Rationale and study design for decision making & implementation of aging-in-place/long term care plans among older adults

BACKGROUND: Remaining in one's own home and community is a priority for many older adults as they age. Decision-making and planning is critical to ensure successful aging-in-place (AIP), especially when individuals experience age-related changes such as cognitive decline. Objectives: We are testing how decision-making and planning for AIP is impacted by changes in older adults' cognition and function, chronic conditions, social influences, environmental factors and identifying the mediating/moderating interactions between factors. We will also assess whether decision-making and planning for AIP translates into timely adoption of plans and goal concordance between older adults and their surrogate/caregiver decision makers. METHODS: We will conduct a longitudinal single-group interventional clinical trial of community-dwelling older adults who are enrolled in LitCog, (R01AG03611) and expose them to an online intervention, PlanYourLifespan.org, which facilitates decision-making and planning for AIP. Enrolled participants (n = 398) will complete interviews at baseline, one month, and every six months up to 42 months in conjunction with the LitCog study, where cognitive, social, functional, and health literacy data is collected. Additionally, we will collect data on decision-making, resource use, communication of plans, timing of plan implementation, and goal concordance. PROJECTED OUTCOMES: Findings from this study may generate evidence on how age-related changes in older adults may affect decision-making and implementation in relation to AIP as well as the impact of social relationships and support. Ultimately these findings may help shape the design of programs and practices that may improve the lives of older adults and the capacity of institutions to adapt to societal aging and AIP.