Researchers explore tailored wellness care to older adults

In a recent study, researchers have found that community-based wellness instructors can provide tailored wellness care to older adults.

A randomised controlled trial assessing whether community self-management with wellness coaching could improve participants' overall wellbeing was the foundation to outline the components of a new model of community-based wellness called the Person-Centered Wellness Home (PCWH).

PCWH helps patients manage chronic diseases and maintain wellness. Findings were published in a special issue on the ageing and public health.

The researchers enrolled 121 participants over the age of 55 with two or more chronic diseases from the New York City Housing Authority communities in the South Bronx.

All participants completed a six-week workshop in which trained community lay leaders encouraged self-management skills for diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, HIV, chronic pain, and cancer that are highly prevalent in the South Bronx.

Participants in the treatment arm received a wellness self-coaching program that guided them to set health goals aligning with their needs.

According to the first author Thelma J Mielenz, PhD and an assistant professor of epidemiology, "There was an improvement in self-reported physical functioning by the wellness coaching group."

She noted that the people with better physical functioning often have an easier time being physically active. The wellness coaches and participants maintained their social connection.

The study also examined the benefits of patient health information available in wellness care, including providing patients and their caregivers or coaches with personalised health records. Researchers found this measure encourages patients to familiarise themselves with their health information so they can set goals and track their progress.

Together, the availability of community-based wellness programs and the provision of transparent wellness records empowers older adults to take control of their health in a community setting along with the support of wellness program instructors.

"By establishing personalised wellness care within the community, older adults can easily access and frequently take advantage of services that promote healthy lifestyle changes, in underserved areas where gaps exist between the clinic and community, the Person-centered Wellness Home model may start to provide the needed support for a patient in the community and improve overall health outcomes," adds Mielenz.