Transitions in Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) Among Elderly Recipients of Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS)

The HRQoL longitudinal research initiative was designed to examine how transitions in health influence the care and outcomes of elderly recipients of long term services and supports. Optimally, health related quality of life (HRQoL) is viewed as a multidimensional concept that can guide longitudinal assessment of transitions in health, as well as perceived quality of life among elderly recipients of long term services and supports (LTSS). It can also influence the wide range of individual and environmental factors, which ultimately influence such outcomes. Older adults receiving LTSS are an important focus for such efforts because this growing subgroup is both dependent on high consumers of costly health and long-term care services. 

At the time this study (R01AG025524, National Institute on Aging and National Institute of Nursing Research) was conceptualized, there was a paucity of research that captured the perspectives of this vulnerable population on the nature and impact of common health transitions on their overall well-being. Additionally, research findings about the influence of a range of contextual factors, including the nature and quality of LTSS, were limited. The HRQoL research team enrolled 470 older adults from diverse racial and ethnic groups who were new LTSS recipients and were followed for two years.

LTSS HRQoL Conceptual Model

As developed by Wilson and Cleary (1995), and adapted using Brod, Stewart, Sands and Walton (1999) and Patrick (1997).