Pilot Intervention Addressing Social Support and Functioning of Low Socioeconomic Status Older Adults With ESRD: The Seniors Optimizing Community Integration to Advance Better Living with ESRD (SOCIABLE) Study

RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE: Older adults with end-stage kidney disease have increased morbidity, fatigue, and decreased physical function, which can inhibit self-care and social engagement. We pilot tested a home-based program to improve physical and social functioning of low socioeconomic status older adults treated with hemodialysis (HD). STUDY DESIGN: Qualitative study and randomized waitlist control intervention. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: Older adult HD patients in Baltimore, MD. INTERVENTIONS: We identified functional needs and home environmental barriers to social engagement through focus groups; mapped findings onto aspects of an established program, which includes home visits with an occupational therapist, nurse, and handyman to provide ≤$1,300 worth of repairs, modifications, and devices; and piloted the program (Seniors Optimizing Community Integration to Advance Better Living with ESRD [SOCIABLE]) among 12 older adult HD patients. We delivered the services over 5 months in a staggered fashion. OUTCOMES: Feasibility and acceptability of the intervention and change in disability scores. RESULTS: Focus group themes included fatigue, lack of social support, and desire to live independently. SOCIABLE pilot participants were recruited from 2 dialysis units and all were African American (50% men); mean age was 69 years. At baseline, the mean disability score for activities of daily living (ADLs) was 4.4 and for instrumental ADLs (IADLs) was 6.3 (both out of a possible 16). Among the 9 participants alive at follow-up, there was 100% intervention completion and outcomes assessment. All treated participants improved a mean score of 2.3 for ADL and 2.6 for IADL disability, and social support and social network scores improved by 4.8 and 4.6, respectively. LIMITATIONS: Small sample size; all participants were African American. CONCLUSIONS: A home-based intervention addressing physical and social functioning of low socioeconomic status older adults on HD therapy was feasible and acceptable.