Results from a new study show that a home-based occupational and physical therapy program extended the lives of those who received the therapy compared to those who did not.
The study followed participants, with an average age of 79, for four years. They had at least five visits from an occupational therapist and one from a physical therapist. Participants who started at a moderate mortality risk gained the most benefit from the home-based intervention. Mortality rates were low for those who received the intervention up to three and one-half years after beginning the study (but not statistically significant after three years).
An extension of this study shows that the same type of home-based therapy improved the ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs), such as dressing and bathing, for participants who received the intervention. Fear of falling and confidence performing these everyday activities was also addressed.
These studies show that this type of intervention can increase the quality of life and independence of older adults. Since one-quarter of Americans with chronic disease have activity limitations, and these limitations alone lead to more physician visits, this type of intervention may be worth pursuing if an in-home intervention can reduce the number of office visits for these individuals while also increasing the length and quality of their lives.
I have been caring for my mother (age 84) for 6 years now and recently she began falling (3 times in the past 6 months). We have received help from home healthcare services including nurse, speech therapist and physical therapist. I am very grateful that the cost of these services are provided by Medicare. As she slowly continues to decline, she has become more and more in need of this help. She is re-certified every 3 months for continued service. As medical costs continue to rise and the population over 65 years old increases, I hope that this great country, which does have some of the best care available, will see the need to invest now in preserving these kinds of services. Waiting until you are the recipient will be too late. My mother has benefited from these services by not only reducing the number of doctor or hospital visits but more importantly by not having to go live in a less caring environment.
I guess a lot of the home care effect relates directly to the overall feelings of the elderly people in that they are around their families. It can be very difficult though. I have previously worked in a home for the elderly and while there was no family connection to any of the residents you still find the emotional drain of the care in some cases has a big effect on you. This must be much more for those who have their elderly family members in their homes. It is a very tough job and I praise anyone who has the ability to carry out home care in these situations
Thanks Dan.
Glad I found this blog (and this entry in particular).
Home care is often a tough subject I am queried about and considering the possible high expenses involved most people want to know the possible benefits. Sometimes it's impossible to give a straightforward answer, but this study should help me present a possible range of benefits.