Recovery From Disability After Geriatric-home Rehabilitation Versus Standard of Care: Pilot Study

Launched by UNIVERSITAIRE ZIEKENHUIZEN KU LEUVEN · May 3, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how effective home rehabilitation programs are for older adults who have experienced a decline in their ability to perform daily activities after being discharged from the hospital. Many older people struggle with tasks like dressing, shopping, and housework after a hospital stay, but they often do not receive the support they need to regain their independence. The researchers want to find out if receiving guidance from a physiotherapist at home can help improve their physical abilities and overall quality of life compared to standard care.

To participate in this study, individuals must be 75 years or older and have some difficulty with daily activities after leaving the hospital. They should also be able to provide informed consent, meaning they understand the study and agree to take part. Participants will either receive regular care or an intensive home rehabilitation program with a physiotherapist who will work with them three times a week for six weeks. The study aims to see if those who receive this extra support feel better and are more capable in their daily lives six months later. This pilot study will help researchers understand how to successfully conduct a larger study in the future.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 75 years of age or older;
• • disability (i.e., dependent in one or more activities of daily living) at hospital discharge;
• • rehabilitation potential;
• • capable of giving informed consent, and also giving their consent;
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • discharged to a nursing home or rehabilitation centre;
• • receiving palliative care;
• • enrolled in a specialised rehabilitation programme, e.g. cardiac rehabilitation, stroke rehabilitation, respiratory rehabilitation for COPD, and oncology rehabilitation;
• • in active follow-up with a physical therapist, and for whom participation in the intervention would be too demanding or would compromise the integrity of the therapy and its anticipated outcomes.