Purpose
To develop, implement and evaluate an innovative and scalable model for teaching, training and supporting caregivers who assist and care for elders at home following a hospital or rehabilitation discharge.
Mission
To prepare and empower individuals in their role as caregivers of homebound older adults especially during challenging transitions.
Addressing the Need
Older adults comprise a small fraction of our population in the United States, yet they account for a large percentage of hospital stays. Almost half of hospitalized older adults will experience a loss of physical function related to their hospitalization, and many have complex medical regimens that complicate their home recovery. Without adequate support, older adults experience difficult home transitions that lead to dissatisfaction in care and potential readmissions. One in five older adults is readmitted to the hospital within 30 days of their discharge, and the readmission rate increases to about 31 percent for those who are medically vulnerable and frail. The caregiving role is frequently under-supported. Many caregivers express frustrations with the hospital discharge planning process, citing poor communication, lack of knowledge and education and especially training to reinforce skills that are necessary to take on their home caregiving role. Consequently, caregivers worry about their ability to provide the needed care at home. As we anticipate more home caregivers as a result of an aging society, a shift in the health care paradigm is needed that considers caregivers as active partners in health care. The DEFT Center aims at addressing these needs.