A Model Program of Community-Based Supports for Older Adults at Risk of Nursing Facility Placement

Transitioning an older adult into a nursing facility is a major life event for older adults (care recipients, CRs) and their family caregivers (CGs). This article describes the implementation of a community living program and presents findings on important health and well-being indicators. One hundred ninety-one participants aged 60 and older not eligible for or currently enrolled in Medicaid and meeting four risk domains (functional, health, cognitive/emotional, informal support system) were enrolled for the 10-month program. Two evidence-based interventions were blended into a comprehensive community-based approach to long-term care that included $750 per month for home care services. Measures were conducted at baseline and 6 and 12 months. Nine (6%) participants did not complete the program because of nursing facility admission. CRs had fewer physician visits (4.1 vs 7.3, P < .001), emergency department visits (0.3 vs 1.4, P < .001), hospital stays (0.4 vs 0.9, P < .001), and total nights in the hospital (0.8 vs 5.1, P < .001) at 12 months than at baseline. Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) scores also improved significantly (6.8 vs 9.4, P < .001). CGs had improvements in CES-D scores (5.9 vs 3.9, P < .001) and CG burden (14.7 s 12.6, P = .01) from baseline to 12 months. This multicomponent program improved the physical and mental health of CGs and CRs at risk of nursing facility placement. Future studies are needed to compare the overall placement rate to determine the success of diverting nursing facility placement in this population of older adults.