bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
WHAT FAMILY CAREGIVERS FEEL UNPREPARED FOR: DIFFERENCES BETWEEN DEMENTIA AND NON-DEMENTIA CAREGIVERS
Authors: Singh Roshni , Munoz Richard , Garcia-Davis Sandra , Lamba Saanvi , Dang Stuti , Ruiz Diana , Leykum Luci , Desir Marianne 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This study identified tasks for which informal caregivers feel insufficiently prepared, stratified by Veterans’ dementia status. Using the Veterans Affairs’ HERO CARE Survey data, we analyzed caregivers’ responses to one open-ended question: “Out of all the tasks that you help the Veteran with, is there anything specific you would like to be better prepared for?” Responses were coded thematically into ten domains and differences in reported domains between caregivers of Veterans with and without dementia were compared. 296 dementia and 426 non-dementia caregivers were included. On average, caregivers were female (87.3%), non-Hispanic white (71.4%), primary caregivers (85.9%), and had provided over five years of care (54.2%). Dementia and non-dementia caregivers were demographically similar except in age (70.9 vs 65.9 years, p&lt; 0.001); spouses (69.1% vs 58.2%, p=0.004); working at-least part-time (18.3% vs 25.9%, p=0.003), and hours of care-provision per week (94.7 vs 74.5, p&lt; 0.001). Preparedness concerns for both dementia and non-dementia caregivers respectively included care-coordination (24.3% vs 25.1%, p=0.81), nursing/medical tasks (19.3% vs 21.6%, p=0.44), advance planning (16.6% vs 15.7%, p=0.77), and assistance with Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) (11.5% vs 9.4%, p=0.36) and ADLs (11.5% vs 7.3%, p=0.05). Dementia caregivers expressed significantly more concerns about caregiver self-care (7.4% vs 3.1%, p=0.007), and less about handling emergencies (1.7% vs 4.7%, p=0.03) than non-dementia caregivers. Informal caregivers may need additional training in several domains of care tasks ranging from direct care to service coordination to improve caregiving competency. Dementia caregivers may particularly benefit from learning self-care strategies.
CONTENT ANALYSIS - NURSING HOME (NH) STATEMENTS OF DEFICIENCIES (SODS) AS QUALITY IMPROVEMENT INNOVATION
Authors: Dellefield Mary , Madrigal Caroline 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) issue Statements of Deficiency (SODs) collected by trained observers detailing practices that pose harm or ‘immediate jeopardy’ to nursing home residents. SODs document nursing home compliance failures, such as F-tag 0678, which addresses non-compliance with federal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) requirements, a critical indicator of resident autonomy and self-determination. This study aimed to describe practice patterns and organizational characteristics linked to F-tag 0678 immediate jeopardy citations in 80 nursing homes across CMS Region 5 (Michigan [17], Minnesota [30], Ohio [22], Wisconsin [11]} from 2019-2022. An a-priori code book was developed, based on previous SOD research and American Heart Association guidelines. Content analysis was applied to SODs to identify practice patterns and organizational characteristics. Sampled nursing homes were for-profit (69%), with a mean bed size of 93 (range= 26-212) and an average star rating of 2.4 (range=1-5). Major practice pattern failures included: early detection (identifying code status/initiating CPR); logistics (communication failures; failures to follow policy/procedures); documentation (lack of clarify about code status/inaccurate documentation of CPR event); staff performance (lack of familiarity with nursing home operations); and delay in initiating CPR (13 minutes to 4 hours). Structured analysis of SODs offers a novel, efficient approach to leverage existing CMS data to drive quality improvement efforts and inform policy decisions. This research has the potential to inform the development of evidence-based interventions, enhance regulatory oversight, improve the quality of care, and protect the rights of vulnerable nursing home residents.
EXAMINING THE COMPLETENESS OF MEDICARE ADVANTAGE ENCOUNTER DATA FOR MEASURING POST-ACUTE CARE UTILIZATION
Authors: Yun Hyunkyung , Kosar Cyrus 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Given the rapid growth of Medicare Advantage (MA) program, the degree to which the newly-released MA encounter data reliably capture care utilization has serious implications for the ability to evaluate MA-related policies accurately and conduct rigorous academic research. However, little is known about the quality of MA encounter data outside of the acute care setting. We assessed how well the encounter data captured post-acute skilled nursing facility (SNF) and home health (HH) utilization overall and across MA contracts. We identified 2016-2019 Minimum Data Set (MDS) and the Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) admission assessments preceded by inpatient claims and calculated the proportion of assessments matched to a SNF or HH encounter record within 7 days of the assessment’s admission date. In 2019, there were 871,101 MDS assessments and 812,002 OASIS assessments following an MA inpatient stay. About 82% of MDS assessments could be matched to a SNF encounter records (up from 75% in 2016) while 63% of OASIS assessments matched to a HH encounter record (52% in 2016). There was substantial contract-level variation in match rates and a lack of correlation across services. Only 21% of contracts that had high SNF encounter completeness (match rates of 90% and above) also had high HH completeness, and 68% of contracts with high HH completeness also had high SNF completeness. Efforts to improve the quality of MA encounter data are needed as CMS prioritizes this data as a source for program oversight and payment.
IMMERSIVE GREEN SPACE AND EMOTIONAL BENEFITS FOR OLDER PEOPLE LIVING IN RESIDENTIAL CARE HOMES FOR ELDERLY (RCHES)
Authors: Yung Hiu Kwan , Ogungbile Adedayo , Ohene Eric , Fan Yujun , Wang Siqiang , Yim Cynthia 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
In densely populated cities like Hong Kong where land is scare, elderly residents in care homes often do not have access to natural gardens. However, previous research has proofed that natural gardens are beneficial to people’s psychological and social well-being. To address this problem, our study explores the use of a portable Cave Automatic Virtual Environments (CAVE) to simulate therapeutic effects of physical gardens, with the aim of providing elderly residents of RCHEs with the healing elements of nature, and potentially reducing stress and enhance emotional health. 18 residents living in two RCHEs were recruited to participate in the virtual garden experiments bi-weekly over two months. Questionnaire surveys were conducted to elicit their evaluation and feelings on the different features of the virtual gardens. We collected respondents’ skin conductance levels by using the Shimmer wearable sensors to analyze changes in heart rates, stress levels and emotional states. The results show that the virtual garden is able to make older people feel more relax and recall the nostalgic feelings of the built environment. This study has won the award organized by the National Academy of Medicine of the United States which recognizes its contribution in catalyzing innovations to promote people’s lifelong physical, mental, and social health and well-being.
COUNTY JAIL AS A SITE OF CARE AND CONTROL FOR OLDER HOMELESS SEATTLELITES
Authors: Johnson Ian 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
An estimated 1.2% of people over age 50 living in community settings have been recently involved in the criminal-legal system. County jails detain people who have yet to face trial, have been sentenced to misdemeanors with short sentences, or who violated parole. Much of the attention to aging within the criminal-legal system has focused on long-term institutions such as prisons; this gap limits our understanding and ability to respond to the need of older adults in the homeless-jail cycle. Using electronic medical record data from a specialty street-based palliative care team and key informant interviews, this presentation will present preliminary findings from a reflexive thematic analysis. Findings include: (1) entangled health and behavioral health precedents for criminal-legal involvement; (2) jail healthcare designed for high acuity and low complexity; (3) discretionary and subjective compassion for aging issues; and (4) ageism’s role in driving institutionalization of older people experiencing homelessness. Implications include guiding future abolitionist research in gerontology, workforce preparation within homeless response systems and correctional programs, and interventions to reduce jail use by older people.
HEALTH EFFECTS OF EXTENDED WORKING LIFE AMONG OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Zhan Rongfang , Mpofu Elias 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Objectives
To examine health benefits of working beyond the age of 66 in addition to the impact of socioeconomic status (SES) on potential health effects.

Methods
This longitudinal study utilized data from 4,492 respondents, aged 50 years and over, from 6 waves (2004 - 2014) of the Health and Retirement Study. Measures included physical activities of daily living, mental health and the prevalence of chronic diseases in older adults.

Results
Remaining in the workforce was associated with a reduced risk of mental illness. Socioeconomic disparities were apparent: extended working life had a beneficial effect on physical health and independence of older adults with lower SES and enhanced mental wellbeing of those with higher SES. No significant group differences in prevalence of chronic conditions was noted.

Discussion
The current findings provide support for public policies aimed at increasing retirement age and have implications for how best to protect older worker’s health. Keywords: Older workers, retirement, socioeconomic status, health.
SAFETY OF PUBLIC BUSES IN NATURALLY OCCURRING RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES
Authors: Chippendale Tracy , Sangrar Ruheena , Rotenberg Shlomit , Curl Angela , Suzuki Lisa 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Community mobility is critical to support aging-in-place. For older adults living in low-and moderate-income urban communities, driving may not be an option due to costs associated with car ownership, impracticalities of cars in urban settings, or a lack of driving history. Some older adults must retire from driving due to changes in their functional status. Safe public transportation is therefore paramount to equity in community mobility. The purpose of this Ecological theory informed study was to explore supports and limitations regarding safe public bus use in naturally occurring retirement communities (NORC). A multiple qualitative case study design was used with purposive sampling of representative cases, including four bus routes in NORC neighborhoods, two in Toronto, Canada, and two in NYC. Field observations and in-depth semi-structed interviews were conducted. Inclusion criteria for participants were: 1) Age 60 and older 2) Resident of one of the four NORC neighborhoods 3) Ride the bus on average 2 or more times per month 4) Ambulatory with or without a walking aid (e.g. cane, rollator) and 5) English speaking. A descriptive, thematic approach was used for data coding and analyses, and data was organized according to the Framework Method. Approximately 45 hours of field observations were conducted, and N=17 NORC residents participated in interviews. Results revealed four major themes: Impact of other people’s behavior, Problematic passageways: obstructions, Personal impact on safety, and Space & time orientation. Several subthemes also emerged. Results suggest implications for policy and education to increase safety for older adult bus users.
“IT TAKES A SPECIAL PERSON”: EXPLORING NURSING STUDENTS’ END-OF-LIFE CARE EXPERIENCES AND ITS INFLUENCE ON EMOTIONS
Authors: Kowalchik Kalei 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Navigating end-of-life care as a nursing student can results in intense emotions such as grief and despair and there is limited research on undergraduate nursing students’ thoughts and experiences on the need for emotional support resources when caring for patients and families at the end of life. To explore to explore and understand what end-of- life care experiences influence undergraduate nursing students’ emotions. A qualitative descriptive design study was used to interview third- and fourth-year nursing students. Purposive sampling techniques were used to recruit participants. Demographic data was collected via Qualtrics, and interviews were held via face-to-face (n=4) and Zoom (n=17). Data were transcribed verbatim, de-identified, and analyzed for themes. Results show that providing care to dying patients and their families is emotionally impactful to students and creates self-awareness about death and mortality. Students’ personal, educational, occupational, and clinical experiences caring for dying patients influences how they process and regulate their emotions when professionally caring for dying patients and their families. Additionally, these experiences are influential to how they interact with death and dying topics in their personal lives. Caring for dying patients and exposure to death as a nursing student is emotionally impactful to students as an emerging professional and as a person. Nurse educators should integrate supportive resources for students caring for dying patients to help develop students’ resilience, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness when providing EOL care.
MEDIA REPRESENTATION OF OLDER WOMEN DURING WAR CONFLICT: CASE OF UKRAINE AND ISRAEL
Authors: Shulyaev Ksenya , Band-Winterstein Tova 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Media reportage of war conflicts tends to underrepresent women, especially older women, and distort their involvement in wars through narrow role characterizations. Women are often cast less as political actors and more as helpless victims. This backdrop sets the stage for our study, which examines the media portrayal of older women during wartime, focusing on conflicts in Ukraine and Israel. By content-analyzing news from Ukraine and Israel, we identify recurring themes and highlight the roles and experiences of older women as depicted in media from the onset of the full-scale war in Ukraine (February 2022) and the “Iron Swords” in Israel (October 2022). The findings revealed five key portrayals of older women (1) Older Women as Victims: symbolizing the enemy’s inhumanity and brutality (2) Older Women as Enablers of Family Continuity: guardians of family bonds with warriors, maintaining household rituals and caring for grandchildren amidst chaos (3) Older Women as Resilient Heroines: Symbols of Hope, Survival and Legacy. (4) Older Women as Bearers of Wisdom: transmitting wisdom and stability during times of conflict. (5) Older Women as Symbols of Patriotism: Volunteers, donators, symbolizing endurance and national pride. The media’s portrayal of older women during wartime underscores their multifaceted roles and the profound impact of conflict on their lives and conveys symbolic messages to society to serve broader societal and political purposes. This study aims to contribute to reframing aging representation in media by enhancing knowledge, improving ageistic attitudes toward older women, and supporting addressing aging issues during wartime.
CHALLENGES AND STRATEGIES FOR HOME PAID CAREGIVERS: ADVANCING CARE FOR OLDER ADULTS IN URBAN CHINA
Authors: Wu Zixuan , Wang Qingwei 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Older adults living in community settings often depend on family caregivers, especially those suffering from chronic illnesses. To mitigate caregiving burdens and secure professional nursing support, many families in China’s urban centers opt for high-end paid caregivers who offer integrated medical-care services. This study aims to explore the challenges faced by paid caregivers in providing care to older adults in Shanghai and to develop a framework for advancing caregiving for China’s aging population. Using a qualitative research design, this study draws on in-depth interviews with 10 paid caregivers from Yi Jia, a local aging care company that offers tailored nursing services. The interview data are supplemented with ethnographic observations and video recordings during home visits. Preliminary thematic analysis revealed three major themes: 1) Home-based care poses logistical challenges, including high technological demands that exceed the capabilities of caregivers from less developed regions and inadequate living conditions that compromise privacy and safety; 2) Paid caregivers face emotional burdens from the high demands of their work and must also cope with homesickness and limited social support due to their migration and separation from their families; 3) Cultural compatibility between caregivers, older adults, and families influenced by regional differences would lead to failure in accommodating local living habits and result in mismatches in health communication. Policymakers should regulate the paid caregiving market to ensure that caregivers are proficient in professional skills, emotional resilience, and cultural adaptability. Continuous collaboration between organizational supervisors, families, and caregivers is crucial to delivering comprehensive care.
ASSOCIATION OF CHILDHOOD RESIDENTIAL CHANGE WITH LATER LIFE MEMORY TRAJECTORIES IN THE HEALTH AND RETIREMENT STUDY
Authors: Hamlin Abbey , Alhasan Dana , Meier Helen , Manning Mark , Yu Xuexin , Gutierrez Sirena , Webster Noah 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Childhood residential change may affect later life memory, although few studies have examined this relationship, and research in diverse racial/ethnic samples is sparse. Data were from the US Health and Retirement Study. Childhood residential change was measured by the number of residences before the age of 16 (0-1, 2, 3, 4 or more) (N=4020). Moving due to financial difficulties before 16 years old was categorized as yes versus no (N=4005). Memory function was measured using composite memory z-scores incorporating direct and proxy assessments from 1996-2016. We utilized mixed-effects linear regression models with subject-specific random slopes and intercepts adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics to estimate associations between residential change and memory, by race/ethnicity and parental education. The mean age was 57.5±5.9 years, 82.1% self-identified as non-Hispanic White, 12.7% as non-Hispanic Black, and 5.2% as Other/Unknown. Fewer moves during childhood were associated with a higher initial average memory level, but a faster rate of memory decline. Moving due to financial difficulties during childhood was not associated with initial memory levels, but was associated with faster memory decline. We did not observe effect modification by race/ethnicity or parental education. Results suggest that childhood residential change and the reasons for residential change may contribute to later life memory function and decline.
CLINICAL PHENOTYPING OF THE COGNITIVELY UNIMPAIRED IN THE AD SPECTRUM USING PET IMAGING
Authors: Felix Cynthia , Kollasserry Felix Joy , Rebok George , Snitz Beth , Ferreira Pamela , Klunk William , Baker Suzanne , Pascoal Tharick 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Clinical phenotyping of cognitively unimpaired (CU) older adults who may progress to dementia is a pressing issue in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) since early interventions are the most effective. Out-patient cognitive screening commonly uses rapid and simple tests such as the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) but its role in preclinical AD remains unclear. We hypothesize that sub-categorizing CU based on the presence of amyloid (A) and/or tau (T) pathologies, as measured by PET, can cognitively phenotype CU using MoCA. We studied 147 CU [CDR global score 0] older adults with MK6240 and Flortaucipir tau-PET and PiB or NAV4694 amyloid PET from the ongoing HEAD study. Based on tracer uptake, individuals were divided into A-T-, A-T+, A+T- and A-T- groups. They were evaluated using the UDS-3 battery. One-way ANOVA with Tukey’s correction for multiple comparisons, was used to test for significant differences between groups. With both MK6240 and Flortaucipir, MoCA total scores revealed significant differences between A+T+ and A-T- groups [mean: -1.74 (SE: 0.56), p: 0.013 and mean: -1.56 (SE: 0.6), p: 0.049] respectively. A+T- vs A+T+ was also significant with MoCA total and MoCA Delayed Recall using MK6240 [mean: -2.05 (SE: 0.77), p: 0.041 and mean: -1.15 (SE: 0.42), p: 0.033]. MK6240 shows more sensitivity than Flortaucipir. Therefore, MoCA, a simple and commonly used in-office neuropsychological test can detect cognitive dysfunction in Aβ and tau positive (A+/T+) CU older adults. This highlights the value of precisely characterizing preclinical AD subtypes that are more likely to develop AD dementia.
HOW DO SOCIAL NETWORKS CHANGE IN THE LEAD-UP TO DEMENTIA DEATH
Authors: Baker Zachary , Alberth Andrew , Guest M Aaron , Peckham Allie , Segundo Joahana , Saenz Joseph 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Larger social networks are associated with a lower risk of dementia, but little is known about how social networks shift when someone has dementia as they approach death. We investigate how social networks among individuals with dementia change as they approach death. We hope this research will inform support systems and care practices that benefit individuals with dementia and their care partners. Participants: 2,295 deceased people with dementia from the Health and Retirement Study (2004-2018). Multilevel models estimated associations between dementia, race/ethnicity, time, and close family and friend network size while controlling for several sociodemographic variables. Social networks shrank linearly as death approached. A decrease in close friends primarily drove shrinkage. Some more unusual patterns emerged when race/ethnicity were crossed with time. Specifically, Hispanic/Latino persons with dementia showed the opposite pattern: as they approached death, the number of close extended family increased dramatically, an increase of one person every two and a half years. Dementia risk, social networks, and patterns of social network shrinking are unequal across people of different races and ethnicities. Contrasting patterns of increasing numbers of extended may be driven by familismo. Perhaps as the needs of the people with dementia increased, family members “rallied around” to provide care. Given the importance of social networks, especially during challenging times, and their tendency to shrink closer to death, if non-Hispanic/Latino individuals could adopt the effective strategies used by Hispanic/Latino older adults to maintain and grow their social networks, they might experience similar benefits of robust social networks.