Dementia patient and caregiver relevant outcomes currently being reported by adult day service centers in the United States

Adult day services: a potential antidote to social isolation and loneliness in marginalized older adults

Loneliness and social isolation affect more than 1 in 4 community-dwelling older adults in the United States, who may also require long-term care support. Despite being seen as a solution to the long-term care crisis, most older adults prefer to age in place rather than using skilled nursing facilities. However, in-home care is unsustainable due to a shortage of direct care workers and may exacerbate social isolation by confining older adults to their homes. Adult Day Services (ADS) addresses both issues. ADS provides care to adults with physical, functional, and or cognitive limitations in non-residential, congregate, community-based settings. ADS also provides daily cognitive and physical stimulation, often with medical support, in a social and supported environment, centered around the needs and preferences of participants. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly 5,000 ADS centers were widely available. However, with limited public support, the ADS industry has struggled as demand by the growing number of older adults and families need health and social support. The ADS industry must be recognized for its unique ability to buffer social isolation and loneliness in chronically ill older adults while serving as an effective platform for chronic disease management. This perspective piece highlights the critical role of ADS centers in reducing loneliness and social isolation and promoting healthy equity. We also explore the benefits of ADS, the financial, policy, and societal barriers to utilizing ADS, and the potential solutions to ensure its sustainability and growth.

Halim NA, Maniam P. Caregiver Experiences with Dementia-Related Feeding/Eating Difficulties

This cross-sectional study explores caregivers' perceptions of feeding/eating difficulties in persons living with dementia, their support provisions, and the associated burdens. Cognitive decline, behavioral symptoms, and physical issues contribute to the deterioration of feeding/eating activities in people with dementia. Inadequate support during mealtimes has adverse consequences. This study includes 31 caregivers who completed an online questionnaire with three sections: sociodemographic information, feeding/eating problems and required support for individuals with dementia, and caregiver burden and distress. The questions on feeding and eating problems were adapted from the Appetite and Eating Habits Questionnaire (APEHQ). The results show that nearly all persons living with dementia had symptoms of feeding/eating problems, requiring caregiver support, ranging from verbal assistance to full physical assistance. The caregivers reported high distress, which was positively correlated with dementia severity. The findings emphasize the importance of raising caregiver awareness about dementia's impact on eating behavior, identifying effective mealtime care strategies, meeting nutritional needs, and emphasizing personal self-care. This research provides insights for healthcare professionals to develop targeted interventions, alleviate caregiver burden, improve mealtime experiences, and ensure adequate nutrition for persons living with dementia.