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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Linda S. Spokane, School of Public Health, Health Policy, Mgmt. & Behavior, University at Albany, SUNY, 104 North Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, 518-581-0511, lspokane@nycap.rr.com, Yuchi Young, DrPh, Department of Health Policy, Management & Behavior, University at Albany, SUNY, East Campus 171, One University Place, Rensselaer, NY 12144, Benjamin Shaw, PhD, Department of Health Policy, Management and Behavior, University at Albany, School of Public Health, One University Place, Rensselaer, NY 12144, and Mark Macera, Longview, an Ithacare Community, 1 Bella Vista Drive, Ithaca, NY 14850.

Objective: To examine the effects of coordinated care on selected indicators of physical functioning and psychological well-being between older adults residing in two retirement communities.

Methods: Cross-sectional study of 140 randomly selected residents age 65 or older in independent apartments in a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) and a residential senior community (RSC). Coordinated care was defined by residence, with CCRC residents having more access to coordinated care services (e.g. on-site physician clinic and nursing home care) than RSC residents We regressed selected outcomes on type of residence in multivariate models that included age, gender, education, living arrangement, social support, and comorbidity as covariates.

Results: The mean age was 81.9 years, 63.6% were female, with an average of 17.6 years of education. After adjusting for covariates, results indicate that residents of the CCRC had a greater sense of control over their future health (OR= 2.51; 95%CI 1.04-6.03) and showed more interest and pleasure in daily activities (OR= 3.27, 95%CI 1.05-10.23) compared to RSC residents. No differences in activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, perceived quality of life, or health care utilization were found between these two groups.

Conclusion: Although this study shows no apparent effects of coordinated care on physical functioning and perceived quality of life, there appears to be potential benefits in some key indicators of psychological well-being. Future studies should explore specific components of coordinated care responsible for these differences.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to discuss potential benefits of coordinated care services on selected health outcomes among older adults living in retirement communities.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered