scholarly journals A cross-country comparison of family carers experiences with residential aged care facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. 26-26
Author(s):  
Katarzyna M Lion ◽  
Clarissa Giebel ◽  
Ilaria Chirico ◽  
Monica Cations ◽  
Rabih Chattat ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Aged Care ◽  
Care Quality ◽  
Residential Aged Care ◽  
Care Provision ◽  
Family Carers ◽  
Country Comparison ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Cross Country ◽  
The Uk

Background:The number of research projects into residential aged care (RAC) during the COVID-19 pandemic is increasing, however there are limited data on the cross-country comparison of experiences residents living with dementia and their families. Our study aimed to 1) give an overview of the RAC restrictions and changes (visiting policy, governmental & health authorities’ advice, service delivery) implemented during the pandemic in Australia, Italy and the UK and 2) and their impact on people with dementia in RAC facilities and their families.Methods:A total of 56 informal family carers of people with dementia residing in RAC took part in semi- structured interviews over the telephone or via Skype in Australia (n=6), Italy (n=25) and the UK (n=26) between July 2020 and March 2021. The interviews were recorded and translated verbatim. Transcripts were analysed by researchers in each country using thematic analysis, then combined across sites.Results:Inductive thematic analysis identified four overarching themes: 1) Adaptations implemented in RAC facilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia, Italy and the UK; 2) means of communication between RAC facility personnel, people with dementia living in RAC and family members; 3) impact of the implemented restrictions and changes in care provision due to the COVID-19 pandemic on people with dementia in RAC facilities and 4) impact of the implemented restrictions and changes in care provision due to the COVID-19 pandemic on families of people with dementia in RAC facilities. While differences between countries and facilities were identified, the restrictions and changes within the residential care system impacted families’ well-being, increased their worries about care quality and safety of people with dementia. The consequences of a lack or modified services for people with dementia included noticeable physical and mental health changes. Although the majority of the facilities implemented some form of video-communication between families and residents, those solutions were unable to replace face-to-face contact.Conclusions:These findings demonstrate the need for implementing safe solutions which might facilitate more frequent in-person contact between families and residents with dementia preventing consequences in mental and physical health in both groups.

Realizing a palliative approach in dementia care: strategies to facilitate aged care staff engagement in evidence-based practice

2009 ◽  
Vol 21 (S1) ◽  
pp. S64-S68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharon Andrews ◽  
Fran McInerney ◽  
Andrew Robinson
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Aged Care ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Residential Aged Care ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Care Provision ◽  
Palliative Approach ◽  
People With Dementia

ABSTRACTBackground:There is growing evidence that a palliative approach to care provision for people with dementia in residential aged care facilities improves their quality of life and provides support for family members. Despite the development ofGuidelines for a Palliative Approach in Residential Aged Care(hereafter theGuidelines), there is limited evidence that these have been adopted. To date, little research has been undertaken to explore processes which could assist aged care staff to develop their practice consistent with the intent of theGuidelines.Methods:This project utilized an action research method, through which staff members from a residential dementia special care unit (SCU) undertook an investigation into their practice to explore how they could develop strategies to support a palliative approach to care provision. A key focus was related to addressing the information needs of family members of residents on the SCU.Results:Aged care staff involved in this project had little understanding of available evidence that could assist them to better support family members, including the existence of theGuidelines. Through their engagement in successive action research cycles, these staff accessed evidence-based resources and developed strategies to address the information needs of family members.Conclusions:When provided with an opportunity to reflect on and critique their practice, aged care staff were better positioned to engage with evidence concerning a palliative approach and to execute change in their practice to improve care provision for family members.

scholarly journals Inadequate completion of advance care directives by individuals with dementia: national audit of health and aged care facilities

2021 ◽  
pp. bmjspcare-2020-002767
Author(s):  
Jamie Bryant ◽  
Marcus Sellars ◽  
Craig Sinclair ◽  
Karen Detering ◽  
Kimberly Buck ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Aged Care ◽  
Care Plan ◽  
Residential Aged Care ◽  
Multinomial Regression ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Care Facilities ◽  
Aged Care Facilities ◽  
Advance Care Directives ◽  
Advance Care

Objectives(i) Describe the prevalence and type of advance care directives (ACDs) and other advance care planning (ACP) documentation completed by persons with dementia, healthcare providers and others on behalf of a person with dementia; (ii) identify the personal and ACP programme characteristics associated with having ACP documentation in the health record; (iii) identify the personal and ACP programme characteristics associated with having a self-completed ACD.MethodsA multicentre audit was undertaken in Australian hospitals, general practices and residential aged care facilities. Auditors extracted demographic and ACP data from the records of eligible patients. ACP programme characteristics were provided by a site representative. Logistic and multinomial regression were used respectively to examine the factors associated with completion of any ACP documentation, and self-completion of an ACD by persons with dementia.ResultsA total of 1388 people with dementia (33.2%) from 96 sites were included. Overall, 60.8% (n=844) had ACP documentation; 31.6% (n=438) had a self-completed ACD and 29.3% (n=406) had an ACP document completed by a health professional or someone else on their behalf. Older participants were more likely to have ACP documented. Multivariate analyses indicated the odds of having self-completed ACP documents, compared with no advance care plan or ACP completed by someone else, were significantly influenced by age, country of birth, setting and whether the site had ACP training, policies or guidelines.DiscussionWhile 60% of people with dementia had some form of ACP documentation, only half of the cases in which ACP was documented included an ACD completed by the person themselves.

Person-centered care and engagement via technology of residents with dementia in aged care facilities

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (12) ◽  
pp. 2099-2103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anita M. Y. Goh ◽  
Samantha M. Loi ◽  
Alissa Westphal ◽  
Nicola T. Lautenschlager
Keyword(s):  
Aged Care ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Residential Aged Care ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Person Centered Care ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Care Facilities ◽  
Centered Care ◽  
Aged Care Facilities

ABSTRACTTouchscreen technology (TT) is a resource that can improve the quality of life of residents with dementia, and care staff, in residential aged care facilities (RACF) through a person-centered care approach. To enable the use of TTs to engage and benefit people with dementia in RACFs, education is needed to explore how these devices may be used, what facilitates use, and how to address barriers. We sought to provide education and explore RACF staff views and barriers on using TT to engage their residents with dementia. An educational session on using TT with residents with dementia was given to staff from three long-term RACFs in Melbourne, Australia. A cross-sectional convenience sample of 17 staff members (personal care attendants, registered nurses, enrolled nurses, allied health clinicians, and domestic staff) who attended were administered questionnaires pre- and post-sessions. As a result of the education seminar, they were significantly more confident in their ability to use TT devices with residents. TT, and education to staff about its use with residents with dementia, is a useful strategy to enhance RACF staff knowledge and confidence, thereby enhancing the use of technology in RACFs in order to improve care standards in people with dementia.

Progressing Towards a Freer Market in Australian Residential Aged Care

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-25
Author(s):  
Susan F Cochrane ◽  
Alice L Holmes ◽  
Joseph E Ibrahim
Keyword(s):  
Current System ◽  
Aged Care ◽  
Care Quality ◽  
Cultural Safety ◽  
Residential Aged Care ◽  
Royal Commission ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Fit For Purpose ◽  
Market Driven ◽  
Care System

The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety has again focussed attention on the failings of the Australian aged care system. Residential aged care in Australia has become increasingly market-driven since the major reforms of 1997. The aims of increased marketisation include providing residents with greater choice, higher quality services, and increasing providers’ efficiency and innovation. However, marketisation is not meeting these aims, predominantly due to asymmetries of knowledge and power between residents and aged care providers. These asymmetries arise from inadequate provision of information, geographic disparities, urgency for care as needs arise acutely, and issues surrounding safety, including cultural safety. We propose a human rights framework, supported by responsive regulation, to overcome the failings of the current system and deliver an improved aged care system which is fit for purpose.

Animal-assisted therapy for dementia: a review of the literature

2006 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 597-611 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan L. Filan ◽  
Robert H. Llewellyn-Jones
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Symptoms ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
Aged Care ◽  
Animal Assisted Therapy ◽  
Residential Aged Care ◽  
Pet Dogs ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Aged Care Facilities ◽  
Residential Aged Care Facilities ◽  
Potential Benefits

Background: Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is gaining popularity as part of therapy programs in residential aged care facilities. Humans and pet dogs respond to quiet interaction with a lowering of blood pressure and an increase in neuroche-micals associated with relaxation and bonding. These effects may be of benefit in ameliorating behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD).Methods: Medline, PsychInfo and CINAHL databases (1960–2005) were searched for papers on AAT or pets and dementia. Publications of controlled trials that measured the effect of AAT for dementia were reviewed.Results: Several small studies suggest that the presence of a dog reduces aggression and agitation, as well as promoting social behavior in people with dementia. One study has shown that aquaria in dining rooms of dementia care units stimulate residents to eat more of their meals and to gain weight but is limited by the small number of facilities studied. There is preliminary evidence that robotic pets may provide pleasure and interest to people with dementia.Conclusions: Current literature suggests that AAT may ameliorate BPSD, but the duration of the beneficial effect has not been explored. The relative benefits of “resident” versus “visiting” pet dogs are unclear and are confounded by the positive effect of pet interaction on staff or caregivers. Further research on the potential benefits of AAT is recommended.

scholarly journals A Cross-Country Comparison of Dynamics in the Large Firm Wage Premium

2018 ◽  
Vol 108 ◽  
pp. 323-327 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emanuele Colonnelli ◽  
Joacim Tåg ◽  
Michael Webb ◽  
Stefanie Wolter
Keyword(s):  
Large Firm ◽  
Wage Premium ◽  
Micro Data ◽  
The Past ◽  
Country Comparison ◽  
Cross Country ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Future Work ◽  
Industry Trends ◽  
Over Time

We provide stylized facts on the existence and dynamics over time of the large firm wage premium for four countries. We examine matched employer-employee micro-data from Brazil, Germany, Sweden, and the UK, and find that the large firm premium exists in all these countries. However, we uncover substantial differences among them in the evolution of the wage premium over the past several decades. Moreover, we find no clear evidence of common cross-country industry trends. We conclude by discussing potential explanations for this heterogeneity, and proposing some questions for future work in the area.

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