Cv. Browne et Kl. Braun, When a case management program closes: Impact as perceived by frail eldersand their family caregivers, J APPL GER, 20(3), 2001, pp. 338-355
Geriatric case management programs benefit elders and their caregivers by p
roviding technical and emotional support and linkages to services and finan
cial assistance. This study used qualitative and quantitative data to docum
ent the perceived impact felt by clients and their families when this assis
tance is withdrawn. Attempts were made to contact all 205 former clients of
a case management program in Honolulu 6 months after program closure. Of t
hese, 118 were still living at home. 20 had entered nursing homes. 28 had d
ied, and 39 were lost to follow-up. Compared to a previous 6-month period,
the percentage who entered nursing homes was similar whereas the percentage
that died was higher Half of responding caregivers reported a deterioratio
n of their own health and increased emotional fatigue. Data suggest that th
e program was perceived by elders and their caregivers to be a critical com
ponent in providing support and maintaining the safety of frail elders in h
ome settings.