Unknown

Dataset Information

0

A Mixed Methods Study of Hearing Loss, Communication, and Social Engagement in a Group Care Setting for Older Adults.


ABSTRACT:

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to characterize the communication needs of older adults in group care environments and understand the factors that foster engaged communication.

Method

This mixed methods study provides an in-depth analysis of communication and engagement for older adults at two Program for All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) sites. Seventy-two PACE participants (M age = 74 years) completed a hearing test, cognitive screener (MOST), the Institute of Medicine (IOM) Measures of Social and Behavioral Determinants of Health Questionnaire, and the UCLA Loneliness Scale. Using maximum variation sampling based on hearing status and UCLA Loneliness scores, 19 participants were invited to do (and 11 participants completed) one-on-one semi-structured interviews. In addition, 35 staff members participated in 5 focus groups. Field observations were interspersed throughout the data collection period.

Results

Results suggest that communication challenges such as hearing loss, cognitive decline, and social isolation are highly prevalent in this convenience sample. Sixty-seven percent have at least a mild hearing loss in the better hearing ear. Eighty-two percent scored in the "very" or "most isolated" range of the IOM Measures of Social and Behavioral Determinants of Health questionnaire. The mean score on the MOST cognitive screener was 17.6, which is below the dementia screening cutoff score of 18 points. A thematic analysis of the qualitative data suggests that the PACE programs support socialization and engagement. A conceptual framework was developed by integrating quantitative and qualitative findings to recognize what contributes to meaningful interactions or engaged communication.

Conclusion

Identifying communication challenges can enhance the benefits individuals can experience at care facilities and lessen the burden of the staff members trying to provide safe and effective care. In order to maximize the potential benefit of attending group-based day centers, the communication challenges and motivations of older adults need to be addressed.

SUBMITTER: Mamo SK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9632268 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

altmetric image

Publications

A Mixed Methods Study of Hearing Loss, Communication, and Social Engagement in a Group Care Setting for Older Adults.

Mamo Sara K SK   Wheeler Kara A KA   Plano Clark Vicki L VL   Jacelon Cynthia S CS  

Perspectives of the ASHA special interest groups 20220222 2


<h4>Purpose</h4>The purpose of this study is to characterize the communication needs of older adults in group care environments and understand the factors that foster engaged communication.<h4>Method</h4>This mixed methods study provides an in-depth analysis of communication and engagement for older adults at two Program for All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) sites. Seventy-two PACE participants (<i>M</i> <sub>age</sub> = 74 years) completed a hearing test, cognitive screener (MOST<sup>™<  ...[more]

Similar Datasets

| S-EPMC7756723 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC8050419 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC6315276 | biostudies-other
| S-EPMC6930984 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC8194178 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC6347925 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC9316428 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC9560150 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC10809043 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC10053647 | biostudies-literature