scholarly journals Valuing the health of the support worker in the aged care sector

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (5) ◽  
pp. 1006-1024 ◽  
Author(s):  
ESTHER GEORGE ◽  
LEIGH HALE ◽  
JENNIFER ANGELO
Keyword(s):  
Physical Health ◽  
Time Pressure ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Physical Nature ◽  
Aged Care ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Support Worker ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Health Support ◽  
Care Support

AbstractThis study explored aged care support workers’ perceptions of how their health was influenced by their job, highlighting similarities and differences of those working in community-based and institution-based care. Support workers working in two institution-based and three community-based aged care organisations were invited to participate. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with ten participants. Open-ended questions probed participants’ perceptions of their health as it related to their work. Data were analysed with the General Inductive Approach. Four central themes were identified, many of which related to mental, as opposed to physical health. ‘Love of the job’ described various sources of satisfaction for participants. These factors commonly overrode the negative aspects. ‘Stress’ encompassed the negative influences on all aspects of health. ‘Support’ described the positive influences on health, which supported participants in their job. ‘Physicality’ described the physical nature of the job and the positive and negative impact this had on participants’ health. Support workers perform numerous tasks, which often impact upon their health. Aspects of the job that may impact the health of the worker are improved communication and support from management, as well as recognition for support workers’ contribution to society. These could be targeted to enhance support worker health. Additional training and reduced time pressure may also represent aspects for improvement, to optimise support workers’ physical health.

Everyday Choice Making: Outcomes of Young People with Acquired Brain Injury After Moving from Residential Aged Care to Community-Based Supported Accommodation

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 221-235 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dianne Winkler ◽  
Libby Callaway ◽  
Sue Sloan ◽  
Nadine Holgate
Keyword(s):  
Brain Injury ◽  
Young People ◽  
Acquired Brain Injury ◽  
Aged Care ◽  
Residential Aged Care ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Choice Making ◽  
Supported Accommodation

Objectives: (1) Examine the opportunities young people with acquired brain injury (ABI) have to make everyday choices after moving out of residential aged care (RAC) into community-based shared supported accommodation (SSA); (2) Compare everyday choice making of this group with a group of people with ABI living in RAC.Research design: Mixed methods comparing two independent groups.Method and procedures: Responses on eleven relevant items of the Resident Choice Scale (RCS) were compared between two groups; 45 people with ABI living in RAC and 20 people with ABI who had moved from RAC to live in SSA. In addition, the choice making experiences of the SSA group were investigated through semi-structured interviews with the individual and/or their family member. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed.Results: Greater opportunities for everyday choice making were demonstrated on 10 out of the 11 RCS items for people living in SSA, compared to RAC. These included improved choice regarding meals, bedtime and leisure activities. Qualitative data also illustrated new choice opportunities afforded to the SSA group. Five key themes relating to choice were identified: rules and routines, communication, things to do, food and home-like environment.Conclusions: Community-based, age-appropriate and small-scale supported accommodation provides people with ABI more opportunities for everyday choice making than RAC.

Barriers to the provision of care for people with dementia and their carers in a rural community

2005 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily Hansen ◽  
Andrew Robinson ◽  
Peter Mudge ◽  
Geoff Crack
Keyword(s):  
Family Member ◽  
The United States ◽  
Aged Care ◽  
Local Context ◽  
Single Family ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Support Worker ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Care Assessment ◽  
Provision Of Care

This article describes results from a community initiated qualitative research project investigating barriers to the provision of care for people with dementia (PWD) and their carers. The study was conducted in a rural remote Tasmanian community ("Cape Coastal"). Focus group discussions were held with family member carers of PWD, members of the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT), nurses employed in the local hospital and a local nursing home, community health nurses and local general practitioners. In addition, two semi-structured interviews were conducted with a dementia support worker allocated to service the region and a single family member carer. Barriers to the effective provision of care for PWD and their carers were identified. These were: distance and isolation; perceptions of geographic and professional boundaries including issues of medical dominance; and gaps in health care provider and carers? knowledge about dementia and dementia services. These results demonstrate that while Cape Coastal has many points in common with other rural and remote communities in Australia and in Canada and the United States (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [AIHW], 2002), it is important to recognise local context when planning and providing services for PWD and other chronic diseases.

scholarly journals Impact of international donors’ new policy agenda on project collaboration between community-based women organizations and NGOs in the Kibera slums of Nairobi, Kenya

Afrika Focus ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-50
Author(s):  
Sophie De Feyter
Keyword(s):  
International Development ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Participatory Development ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Practical Implementation ◽  
Policy Agenda ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Governmental Organizations ◽  
Non Governmental Organizations

This article first describes the New Policy Agenda (NPA), a market-based ideology influencing donor agencies’ strategies for international development. The article then continues to discuss how community-based women organizations (CBWOs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) evaluate their collaborations or ‘partnerships’ in practice in the Kibera slums of Nairobi, Kenya. We tested the research hypothesis that the NPA reduces the likelihood of achieving equitable partnerships because of its insistence on ‘contracting’ partners, i.e. creating a patron-client relationship. This was carried out through qualitative research consisting mainly of semi-structured interviews and participatory observation with NGOs and CBWO representatives working in Kibera. Research results show that the contract conditions for CBWOs to enter into a partnership may reduce the chances of the most vulnerable groups in society of obtaining assistance. This ‘contracting’ relationship may also cause a loss of CBWO members’ motivation. The NPA and its emphasis on saving time and money also has a negative impact not only on the external development actors’ knowledge about the development context, but also on the multiple accountabilities in a CB WO-NGO partnership, on the quick-fix nature of the solutions applied to remedy the Jack of accountability and on the practical implementation of ‘participatory development’ in Kibera.

scholarly journals Impact of international donors’ new policy agenda on project collaboration between community-based women organizations and NGOs in the Kibera slums of Nairobi, Kenya

Afrika Focus ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie De Feyter
Keyword(s):  
International Development ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Participatory Development ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Practical Implementation ◽  
Policy Agenda ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Governmental Organizations ◽  
Non Governmental Organizations

This article first describes the New Policy Agenda (NPA), af market-based ideology iniuencing donor agencies’ strategies for international development. The article then continues to discuss how community-based women organizations (CBWOs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) evaluate their collaborations or ‘partnerships’ in practice in the Kibera slums of Nairobi, Kenya. We tested the research hypothesis that the NPA reduces the likelihood of achieving equitable partnerships because of its insistence on ‘contracting’ partners, i.e. creating a patron-client relationship. This was carried out through qualitative research consisting mainly of semi-structured interviews and participatory observation with NGOs and CBWO representatives working in Kibera. Research results show that the contract conditions for CBWOs to enter into a partnership may reduce the chances of the most vulnerable groups in society of obtaining assistance. This ‘contracting’ relationship may also cause a loss of CBWO members’ motivation. The NPA and its emphasis on saving time and money also has a negative impact not only on the external development actors’ knowledge about the development context, but also on the multiple accountabilities in a CBWO-NGO partnership, on the quick-fix nature of the solutions applied to remedy the lack of accountability and on the practical implementation of ‘participatory development’ in Kibera. Key words: development, donor relations, contract, participatory development 

Maternal and child health nurses’ experiences of implementing two community-based breastfeeding interventions in Victoria, Australia: A mixed methods process evaluation

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rhian L Cramer ◽  
Helen L McLachlan ◽  
Touran Shafiei ◽  
Lisa H Amir ◽  
Meabh Cullinane ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Child Health ◽  
Maternal And Child Health ◽  
Randomised Trial ◽  
Cluster Randomised Trial ◽  
Breastfeeding Initiation ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Breastfeeding Support ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Significant Drop ◽  
And Child Health

Despite high rates of breastfeeding initiation in Australia, there is a significant drop in breastfeeding rates in the early postpartum period, and Australian government breastfeeding targets are not being met. The Supporting breastfeeding In Local Communities (SILC) trial was a three-arm cluster randomised trial implemented in 10 Victorian local government areas (LGAs). It aimed to determine whether early home-based breastfeeding support by a maternal and child health nurse (MCH nurse) with or without access to a community-based breastfeeding drop-in centre increased the proportion of infants receiving ‘any’ breast milk at four months. Focus groups, a written questionnaire and semi-structured interviews were undertaken to explore the interventions from the perspective of the SILC-MCH nurses (n=13) and coordinators (n=6), who established and implemented the interventions. Inductive thematic analysis was used to identify themes, then findings further examined using Diffusion of Innovations Theory as a framework. SILC-MCH nurses and coordinators reported high levels of satisfaction, valuing the opportunity to improve breastfeeding in our community; and having focused breastfeeding time with women in their own homes. They felt the SILC interventions offered benefits to women, nurses and the MCH service. Implementing new interventions into existing, complex community health services presented unforeseen challenges, which were different in each LGA and were in part due to the complexity of the individual LGAs and not the interventions themselves. These findings will help inform the planning and development of future programs aimed at improving breastfeeding and other interventions in MCH.

scholarly journals Relationships between Physical and Social Behavioural Changes and the Mental Status of Homebound Residents in Hong Kong during the COVID-19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (18) ◽  
pp. 6653
Author(s):  
Ben Y. F. Fong ◽  
Martin C. S. Wong ◽  
Vincent T. S. Law ◽  
Man Fung Lo ◽  
Tommy K. C. Ng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Hong Kong ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Severe Depression ◽  
Social Contact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Physical Strain

In Hong Kong, social distancing has been adopted in order to minimise the spread of COVID-19. This study aims to examine the changes in physical health, mental health, and social well-being experienced by local residents who were homebound during the pandemic. An online questionnaire in both Chinese and English versions was completed by 590 eligible participants from 24 April to 13 May 2020. The questionnaire found that individuals aged 18 to 25 years spent more time resting and relaxing but experienced more physical strain. Working status was associated with social contact, with participants working full-time jobs scoring higher in “maintaining social communication via electronic means” and “avoiding social activities outside the home”. Additionally, approximately one third of the participants (29.7%) had moderate to severe depression, and participants aged 18 to 25 were found to have higher scores in PHQ-9. Changes in physical health and social contact were significantly associated with developing depressive symptoms. From the results, it is clear that the COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to exert a negative impact on the mental health status of individuals.

scholarly journals Factors impacting hospital avoidance program utilisation in the care of acutely unwell residential aged care facility residents

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Luke Testa ◽  
Tayhla Ryder ◽  
Jeffrey Braithwaite ◽  
Rebecca J. Mitchell
Keyword(s):  
Care Facility ◽  
Aged Care ◽  
Residential Aged Care ◽  
Nurse Specialist ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Aged Care Facility ◽  
Enabling Factors ◽  
Clinical Nurse ◽  
Residential Aged Care Facility

Abstract Background An existing hospital avoidance program, the Aged Care Rapid Response Team (ARRT), rapidly delivers geriatric outreach services to acutely unwell or older people with declining health at risk of hospitalisation. The aim of the current study was to explore health professionals’ perspectives on the factors impacting ARRT utilisation in the care of acutely unwell residential aged care facility residents. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with two Geriatricians, two ARRT Clinical Nurse Consultants, an ED-based Clinical Nurse Specialist, and an Extended Care Paramedic. Interview questions elicited views on key factors regarding care decisions and care transitions for acutely unwell residential aged care facility residents. Thematic analysis was undertaken to identify themes and sub-themes from interviews. Results Analysis of interviews identified five overarching themes affecting ARRT utilisation in the care of acutely unwell residents: (1) resident care needs; (2) family factors; (3) enabling factors; (4) barriers; and (5) adaptability and responsiveness to the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion Various factors impact on hospital avoidance program utilisation in the care of acutely unwell older aged care facility residents. This information provides additional context to existing quantitative evaluations of hospital avoidance programs, as well as informing the design of future hospital avoidance programs.

scholarly journals MyCare study: protocol for a controlled trial evaluating the effect of a community-based intervention on psychosocial, clinical outcomes and hospital admission rates for adults with severe mental illness

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. e040610
Author(s):  
Renée O'Donnell ◽  
Melissa Savaglio ◽  
Debra Fast ◽  
Ash Vincent ◽  
Dave Vicary ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Hospital Admission ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Admission Rates ◽  
Mental Health Support ◽  
Health Support

IntroductionPeople with serious mental illness (SMI) often fail to receive adequate treatment. To provide a higher level of support, mental health systems have been reformed substantially to integrate mental healthcare into the community. MyCare is one such community-based mental health model of care. This paper describes the study protocol of a controlled trial examining the effect of MyCare on psychosocial and clinical outcomes and hospital admission and duration rates for adults with SMI.Methods and analysisThis is a multisite non-randomised controlled trial with a 3, 6 and 12-month follow-up period. The study participants will be adults (18–64 years of age) with SMI recruited from Hobart, Launceston and the North-West of Tasmania. The treatment group will include adults who receive both the MyCare intervention and standard mental health support; the control group will include adults who receive only standard mental health support. The primary outcome includes psychosocial and clinical functioning and the secondary outcome will examine hospital admission rates and duration of stay. Mixed-effects models will be used to examine outcome improvements between intake and follow-up. This trial will generate the evidence needed to evaluate the effect of a community mental health support programme delivered in Tasmania, Australia. If MyCare results in sustained positive outcomes for adults with SMI, it could potentially be scaled up more broadly across Australia, addressing the inequity and lack of comprehensive treatment that many individuals with SMI experience.Ethics and disseminationThis study has been approved by the Tasmanian Health and Medical Human Research Ethics Committee. The findings will be disseminated to participants and staff who delivered the intervention, submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal and shared at academic conferences.Trial registration numberACTRN12620000673943.

scholarly journals Homeless on Main Street: Using Photovoice to Highlight Older Adults Among the Hidden Homeless

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 728-728
Author(s):  
H Shellae Versey
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Meaning Making ◽  
Small Towns ◽  
Photo Elicitation ◽  
Service Agency ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Community Based Interventions ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Formerly Homeless

Abstract Homelessness is a reality for a growing number of Americans living in small towns and rural areas. However, unlike in cities, housing instability may be less visible. Using a photo-elicitation method (i.e., Photovoice), this study explores the meaning of place and obscured visibility to currently and formerly homeless older adults living in a small town in central Connecticut. Participants (N = 27) were recruited from a local service agency, given cameras and asked to photograph areas around town that were meaningful to them. Photographs were developed and followed by in-person, semi-structured interviews with participants in which photos and experiences during the project were discussed. Primary themes included belonging, generativity, social isolation, and place-making as meaning-making. The study culminated in a community photography exhibition in which photographs from the project were displayed in public spaces around town. Implications for community-based interventions to reach homeless groups in rural areas are discussed. Part of a symposium sponsored by the Qualitative Research Interest Group.

scholarly journals A Multiple Stakeholder Perspective for Evaluating Community-Based Dementia Care

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 60-61
Author(s):  
Johan Suen
Keyword(s):  
Dementia Care ◽  
Structural Constraints ◽  
Care Provision ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Relational Factors ◽  
Care Relationships ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Impact

Abstract For holistic interventions and research on dementia, it is fundamental to understand care experiences from the perspectives of carers, care recipients, and care professionals. While research on care dyads and triads have highlighted the effects of communication and interactional aspects on care relationships, there is a lack of knowledge on how individual-contextual and relational factors shape the provision and receipt of care in terms of decision-making processes, resource allocation, and expectations of care outcomes. Thus, this paper sheds light on (i) how carers negotiate care provision with other important life domains such as employment, household/family roles and conflicts, as well as their own health problems, life goals, values, and aspirations for ageing; (ii) how older adults with dementia perceive support and those who provide it; (iii) the structural constraints faced by care professionals in delivering a team-based mode of dementia care; and, taken together, (iv) how community-based dementia care is impeded by barriers at the individual, relational, and institutional levels. Findings were derived from semi-structured interviews and observational data from fieldwork conducted with 20 persons with dementia (median age = 82), 20 of their carers (median age = 60), and 4 professional care providers. All respondents were clients and staff of a multidisciplinary and community-based dementia care system in Singapore. Our analysis indicates the impact of dementia care is strongly mediated by the interplay between institutional/familial contexts of care provision and the various ‘orientations’ to cognitive impairment and seeking support, which we characterised as ‘denial/acceptance’, ‘obligated’, ‘overprotective’, and ‘precariously vulnerable’.

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