CareMOBI had a high perceived value for care (M = 6.23/7), was easy to use (M = 6.20/7), and enhanced current workflows (M = 5.86/7). However, training in utilizing mHealth apps and the need for a Spanish-language version were cited as necessary enhancements to increase the widespread adoption of CareMOBI.

Abstract

Background: CareMOBI (mhealth for Organization to Bolster Interconnectedness) is a user-centered mobile application that supports secure communication between adult day health centers, primary care providers, and family caregivers. The aim of this study was to examine the acceptability of CareMOBI in the primary care setting and identify factors contributing to the likelihood of adoption among primary care providers. Methods: We used a mixed-methods concurrent triangulation design. We, first, collected quantitative data using the Technology Acceptance Model questionnaire. Follow-up interview questions allowed participants to elaborate on their experience interacting with CareMOBI. We developed an informational matrix based on major themes within the Technology Acceptance Model (ease of use, value in clinical care, fit within existing workflows, and likelihood of adoption) in which qualitative data were embedded and compared. Results: Our sample included 10 primary care providers. Participants rated CareMOBI high in ease of use (M = 6.71 out of 7), value in clinical care (M = 6.79), and likelihood of adoption (M = 6.71). They found specific functions of CareMOBI helpful, including the summary of health progress and the patient profile. In contrast, participants reported the lowest score for the fit of CareMOBI within existing workflows (M = 5.52). Qualitative feedback attributed this score to concerns over the lack of interoperability between CareMOBI in its current form and electronic health record systems used in the primary care setting. Conclusion: Providers found CareMOBI valuable and easy to use, and there was a high likelihood of eventual adoption. However, apprehensions regarding workflow and electronic health records integration arose, which the team will have to consider as they move forward to the next phase of the application's development.

Abstract

PURPOSE: To understand perceived facilitators and barriers older adults experienced in accessing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines. METHOD: An electronic survey was distributed to older adults and those familiar with experiences of older adults accessing COVID-19 vaccines. Analysis included descriptive statistics and directed content analysis of open-ended responses, guided by the National Institute on Aging Health Disparities Research Framework. RESULTS: Most participants (n = 294) identified as White (79.5%), 33.8% identified as Hispanic, 8.1% identified as Black, and 12.4% identified as Other. Two thirds of respondents were male (68.6%), and the median age was 67 years. Five key themes emerged: Availability and Accessibility, Information, Cost, Safety and Side Effects, and Sense of Security. CONCLUSION: Barriers and facilitators to accessing COVID-19 vaccines for older populations paralleled those seen in other demographics. Similar needs likely exist for access to other vaccines and health care in general. Vaccine rollouts, particularly in public health emergencies, must be carried out with care and an awareness of the barriers faced by vulnerable groups.

Abstract

Background: Adult day services (ADS) provide community-based health care for older adults with complex chronic conditions but rely on outdated methods for communicating users’ health information with providers. CareMOBI, a novel mobile health (mHealth) app, was developed to address the need for a technological platform to improve bidirectional information exchange and communication between the ADS setting and providers. Objective: This study aims to examine the feasibility and acceptability of CareMOBI in the ADS setting. Methods: A concurrent-triangulation mixed methods design was used, and participants were client-facing ADS staff members, including direct care workers (paid caregivers), nurses, and social workers. Interviews were conducted to describe barriers and facilitators to the adoption of the CareMOBI app. The acceptability of the app was measured using an adapted version of the Technology Acceptance Model questionnaire. Data were integrated into 4 themes as anchors of an informational matrix: ease of use, clinical value, fit within workflow, and likelihood of adoption. Results: A mix of ADS staff (N=22) participated in the study. Participants reported high levels of acceptability across the 4 domains. Qualitative findings corroborated the questionnaire results; participants viewed the app as useful and were likely to implement CareMOBI in their practice. However, participants expressed a need for proper training and technical support throughout the implementation process. Conclusions: The CareMOBI app has the potential to improve care management in the ADS setting by promoting effective communication through an easy-to-use and portable method. While the integration of CareMOBI is acceptable and feasible, developing role-specific training modules and technical assistance programs is imperative for successful implementation within the ADS setting.

Abstract

The growing number of people living with dementia (PLWD) requires a coordinated clinical response to deliver pragmatic, evidence-based interventions in frontline care settings. However, infrastructure to support such a response is lacking. Moreover, there are too few researchers conducting rigorous embedded pragmatic clinical trials (ePCTs) to make the vision of high quality, widely accessible dementia care a reality. National Institute on Aging (NIA) Imbedded Pragmatic Alzheimer's disease and Related Dementias Clinical Trials (IMPACT) Collaboratory seeks to improve the pipeline of early career researchers qualified to lead ePCTs by funding career development awards. Even with support from the Collaboratory, awardees face practical and methodological challenges to success, recently exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. We first describe the training opportunities and support network for the IMPACT CDA recipients. This report then describes the unique career development challenges faced by early-career researchers involved in ePCTs for dementia care. Topics addressed include challenges in establishing a laboratory, academic promotion, mentoring and professional development, and work-life balance. Concrete suggestions to address these challenges are offered for early-career investigators, their mentors, and their supporting institutions. While some of these challenges are faced by researchers in other fields, this report seeks to provide a roadmap for expanding the work of the IMPACT Collaboratory and initiating future efforts to recruit, train, and retain talented early-career researchers involved in ePCTs for dementia care.