Medically complex older Veterans are at greater risk for progressive declines in physical function, lower quality of life, and increasing care needs. Additionally, older Veterans experience social isolation and loneliness, and have low levels of physical activity. While the Veterans Health Administration has established programs to address rehabilitation needs, these programs tend to be diagnosis-focused, lack self-management approaches, include low-intensity rehabilitation, and typically require in-person attendance. A MultiComponent TeleRehabilitation (MCTR) program that includes high-intensity rehabilitation and self-management interventions, social support, and telehealth and technology supports may be more effective in improving and sustaining physical function for older Veterans with complex health conditions. Therefore, this project is designed to determine whether the MCTR program improves strength and physical function more effectively than traditional interventions.
60 years of age and older
Multiple chronic conditions (Functional Comorbidity Index > or = 3)
Impaired physical function (< or = 8 repetitions on 30 second sit to stand test)
Life expectancy < 12 months
Acute or progressive neurological disorder (e.g. amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, recent stroke)
Moderate to severe dementia (<11 on telephone Montreal Cognitive Assessment(T-MoCA))
Medical conditions precluding safe participation in high-intensity rehabilitation (e.g. unstable angina)