Effects of a preventive home visit program in ambulatory frail older people: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: The aim of this study was to examine the effects on functional and psychosocial parameters and long-term care utilization of a preventive home visit program for ambulatory frail Japanese elders.

Methods: Eligible participants (n = 323) were randomly assigned to intervention (n = 161) or control group (n = 162). Nurses and care managers provided structured preventive home visits to the intervention group participants every 6 months over 2 years.

Preventive home visit model targeted to specific care needs of ambulatory frail elders: preliminary report of a randomized trial design.

Aim: The aim of this article is to describe the program and study design of our preventive home visit model that targets the specific care needs of Japanese ambulatory frail elders living at home.

Methods: The program focused on ambulatory frail elders who were certified as being in the two lowest levels of care need in the Long-Term Care Insurance system and eligible for care, but who were currently not using long-term care services. To provide efficient community- based preventive care, we developed a program model composed of structured assessments and individualized care recommendations conducted by community care nurses or workers.