Reasons for refusing referrals and challenges to effectual engagement in tele-treatment for depression among low-income homebound older adults.

Objectives: To describe reasons for refusal to be referred to or enroll in a depression treatment study and post-enrollment challenges to treatment engagement and technology-related problems among low-income homebound individuals aged 50+ years with depression.Methods: Data came from a 3-arm randomized clinical trial that evaluated real-world effectiveness of lay counselor-delivered behavioral activation (BA) versus clinician-delivered problem-solving therapy (PST). Interventionists were embedded in a large home-delivered meals program and treatment sessions were videoconferenced; hence Tele-BA and Tele-PST. We described refusal reasons of those who refused initial case manager referrals (n = 279), telephone screening (n = 64), enrollment (n = 47), or post-enrollment baseline assessments (n = 18). We used inductive thematic analysis to explore challenges to effectual treatment engagement and tele-delivery-related problems among Tele-PST or Tele-BA participants (n = 183) from the interventionists' tele-session process recordings.Results: More than a third of potentially eligible older adults refused their case managers' referral, and a quarter of those who accepted referral refused further screening or enrollment. Three quarters of those who refused reported no interest or need or declined to talk about depression. Others refused given their busy schedule with medical appointments and caregiving. Nearly 80% of Tele-BA or Tele-PST participants had some challenges to effectual engagement in treatment sessions due to environmental and health-related conditions and other life stressors including financial distress. Though many tele-sessions had connectivity and other technology-related problems, these did not affect depression outcomes.Conclusion: Mental health service providers for low-income older adults need to be aware of these challenges when adopting best practice strategies for them.

A Feasibility Study of Multi-Component Fall Prevention for Homebound Older Adults Facilitated by Lay Coaches and Using a Tablet-Based, Gamified Exercise Application.

Although homebound older adults face high risk for falls, they are unable to utilize community-based fall prevention programs due to their mobility limitations. In this article, we report a feasibility study of a four-session, multicomponent fall prevention program for low-income homebound older adults using pre, post, mixed-method design. The manualized program was delivered by lay coaches who were trained and supervised by a physical therapist. The program also used an iPad-based gamified strength and balance exercise app (called KOKU) that was operable without the need to connect to the internet. Participants (N = 28) in this study were highly receptive to the program and approved all components: psychoeducation, the KOKU app, home-safety checks, safe ambulation training, and medication review. The study showed that a brief, multi-component fall prevention program for homebound older adults is feasible and acceptable. Further research is needed to evaluate its effectiveness.

Acceptability and effects of tele-delivered behavioral activation for depression in low-income homebound older adults: in their own words.

OBJECTIVES: To examine experiences and perspectives of low-income homebound older adults (N = 90) who participated in tele-delivered behavioral activation (Tele-BA) treatment for depression by bachelor's-level lay counselors. METHODS: We used the 11-item Treatment Evaluation Inventory (TEI) to measure participants' acceptability of Tele-BA. We used inductive thematic analysis to explore participants' Tele-BA session goals and activities and unsolicited and solicited comments about their Tele-BA experience. RESULTS: Participant's TEI score averaged 70 out of maximum possible 77. The most frequently chosen Tele-BA goals were to improve self-care management of physical and mental health, engage in self-enrichment/self-enjoyment, improve living environment and daily routine, and to increase social connectedness. The themes that emerged from participants' comments about Tele-BA were: (1) benefits of psychoeducation; (2) importance of and gratitude for working with a counselor; (3) benefits of activity planning; (4) understanding of behavior and mood connection; (5) positive effects of increased activity on health and self-enjoyment; (6) sense of being productive and useful from accomplishing goals; (7) hope for the future; and (8) pride in tele-treatment. CONCLUSION: Participants' comments show that Tele-BA aimed at reinforcing healthy behaviors that improve both physical functioning and mood is well aligned with these older adults' perception of what treatment should be. The findings also provide support for lay counselors' clinical capacity. Given geriatric mental health workforce shortages, lay counselors may be able to effectively supplement existing professional mental health service systems.