Tele-homecare and Intergenerational Support; Canada-France Project, Phase I:  Feasibility and Reliability of Video Conferencing-Assessments of Autonomy, Mobility and Nutrition in 70+ Seniors.

Bernard M-M -1, Kenny R -2, Fruhwirth M -1, Brown S -3, Meunier L -3, Janson F -1, Burzillo L -2.

1-Program for Autonomy and Communication for the Elderly, PACE2000 International Foundation, Ottawa, Ontario. 2-Centennial College, School of Applied Arts and Health Sciences, Toronto, Ontario. 3-Family Physiotherapy Centre, Ottawa, Ontario.

 

Aging is associated with an increased risk for incapacity and isolation.  Both factors precipitate seniors into a state of dependency.  The vast majority of seniors with handicaps, however, live in their home.  The situation changes for 70+ seniors: Fewer can manage their handicap while staying at home.  There is a pressing need for the development of tools, which will help seniors stay in their home, fight isolation and cope with their handicaps.

 

In the planning of a Canada-France telehomecare project, a randomised, cross-over study is conducted to assess the feasibility and reliability of tele-performing evaluations of the autonomy, mobility and nutritional status, using a customized videoconferencing system (VC) for homebound seniors.  Twenty five 65+ seniors are randomized in two groups and undergo a sequence of VC or conventional evaluations, using validated scales such as AGGIR for the assessment of autonomy, Tinetti’s mobility test, a timed “Get up and Go” test, and the NSI scale assessing the risk of malnutrition (AQRD for the French version).  The cross-over (Conventional or VC evaluations) is performed after a wash-out period of two weeks. 

 

Mobility and nutrition are pivotal factors for the promotion of seniors’ autonomy.  In keeping with the development of telehomecare, it is important to rely on readily accessible and standardized tele-evaluation tools.