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Abstract

To remain living independently, many older and disabled adults rely on homecare workers, though workforce shortages and turnover can hinder access to care. The Veterans Health Administration piloted a Technology Enabled Respite Homecare Model allowing Veterans to select their homecare aide in collaboration with a coordinating agency to expand access to services. We used a convergent mixed method design, surveying Veterans (n = 97) and homecare aides (n = 110) and conducting qualitative interviews with staff (n = 8). Forty-four percent more Veterans accessed in-home care after enrollment compared to before and satisfaction was high (8.6 out of 10). Homecare aides were also satisfied (8.0 out of 10) and reported receiving $3.11 higher hourly compensation. Staff found no major changes to workflow but suggested nursing oversight, staff education, and communication coordination to improve implementation. Overall, this pilot increased Veteran access to in-home care, demonstrating one approach to filling gaps in unmet needs for older adults.

Keywords

homecare workers mixed methods veterans home and community-based care and services consumer-directed care

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Empowering Older Veterans Through Self-Directed Care: A Mixed Methods Evaluation of a Technology Enabled Respite Homecare Model Pilot

Abstract

Keywords

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