scholarly journals Policies for Later-Life Families in a Comparative European Perspective

2020 ◽  
pp. 331-367
Author(s):  
Pearl A. Dykstra ◽  
Maja Djundeva
Keyword(s):  
Long Term Care ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Extended Period ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Publicly Funded ◽  
Term Care ◽  
National Differences ◽  
Cash Benefits ◽  
The Right

AbstractIn this chapter, we consider cross-national differences in policies for later-life families in Europe, focusing on state support freeing family members from caring responsibilities or enabling them to care. These policies come under the umbrella of long-term care (LTC), help required by persons with a reduced degree of functional capacity for an extended period of time. Publicly funded LTC includes “in-kind” services, where care is provided by professionals at home or in an institution, and “cash benefits” which can be used to purchase professional care or which can be paid to informal caregivers as income support. Apart from long-term care for dependents themselves, there are policies supporting family members in their caregiving tasks: “cash for care” (financial compensation for helping those with impairments), “care leaves” (the right to be absent from work in order to care), and “care credits” (time spent on caring that is credited towards a basic pension).

scholarly journals Maybe She’ll Make Some Friends?: Family Members Cultivating Intimacy in Assisted Living

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 486-487
Author(s):  
Andrea Fitzroy ◽  
Candace Kemp ◽  
Elisabeth Burgess
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Assisted Living ◽  
Intimate Relationships ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Term Care

Abstract Intimacy continues to be important in later life, including for older adults in long-term care settings such as assisted living (AL). Our past work shows that intimacy is a multi-dimensional process and can involve a variety of partners. Drawing on data from the qualitative longitudinal “Convoys of Care” study (R01AG044368), we extend this research to examine the role family members play in cultivating intimacy and close relationships of AL residents. Using a grounded theory approach, we analyzed 2,224 hours of participant observation, and formal interviews with 28 assisted living residents (aged 58-96) and their formal and informal care partners (n=114) from four diverse AL communities. Findings show that family members can play integral roles in residents’ experiences with intimacy, directly as relationship partners, and by facilitating or impeding residents’ contacts with others. Family members cultivated residents’ intimacy opportunities and experiences by direct engagement, resident advocacy, to non-involvement and disengagement. Family members’ roles in cultivating intimacy fluctuated over time, increasing at times of health concerns and family change. Perceptive family members considered older adults’ intimacy preferences when cultivating their intimate relationships. Family members concerned for the safety of their loved one sometimes acted as “gatekeepers” to intimacy by interfering in intimate relationships. We conclude with a discussion of implications for policy and practice aimed at improving the intimacy process and opportunities for older adults receiving long-term care.

scholarly journals The Development and Testing of KNACC: Knowledgeable Nursing Assistants as Creative Caregivers

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 675-675
Author(s):  
Jacqueline Eaton ◽  
Kristin Cloyes ◽  
Brooke Paulsen ◽  
Connie Madden ◽  
Lee Ellington
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Nursing Assistants ◽  
Direct Care ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Memory Care

Abstract Nursing assistants (NAs) provide 80% of direct care in long-term care settings, yet are seldom viewed as skilled professionals. Empowering NAs is linked to improved resident outcomes. In this study, we collaborate with NAs to adapt and test the feasibility and acceptability of arts-based creative caregiving techniques (CCG) for use in long-term care. We held a series of focus groups (n=14) to adapt, refine, and enhance usability. We then evaluated implementation in two waves of testing (n=8). Those working in memory care units were more likely to use all techniques, while those working in rehabilitation were more hesitant to implement. Participants reported using CCG to distract upset residents. Family members were excited about implementation, and NAs not participating wanted to learn CCG. Nursing assistants have the potential to become experts in creative caregiving but may require in-depth training to improve use.

scholarly journals Attitudes Toward Sexual Behaviors in Long-Term Care: Development of an Assessment Tool

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 602-603
Author(s):  
Rachael Spalding ◽  
Emma Katz ◽  
Barry Edelstein
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Care Development

Abstract Most older adults living in long-term care settings (LTCs) indicate that expressing their sexuality is important to them (Doll, 2013). Little is known about the general public’s attitudes towards sexual behaviors in LTCs. Attitudes of LTC residents’ family members are particularly important, as family members are most likely to visit residents and to care about their quality of life. Family members’ attitudes could in turn inform facility policies and management. We will present preliminary data from a series of qualitative interviews with community-dwelling adults regarding their attitudes. We will discuss how these data are being used to inform current work on a measure of attitudes toward sexual behavior in LTCs.

scholarly journals Cost of shifting from healthcare to long-term care in later life across major diseases: analysis of end-of-life care during the last 24 months of life

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomoko Terada ◽  
Keiko Nakamura ◽  
Kaoruko Seino ◽  
Masashi Kizuki ◽  
Naohiko Inase
Keyword(s):  
End Of Life ◽  
End Of Life Care ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Life Care ◽  
Term Care

“They don't just disappear”: Acknowledging death in the long-term care setting

2012 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 241-247 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janine Maitland ◽  
Kevin Brazil ◽  
Bill James-Abra
Keyword(s):  
Long Term Care ◽  
Emotional Health ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Care Facility ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Long Term Care Facility ◽  
Qualitative Research Study ◽  
Staff Members

AbstractObjective:The purpose of this study was to describe the value of a formal room blessing ritual held within a long-term care facility, from the perspectives of staff, residents, and family members.Method:A qualitative research study involving interviews with staff, residents, and family members was conducted to examine the perceived value of a room blessing ritual.Results:Twenty-four room blessing attendees participated in the study (nine staff, eight residents, and seven family members). Attendees felt that the room blessing provided an opportunity to formally acknowledge the death of the resident and their grief; the majority felt that this was a positive experience and that it provided an element of closure. Staff members and residents expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to connect with family members of the deceased to express their condolences during the ritual. Participants also identified the inclusivity of the ritual (i.e., an open invitation to all staff, residents, and family members) as a positive aspect that served as a reminder that others shared in their grief. Staff members felt that blessing the room for the new resident was an important component of the ritual, helping to bridge the gap between mourning and welcoming a new person. Staff, residents, and family members felt that the room blessing positively reflected the mission and values of the facility. The most highly valued aspect of the ritual for all attendees was the sharing of stories about the deceased to celebrate that person's life.Significance of results:Long-term care facilities need to recognize that formal supports to manage the bereavement needs of staff and residents, such as a room blessing ritual, should be incorporated into their model for managing end-of-life care, given the relationship between the emotional health of staff and the quality of care provided for residents.

scholarly journals Fourth Ageism: Real and Imaginary Old Age

Societies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 12
Author(s):  
Paul Higgs ◽  
Chris Gilleard
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Social Representations ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Chronological Age ◽  
Biological Parameters ◽  
Term Care ◽  
The Impact ◽  
State Responses

This paper is concerned with the issue of ageism and its salience in current debates about the COVID-19 pandemic. In it, we address the question of how best to interpret the impact that the pandemic has had on the older population. While many feel angry at what they see as discriminatory lock-down practices confining older people to their homes, others are equally concerned by the failure of state responses to protect and preserve the health of older people, especially those receiving long-term care. This contrast in framing ageist responses to the pandemic, we suggest, arises from differing social representations of later life, reflecting the selective foregrounding of third versus fourth age imaginaries. Recognising the tension between social and biological parameters of ageing and its social categorisations, we suggest, may offer a more measured, as well as a less discriminatory, approach to addressing the selective use of chronological age as a line of demarcation within society.

scholarly journals PERCEPTIONS OF LONG-TERM CARE RESIDENTS AND THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS ABOUT USING THE CONVERSATION STARTER KIT

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S157-S157
Author(s):  
Sharon Kaasalainen ◽  
Tamara Sussman
Keyword(s):  
Long Term Care ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Disease Trajectory ◽  
Lack Of Information ◽  
Difficult Conversations ◽  
Advance Care ◽  
Future Work ◽  
To Receive

Abstract The need for a palliative approach in long term care (LTC) is widely recognized. However, advance care planning (ACP) is still rare. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of LTC residents and their families about using an ACP tool called The Conversation Starter Kit (CSK). This study utilized a mixed methods approach. Data was collected in four LTC homes in Ontario, Canada from 31 residents and family members during an interview after they had completed the CSK. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis and descriptive statistics. All participants read all sections but only 73% completed all sections of the toolkit. Participants spent an average of 36 minutes discussing it with their family members and/or LTC staff. Participants reported: a better understanding of ACP after using the tool (80%), that the tool helped clarify the available resources and/or choices (53%), and that they felt less apprehensive about ACP after using the tool (60%). Qualitative findings revealed many strengths (e.g., usefulness, ability to start difficult conversations, content and clarification), and weaknesses of the tool (e.g., redundant information, difficulty understanding the content and lack of information regarding medically assisted dying). Family members noted that the toolkit would have been helpful to receive earlier on in their family members’ disease trajectory, perhaps before being admitted into LTC. These study findings support the CSK for residents and family members to have ACP discussions in LTC. Future work is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of the tool with a larger sample.

Exploring the Ecology of Canada’s Publicly Funded Residential Long-Term Care Bed Supply

2014 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 60-74 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saskia N. Sivananthan ◽  
Malcolm Doupe ◽  
Margaret J. McGregor
Keyword(s):  
Nous Avons ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Personnes Âgées ◽  
Publicly Funded ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Soins À Domicile ◽  
Longue Duree ◽  
Longue Durée ◽  
Residential Long Term Care

RÉSUMÉMalgré l'augmentation de la population des personnes âgées au Canada, et la variation de stratégies de soins de longue durée (SLD) que les provinces ont mis en place, peu de recherches ont porté sur la compréhension de la mesure dans laquelle l'approvisionnement de lits des SLD résidentiels financés par l'État varient parmi les provinces, ou les facteurs influençant cette variation. Notre étude a porté sur une analyse dans laquelle nous avons examiné l'association de trois caractéristiques juridictionnelles sélectionnés avec la fourniture des lits LTC: la démographie de l'âge de la population, les ressources économiques des provinces, et les investissements provinciaux dans les soins à domicile. On n'a pas trouvé de l'écologie interjuridictionelle importante ni d'interrelation entre la variation de l'approvisionne-ment de lits des SLD avec aucune des variables étudiées. La variation entre les provinces pour le disponibilité de lits n'a également pas influencé statistiquement du jour à l'autre le niveau de soins spécifiques pour l'attente des SLD, ce qui suggère que ces jours ne sont pas influencés simplement par des différences dans l'approvisionnement de lits des SLD, et que d'autres facteurs au niveau provincial étaient en jeu.

scholarly journals FAMILY MEMBERS’ PERSPECTIVES ON NEGOTIATING A CULTURE OF SAFETY IN RESIDENTIAL LONG-TERM CARE

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. 952-952
Author(s):  
G. Puurveen ◽  
J. Baumbusch ◽  
D. Beaton ◽  
M. Leblanc ◽  
A. Phinney ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Long Term Care ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Culture Of Safety ◽  
Residential Long Term Care
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