66HEALTH OF RESIDENTS IN RETIREMENT VILLAGES IN NEW ZEALAND: WHO LIVES THERE, WHY DID THEY MOVE IN, WHAT ARE THEIR HEALTH NEEDS?

Abstract

Introduction: In New Zealand (NZ), a nation where low‐density detached housing predominates, a major societal shift has seen moving into a retirement village (RV) becoming a popular accommodation and lifestyle option for older people. The conglomerate nature of RVs provides opportunities to offer health/support services on site. Perhaps one in eight people aged 75+ years live in RVs, yet information is scant. This survey describes the demographics, social supports and health/disability needs of RV residents in Auckland/Waitemata District Health Board regions. Methods: In total, 33 of 67 villages were surveyed. Recruitment methods of residents included 1) “sampledâ€� ‐ in which Gerontology Nurse Specialist (GNS) researchers approached randomly selected units (or, in small villages, all units) by letter and doorknock/ phone, and 2) “volunteersâ€� ‐ in which residents were invited to participate via newsletters, posters and meetings but were not door‐knocked/ phoned. Each participant completed an online questionnaire and an interRAI health needs assessment with the GNS. Ethics approval was granted, but under NZ's Health and Disability Commissioner (Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights) Regulations 1996, residents lacking capacity to consent were excluded. Results: 578 residents were included (median age = 81 years, 394 volunteers/184 sampled, 420 women/158 men), 38% lived alone. In general, residents were financially well supported with 75% receiving income from investments; 98% had (co‐)owned a home. Reasons cited for moving into RV mainly included downsizing/reducing home maintenance, less stressed lifestyle, and assistance with health/care needs. Self‐reported quality of life was high (68% very good/excellent). While 92% were satisfied/very satisfied with village living and 73% used the internet, 10% often/always felt lonely. During the 2 weeks prior to survey, 34% received home care and 10% personal care support; 15% reported being on 9+ medications. In interRAI, Clinical Assessment Protocols (CAPs) are derived to assist the systematic interpretation of the information recorded on an instrument, by indicating areas of identified health/need. In this study, algorithms triggered CAPs including most notably for cardiorespiratory conditions (50%), pain (49%), physical activities promotion (43%) and informal support (34%). Conclusions: The study is the largest cross‐sectional study of health status of residents in RVs in NZ. It will inform health planning by enabling a longitudinal cohort study of health outcomes and has facilitated a randomised controlled trial of a health service intervention.