Improving quality of life in older adults with the decline syndrome: The role of occupational therapy in primary care

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effect of an occupational therapy intervention in users recently diagnosed with the decline syndrome, who have experienced a decrease in the Barthel and/or Lawton index in the last month and susceptible to improvement based on medical opinion. Design: Non-controlled, quasi-experimental longitudinal study. A pre-post intervention. Location: Sant Hipòlit de Voltregà health centre. Osona, Barcelona. Participants: Patients referred by the centre's primary care nursing, social work or medical staff with a recent diagnosis of decline syndrome who may benefit from the intervention of an occupational therapy professional. Intervention: Following the initial assessment visit, four training sessions were conducted to improve functional independence, mobility and adaptation of the home environment, providing training to primary caregivers. Main measurements: Patient autonomy was assessed using the Barthel and Lawton scales, quality of life using the EuroQol questionnaire (EQ-5D) and home suitability using the home suitability assessment questionnaire. Results: Improvements were observed in autonomy in activities of daily living (p = 0.003), mobility (p = 0.001) and housing adaptation (p < 0.001). The level of anxiety/depression was reduced (p = 0.028), and the mean health status score increased markedly (p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study highlights the improvement in the quality of life and autonomy in the basic activities of daily living for individuals receiving occupational therapy, emphasizing the need for home adaptation and family support.