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Background Telehealth is increasingly used for rehabilitation and exercise but few studies include older adult participants with comorbidities and impairment, particularly cognitive. Using Veterans Administration Video Connect (VVC), the aim of the present study is to present the screening, recruitment, baseline assessment, and initial telehealth utilization of post-hospital discharge Veterans in a VVC home-telehealth based program to enhance mobility and physical activity. Methods Older adult Veterans (n = 45, mean age 73), recently discharged from the hospital with physical therapy goals, were VVC-assessed in self-report and performance-based measures, using test adaptations as necessary, by a clinical pharmacy specialist and social worker team. Results Basic and instrumental ADL disabilities were common as were low mobility (Short Portable Performance Battery) and physical activity levels (measured by actigraphy). Half had Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores in the mild cognitive impairment range ( Conclusions Disabled older post-hospital discharged Veterans with physical therapy goals can be VVC-assessed and enrolled into a mobility/physical activity intervention. A substantial proportion required technical support, including in-person support for many. Yet, VVC seems feasible in those with mild cognitive impairment, assuming the presence of an able caregiver. Modifications of assessment tools were needed for the VVC interface, and while appearing feasible, will require further study. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT 04045054 05/08/2019.

Objectives: Evaluate the relative contribution of cognitive test performance to post-acute care (PAC) length of stay (LOS) and rehospitalization while controlling for key demographic, medical, and functional outcomes. Methods: Retrospective medical record review of 160 older Veterans, including cognitive test performance (Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination–Revised [ACE-R]), on admission to a Veterans Administration Hospital Community Living Center (CLC) PAC. Results: Individuals with impaired scores on the ACE-R had a longer LOS (10 median days longer; U = 2,547.00, p = .028). Of those rehospitalized, 71.4% ( n = 20) screened positive for cognitive impairment. Key medical factors explained the largest amount of variance in CLC-PAC LOS (29.8%), followed by admission ADL (activities of daily living) dependency (4.6%) and ACE-R total score (3.30%). Discussion: Cognitive screening should be considered on PAC admission, with impairment on ACE-R predicting geriatric rehabilitation outcomes such as risk of increased LOS and rehospitalization.