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Language and pain predict persistent depression among seriously ill home care clients
Aaisha Ameen1, Nicole Williams2, Dawn M Guthrie1,2
1Department of Health Sciences, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada.
Palliative & Supportive Care
|February 2, 2023
Summary
Persistent depressive symptoms are common in seriously ill older adults receiving home care. Language, pain, caregiver burden, and cognitive impairment predict these ongoing symptoms, highlighting areas for intervention.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychiatry
- Home Healthcare
Background:
- Persistent depressive symptoms are a significant concern in older adults, particularly those with serious illnesses.
- Home care settings serve a vulnerable population with complex health needs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify predictors of persistent depressive symptoms in seriously ill older adults receiving home care.
- To inform interventions aimed at improving quality of life for this population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study utilizing the Resident Assessment Instrument for Home Care (2001-2020).
- Included 8,304 seriously ill older adults with baseline and 12-month reassessment of depressive symptoms.
- Serious illness defined by severe health instability, <6-month prognosis, or palliative care goals.
Main Results:
- 64% of clients experienced persistent depressive symptoms.
- Key predictors identified: language barriers, pain, caregiver burden, and cognitive impairment.
- Mean age was 80.8 years; 61.1% were female.
Conclusions:
- Persistent depressive symptoms are highly prevalent in seriously ill home care recipients.
- Modifiable risk factors like pain and caregiver burden necessitate ongoing assessment and intervention.
- Addressing these factors can optimize quality of life and potentially prevent a "bad death".
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