Introduction: A mobile person-centered approach to services and footcare for seniors supports safe aging-in-place and improved quality of life for isolated seniors. Research shows a direct correlation between seniors who report isolation in their home or community with decreased life expectancy, cognitive decline, and diminished quality of life (QoL)1-3.
Methods: This intervention study enrolled 366 participants during the COVID pandemic. The initial phase offered registered nurse (RN) provided footcare and support from social workers (SW) to people 55 years and older. The RNs made a total of 6 visits to provide footcare and social workers assessed need for resources to support safe aging-in-place. Assessments using validated tools to assess QoL, frailty, loneliness, and social isolation were completed by RNs and SWs.
Results: Interactions focused on prevention for participants, of which 42% were diabetic. Based on the InLow 60 second foot assessment, approximately 53.8% were high or urgent risk. 59% of participants are living below the poverty line4 during COVID. Frequently, the only interactions participants had was with the RNs and SWs. Seniors’ mental health (depression and anxiety) and QoL improved. Preliminary analyses showed that depression scores changed from mild depression to none/minimal using the Brief Patient Health Questionnaire, t (229) = 2.1, p = .04. Using the Geriatric Anxiety Inventory, the mean baseline anxiety score indicated an absence of clinically significant anxiety (5.06/20). Nevertheless, there was a significant decrease in anxiety score, mean difference = 1.36, t (229) = 3.9, p = .0001. Using the WHO QOL-100, quality of life increased from baseline score (72.50) with a mean difference = 3.61, t (89) = 1.5, p = .14. Participants with high risk for isolation, frailty, or loneliness were connected to supportive resources and seniors with high-risk feet were referred to specialized services.
Discussion: QoL for seniors can be supported through mobile services provided by RNs and SWs. Seniors can stay in their homes safely with minimal, yet vital supports. Footcare is essential to support mobility and health in seniors, especially seniors with diabetes. Footcare is often out of reach for seniors because of cost or lack of providers in their community.
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