Lessons Learned from a Five-Year Study on Preventing Self-Neglect Among At-Risk Health Care Patients in Texas
2024

Preventing Self-Neglect in At-Risk Healthcare Patients

Sample size: 477 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Ejaz Farida, Courtney Reynolds

Primary Institution: Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging, Cleveland, Ohio, United States

Hypothesis

Can targeted case management reduce self-neglect among at-risk healthcare patients?

Conclusion

The study found that home assessments and case management for at-risk patients were feasible and necessary.

Supporting Evidence

  • The intervention group had higher response rates when interviewed at home compared to the control group.
  • At-risk patients had a variety of needs, including food insecurity and home modifications.
  • Needs were met 65% of the time, but barriers included refusals.

Takeaway

The study looked at how to help older patients who might not take care of themselves. It showed that visiting them at home and helping them with their needs worked well.

Methodology

Patients from 19 clinics were randomized into intervention and control groups, with the intervention group receiving case management.

Potential Biases

Potential bias in participant recruitment and response rates.

Limitations

The response rate was low, and there were barriers to service utilization.

Participant Demographics

Predominantly Hispanic (68%) and low income (less than $1,361).

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.0144

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