Purpose: The social and behavioral health of older adults is of particular concern during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is estimated that at least 50% of older adults in the U.S. have pets; while pets may be a source of support, they could also pose unique challenges during an already trying time. We aimed to investigate how pets impacted the everyday lives of older adults in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: A large survey of U.S. pet owners (n = 2,068) was administered to assess the impact of relationships with pets during COVID-19 on human health and well-being. We conducted bivariate analyses to compare levels of social support, loneliness, pet attachment, and family income for a subset of older adults (ages 65 and older) with a younger comparison group (ages 18–64). Using thematic and content analysis, we analyzed two open-ended prompts from age 65+ respondents (n = 122): (1) the pros and cons of living with pets during the pandemic, and (2) advice for those living with pets in future pandemics.Results: Older adults, on average, reported lower levels of social support and less loneliness than respondents below age 65. There were no significant differences in strength of attachment to pets nor income between the younger and older respondents. For the open-ended prompt regarding pros and cons, we coded three emerging themes and related sub-themes: (1) pros (company; more time together; life purpose or meaning; love; support; stress relief; routine; distraction; exercise), (2) cons (general worry; potential for illness; limited participation; veterinary care access; obtaining supplies; difficulty meeting pet needs; financial concerns), and (3) no difference. Advice shared was coded into 13 themes/sub-themes: pets' health and welfare; make plans; veterinary information; treat pets like family; don't abandon pets; human health and well-being; stay calm; enjoy pets; keep routine; be careful of transmission; seek community resources; keep supplies stocked; and finances.Conclusions: Pets may fulfill some social and emotional needs for older adults during this particularly isolating event; equally important to consider are the challenges that may be precipitated by and/or exacerbated by this public health emergency.

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Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify assessments used to evaluate the homes of people with disabilities in terms of accessibility, usability, activities, comfort/satisfaction, and aesthetics. Background: The home is increasingly becoming an environment for healthcare as more people desire to age in place. Research indicates home environmental modifications to be beneficial to promote a better person–environment fit, especially when using a standardized assessment approach. There is not a comprehensive list of assessments that address home modifications, adaptations, or interior designs for people with disabilities. Method: Researchers conducted a rapid review of articles, with data collection scales, instruments, and procedures for home modifications published between 2000 and 2017. Results: A total of 26 articles met the inclusion criteria, resulting in the identification of 33 distinct assessments, including 18 assessments evaluating the accessibility of home modifications, 3 assessments examining usability, 15 assessments addressing activities of daily living or functional activities, and 5 assessments addressing comfort and/or satisfaction. No assessments for aesthetics were located. Conclusion: Researchers developed a list of assessments that could be used for research or practice. Further research is needed to address the lack of assessments focusing on the aesthetics or attractiveness of home modifications, as well as more assessments tailored to specific diagnoses and population groups.

Aging individuals may face difficulty with independently navigating and interacting with their home environment. Evidence-based interventions promoting home modifications are needed to support aging-in-place across the lifespan. This study identified the facilitators and barriers to implementing home modifications from the perspectives of residents and professionals (N = 16). Guided by a social-ecological model, researchers utilized directed content analysis of focus group interviews. While participants discussed facilitators and barriers mainly on the individual level, factors were presented at the relationship, community, and societal level of the model. Overall, the findings suggest a potential for targeted interventions on all levels of the model to promote adoption of home modifications.

Date Presented 04/05/19 Primary Author and Speaker: Linda Struckmeyer Additional Authors and Speakers: Carlyn Ellison Contributing Authors: Nichole Campbell