Open AccessSatisfaction With Outdoor Activities Among Northeastern U.S. Newly Enrolled Long-Term Services and Supports Recipients
Author(s) -
Justine Sefcik,
Karen B. Hirschman,
Darina Petrovsky,
Nancy Hodgson,
Mary D. Naylor
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of applied gerontology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.857
H-Index - 50
eISSN - 1552-4523
pISSN - 0733-4648
DOI - 10.1177/0733464820933774
Subject(s) - activities of daily living , long term care , gerontology , patient satisfaction , psychology , medicine , physical therapy , nursing
Older adults receiving long-term services and supports (LTSS) experience barriers to outdoor activities and satisfaction ratings with such experiences are not well understood. Our study used cross-sectional data ( n = 329) to (a) examine whether those new to LTSS were satisfied with their outdoor activities and (b) describe the characteristics and factors associated with satisfaction levels. Self-report of satisfaction with outdoor activities was the outcome variable. Multivariable linear regression modeling of the outcome was conducted. Fifty-nine percent were satisfied with their outdoor activities. More depressive symptoms ( p < .001) and higher cognitive functioning ( p = .011) were associated with lower ratings. Higher self-rated physical health ( p = .009) and more independence with activities of daily living ( p = .022) were associated with greater satisfaction. Findings suggest an unmet need among four in 10 new recipients of LTSS (41%) related to their outdoor activities. LTSS interdisciplinary teams can use these findings to inform their assessments, develop person-centered care plans, and address barriers.