Evaluating Care Innovations - A RCT of Home Teleassistance for Older Adults in Need of Care in Costa Rica

Sep 29, 2026

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Costa Rica faces rising demand for long-term care for dependent older adults. A national care-rights law was enacted in 2022, yet a comprehensive residential, home-based, or teleassistance network has not been fully implemented. A Heredia pilot introduced home teleassistance for dependent older adults and evaluated outcomes before and after delivery. A randomized controlled trial with 634 participants assessed quality of life, hospital visits, medication use, and caregiver outcomes. Home teleassistance improved quality of life, reduced caregiver burnout and hospital visits, and improved medication use, with limited impact on caregiver labor participation.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Study Design and Aim

Trial Outcomes and Key Measures

Implications for Costa Rica’s Long-Term Care

792 Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 Costa Rica faces increasing pressure to develop Long-Term Care services for dependent individuals. In 2022, the government enacted a law granting care rights to dependent older adults. However, a comprehensive nationwide network of residential, home-based, or teleassistance services has yet to be implemented. In 2024, the local government of Heredia initiated a pilot of home teleassistance program for dependent older adults, assessing their situation before and after service delivery. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the home teleassistance pilot on four key areas: (a)improving quality of life for dependent individuals, (b)reducing unnecessary hospital visits,(c)promoting correct medication use, and (d)caregiver outcomes, including burnout and workforce participation among family caregivers. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted with 634 dependent older adults and their family caregivers. Participants were randomly assigned to receive home teleassistance services or remain in a control group. A structured questionnaire assessed the four dimensions outlined in the objectives. Home teleassistance improved quality of life of care recipients, reduced caregiver burnout, improved medication use and decreased hospital visits. Additionally, the program showed limited impact in enabling labor participation among caregivers. The findings underscore the potential of teleassistance programs to enhance Costa Rica’s long-term care (LTC) system. However, it is important to note that LTC systems typically integrate such programs into a broader care framework that includes home-based and residential care services. These insights offer critical guidance for the design and expansion of LTC strategies in Costa Rica and similar aging societies. Abstract citation ID: igaf122.2688 EVALUATING CARE INNOVATIONS: A RCT OF HOME TELEASSISTANCE FOR OLDER ADULTS IN NEED OF CARE IN COSTA RICA Alexander Chaverri Carvajal, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain

FAQs

What was the main aim of the Heredia home teleassistance pilot study?

To evaluate the impact of home teleassistance on four areas: quality of life, unnecessary hospital visits, correct medication use, and caregiver outcomes including burnout and workforce participation.

How was the randomized controlled trial (RCT) conducted?

A total of 634 dependent older adults and family caregivers were randomized to receive home teleassistance services or remain in a control group.

What were the overall results of the home teleassistance program?

Home teleassistance improved quality of life, reduced caregiver burnout, improved medication use, and decreased hospital visits, but showed limited impact on enabling caregivers’ labor participation.

Sep 29, 2026

Upload by Sarah