Promoting Seniors' Health with Home Care Aides: A Pilot

Abstract

Purpose: Regular physical activity (PA) benefts older adults. However, frail older adults lack opportunities to be physically active. This pilot study aimed to test and enhance the feasibility of a PA program delivered by home care aides (HCAs) for community-dwelling older adults in a Medicaid-funded home care setting and to generate preliminary effcacy and cost data. Design and Methods: HCAs were trained to deliver a brief motivational enhancement and three chair-bound movements to motivate their older clients to do PA daily and to help maintain their independence in the community. Mixed methods were used to evaluate clients' function and health before and after the 4-month intervention. Results: Clients' daily activity function and health outcomes (physical ftness, self-rated health, pain interference, and fear of falling) improved signifcantly. The program was well-received by clients (N = 54) and their HCAs (N = 46) as indicated by high retention rates among client participants (93%) and remarks provided by clients. Implications: Building PA into the everyday care of older adults and the routine work of HCAs is feasible. The intervention has the potential for further implementation and dissemination.