Simulation modelling of patient flow and capacity planning for regional long-term care needs: a case study

Background: Factors related to long-term care needs have been studied widely, but there is limited research about the influence of health literacy on long-term care needs among the elderly in rural communities where the social context and care environment are uniquely different. Objective: To examine factors influencing long-term care needs among Thai elderly in rural communities. Materials and Methods: The present study used the cross-sectional design. The study sample included 477 elderly persons, who were members of the communities in Nakhon Ratchasima Province. Multi-stage random sampling was used to select participants. They were interviewed using the demographic and health information questionnaire, the Thai Geriatric Depression Scale (TGDS), the health literacy scale of Thai adults and long-term care needs questionnaire. The selected factors examined as independent variables included some demographic factors, depressive symptom, and health literacy. Results: The present study results revealed significant positive relationships existing between long-term care needs with age and depressive symptom, while negative relationships between income and health literacy were reported. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis indicated that four of nine determinants of long-term care needs: age, depressive symptom, health knowledge and understanding, and ability managing their health condition significantly predicted long-term care needs at a level of 18% (R² adjusted=0.18, p<0.001). Conclusion: The present study results showed associations between personal and health literacy factors with long-term care needs. These findings prove that it is vitally important for healthcare professionals to consider the rural elderly’s mental health status and health literacy when providing care and planning treatment. Keywords: Health literacy, Long-term care needs, Rural community

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Socioeconomic Status and Long-Term Care Provision to Parents in Japan

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.2568 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 725-725

Author(s):

Yoko Ibuka ◽

Yui Ohtsu

Keyword(s):

Socioeconomic Status ◽

Long Term Care ◽

Living Condition ◽

Care Provision ◽

Burden Of Care ◽

Care Needs ◽

Term Care ◽

Japanese Adults ◽

The Relationship

Abstract Socioeconomic status (SES) is generating considerable interest in terms of health of individuals, but how it is associated with long-term care has not been established yet. We study the relationship between SES and long-term care provision to parents among the Japanese adults using JSTAR. We use the following six measures of SES for the analysis: income, asset, expenditure, living condition, housing condition and education. We find a greater probability of care provision to parents among those in higher SES categories for some SES measures, compared to the lowest category. However, after considering the survival probability of parents, the relationship is reversed and the probability of care provision is found to be greater among lower SES individuals. The association is more pronounced among males. The association is likely to be partly mediated by care needs of parents. These results suggest a higher burden of care disproportionately falls in low SES individuals.

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“Then They Trust You …”

NEW SOLUTIONS A Journal of Environmental and Occupational Health Policy ◽

10.1177/1048291117712544 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 27 (2) ◽

pp. 225-245 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Marsha Love ◽

Felipe Tendick-Matesanz ◽

Jane Thomason ◽

Davine Carter ◽

Myra Glassman ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Home Care ◽

Long Term Care ◽

Care Needs ◽

Term Care ◽

Team Members ◽

Physical Independence ◽

Care Workers ◽

Communications Skills ◽

Home Care Workers

The home care workforce, already at 2.7 million caregivers, will become the nation’s fastest growing occupation by 2024 as the senior boom generation accelerates the demand for in home services to meet its long-term care needs. The physically challenging work of assisting clients with intimate, essential acts of daily living places home care workers (HCWs) at risk for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs); yet, HCWs typically receive little formal job training and may lack appropriate assistive devices. In this qualitative pilot study, HCW focus groups described workplace MSD risk factors and identified problem-solving strategies to improve ergonomic conditions. The results revealed that HCWs rely on their behavioral insights, self-styled communications skills and caring demeanor to navigate MSD risks to themselves and increase clients’ physical independence of movement. We suggest changes in employer and government policies to acknowledge HCWs as valued team members in long-term care and to enhance their effectiveness as caregivers.

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