Social support and knowledge level of the older adult homebound person with diabetes

The purpose of this study was to continue research related to the identification of social support systems for an older adult homebound population of people who have diabetes compared to a control group of elder home care clients without diabetes, their knowledge level, and the significance of home health care intervention in these support networks. A sample of 11 older adult homebound people with diabetes and 11 older adult home care controls without diabetes from two home care agencies in Connecticut were used for this pilot study. A large sample was projected, but home-visiting scheduling difficulties arose. Eighty-two percent of both groups had adequate support systems. There was some difficulty with interpretation of the Homebound Diabetes Knowledge Level Questionnaire and further refinement is needed, especially in relationship to non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus client responses. Results from chart review, utilizing the Diabetes Clinical Indicator Tool, yielded a 59%-66% rate of the criteria met in the four categories outlined. It is evident that social support makes a significant contribution to the physical and psychological well-being of the home care elder, but further study is needed to examine the relationship between an individual's personal and professional network of support in this setting.