Health-related outcomes of structured home-based rehabilitation programs among older adults: A systematic literature review

Abstract

The aging population reveals the need to develop self-care interventions that promote autonomy and well-being. The current systematic review aimed to assess the association between the implementation of structured home-based rehabilitation programs to promote self-care in older adults and health-related outcomes among people aged 60 years or older. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a systematic literature review was performed. Three electronic databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL and Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection) were searched. Randomized experimental studies, that implemented a home-based rehabilitation program to promote self-care in older adults, and were published between 2019 and 2024, were retrieved. Data on health-related outcomes were collected. Eight studies were included; all eight studies implemented a monitored, progressive and customized rehabilitation program. The studies varied greatly regarding the sample size, the duration of the intervention, the rehabilitation program implemented and the instruments used. The implementation of structured home-based rehabilitation programs may contribute to improve physical and psychological health-related outcomes among older adults by promoting functional capacity, self-care and knowledge.