Evidence Summary
What is an Evidence Summary?
Key messages from scientific research that's ready to be acted on
Got It, Hide thisThe evidence is inconclusive about the effectiveness of home visits by health and social care professionals to maintain the health and autonomy of community-dwelling older adults
Grant, S, Parsons, A, Burton, J, Montgomery, et al. Home visits for prevention of impairment and death in older adults: A systematic review Campbell Systematic Reviews. 2014; 10(3): 1-86.
Review question
• What is the effectiveness of home visits in reducing impairment, institutionalization, and death in older adults, and what factors moderate the impact of such visits?
Background
• The vast majority of older adults prefer to age in the comfort of their own home. Home visits by health- and social-care professionals aim to maintain the health and autonomy of older adults by preventing cognitive and functional impairments.
• This systematic review aims to assess the effectiveness of home visits for adults over the age of 65, while addressing mediating factors that moderate the impact of home visits.
How the review was done
• A detailed search of a number of electronic databases for studies published between 1984 and 2012 was conducted. Studies that focused on older adults, home visits and effectiveness were included in the review.
• A total of 14,854 studies were identified in searches, and 64 were included in the review after assessments for eligibility.
• This review was funded by the Nordic Campbell Centre (Denmark).
What the researchers found
• The articles included in this systematic review found evidence that home visits did not reduce absolute mortality or institutionalization of older adults.
• The review also found a low level of evidence supporting the fact that home visits for older adults prevented the incidence of falls. Despite this, several studies found that home visits did, in some cases, improve the quality of life of older adults.
Conclusion
• In summary, the review was unable to determine reliable effects of home visits for older adults, particularly when comparing different settings, types of visitors and focus of such visits.
Related Topics
Glossary
A comprehensive evaluation of the available research evidence on a particular topic.
Related Evidence Summaries
-
Discharge planning from hospital
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2016) -
One in seven older women is affected by different forms of abuse around the world
Trauma, Violence and Abuse (2017) -
Developing community-based coalitions and developing competences of older adults are important to promote physical activity
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2017)
Related Web Resources
-
Behavioral weight loss programs are effective — but where to find them?
Harvard Health LetterBehavioral weight loss programs can help people lose weight and are relatively safe. They may also help reduce the risk of diabetes. If you are not able to access a behavioural weight loss program, you can develop a tailored version with a team of health professionals and specialists or try a variety of mobile phone apps geared towards weight loss. -
Patient education: How to use a peak flow meter (Beyond the Basics)
UpToDate - patient informationA peak flow meter measures lung function and the severity of asthma symptoms. It is an inexpensive, easy way to monitor asthma symptoms at home. Regular measurements can help guide treatment. This website gives tips on how to use it. -
Environmental barriers to activity
Harvard School of Public HealthOur surroundings can encourage or prevent us from being active. Activity-friendly environments include safe sidewalks and crosswalks, safe and appealing parks and playgrounds, amenities (such as shops) in easy walking distance, and access to public transportation.
Register for free access to all Professional content
RegisterOur Content
About
Support for the Portal is largely provided by the Labarge Optimal Aging Initiative. AGE-WELL is a contributing partner. Help us to continue to provide direct and easy access to evidence-based information on health and social conditions to help you stay healthy, active and engaged as you grow older. Donate Today.
