scholarly journals Digital Technologies To Enhance Social Connectedness in Long-Term Care Facilities During COVID-19: A Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 942-943
Author(s):  
Shannon Freeman ◽  
Aderonke Abgoji ◽  
Alanna Koopmans ◽  
Christopher Ross
Keyword(s):  
Social Isolation ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Care Facility ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Sufficient Information ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Care Facilities

Abstract A consequence of the strict visitor restrictions implemented by many Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs), during the COVID-19 pandemic, was the exacerbation of loneliness and social isolation felt by older adult residents. While there had been a shift by some persons to utilize digital solutions to mitigate the effects of the imposed social isolation, many facilities did not have sufficient information regarding available solutions to implement institutional strategies to support social connectedness through digital solutions. To support our partners in evidence-based policy-making we conducted a scoping review to identify existing virtual technology solutions, apps, and platforms feasible to promote social connectedness among persons residing in a long-term care facility context during times of lockdown such as experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Initial identification of relevant literature involved a combination of keywords and subject headings searches within 5 databases (PubMed, CINAHL EBSCO, PsychINFO EBSCO, Embase OVIDSP, and Web of Science ISI). DistillerSR was used to screen, chart and summarize the data. There is growth in the availability of technologies focused on promoting health and well-being in later life for persons in long-term care facilities however a gap remains in widespread uptake. We will describe the breadth of technologies identified in this review and discuss how they vary in utility in smaller scale facilities common in rural areas. Of the technologies that can be used to mitigate the impacts of social isolation felt by long-term care residents, many “solutions” depend on stable highspeed internet, which remains a challenge in rural and northern areas.

scholarly journals FEDERAL POLICY SUPPORTS AND GAPS IN ADDRESSING RACIAL-ETHNIC HEALTH DISPARITIES IN U.S. LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S161-S161
Author(s):  
Rebecca L Mauldin ◽  
Kathy Lee ◽  
Antwan Williams
Keyword(s):  
Long Term Care ◽  
Federal Policy ◽  
Care Facility ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Long Term Care Facility ◽  
Care Facilities

Abstract Older adults from racial and ethnic minority groups face health inequities in long-term care facilities such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities just as they do in the United States as a whole. In spite of federal policy to support minority health and ensure the well-being of long-term care facility residents, disparities persist in residents’ quality of care and quality of life. This poster presents current federal policy in the United States to reduce racial and ethnic health disparities and to support long-term care facility residents’ health and well-being. It includes legislation enacted by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (ACA), regulations of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) for health care facilities receiving Medicare or Medicare funds, and policies of the Long-term Care Ombudsman Program. Recommendations to address threats to or gaps in these policies include monitoring congressional efforts to revise portions of the ACA, revising DHHS requirements for long-term care facilities staff training and oversight, and amending requirements for the Long-term Care Ombudsman Program to mandate collection, analysis, and reporting of resident complaint data by race and ethnicity.

scholarly journals Technologies and the Effects On Social Engagement In Long-Term Care Facilities During COVID-19: A Scoping Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 886-886
Author(s):  
Timothy Wood ◽  
Shannon Freeman ◽  
Alanna Koopmans
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Policy Decisions ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Care Facilities

Abstract During the COVID-19 pandemic, the sense of loneliness and social isolation felt by older adults in long-term care facilities has been exacerbated. Although there has been an increase in the number of digital solutions to mitigate social isolation during COVID-19, facilities in northern British Columbia do not have sufficient information regarding the technologies to support social connectedness. To support evidence-based policy decisions, a scoping review was conducted to identify existing virtual technology solutions, apps, and platforms that promote social connectedness among older adults residing in long-term care. A combination of keywords and subject headings were used to identify relevant literature within PubMed, CINAHL EBSCO, PsychINFO EBSCO, Embase OVIDSP, and Web of Science ISI databases. DistillerSR was used to screen and summarize the article selection process. Twenty-three articles were identified for full-text analysis. A variety of technologies are described which can be used to mitigate the impacts of social isolation felt by long-term care residents. However, many of these digital solutions require stable highspeed internet. This remains a challenge for facilities in northern areas as many have limited access to reliable internet. Metrics used to evaluate social engagement in the context of long-term care are also outlined. This research provides the preliminary groundwork necessary to better inform policy decisions about which technologies are available and, of these, which are effective at enhancing social connectedness for older adults in long-term care.

scholarly journals Development of an Animal-Assisted Activity/Therapy Dog Checklist for Long-Term Care Facilities

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 854-854
Author(s):  
Karen Dunn ◽  
Amy Johnson ◽  
Melissa Winkle
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Care Facility ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Therapy Dog ◽  
Care Facilities ◽  
Therapy Standards ◽  
Group Sessions

Abstract Animal-assisted activities (AAA) and therapy standards of practice have been published to protect the well-being of animals, animal handlers, and the special populations of patients that benefit from this mode of treatment. Inconsistencies among practice standards with concerns surrounding the topics of dog welfare, human well-being, and zoonotic transmission have been reported. The purpose of this qualitative research study was to review published AAA and therapy standards with older adult populations for best practices, conduct focus group sessions with caregivers from long-term care facilities that allow therapy dog visitation, and synthesize findings into an AAA checklist to be used by long-term care facility decision-makers when interviewing or bringing in therapy dog teams. Comparative analyses utilizing a systematic and sequential approach was used to analyze the data from the focus group sessions. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, only two focus group sessions at one long-term care facility were conducted resulting in a total of 15 caregivers. Four themes emerged from the data: promotes positive mood, essential resident screenings, caregiver roles, and memory aides. Relevant themes and AAA and therapy standards and guidelines were then combined in the development of the AAA/Therapy Dog Checklist. Administrators may find having a user-friendly AAA/therapy dog checklist a useful tool that can be used when interviewing therapy dog teams to ensure future dog therapy experiences will be positive and safe. The safety and well-being of residents in long-term care facilities and animals are essential to promote positive health outcomes for both populations.

scholarly journals Mental well‐being of staff in long‐term care facilities at risk

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chiaki Ura ◽  
Tsuyoshi Okamura ◽  
Akinori Takase ◽  
Masaya Shimmei ◽  
Yukan Ogawa
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Care Facilities ◽  
Mental Well Being

scholarly journals TRAINING STAFF IN LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES – EFFECTS ON RESIDENTS’ SYMPTOMS, PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING, AND PROXY SATISFACTION

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pauli J Lamppu ◽  
Marja-Liisa Laakkonen ◽  
Harriet Finne-Soveri ◽  
Hannu Kautiainen ◽  
Jouko V Laurila ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Long Term Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Care Facilities

scholarly journals Determinants of Hospital Length of Stay among Patients with Pneumonia Admitted to a Large Canadian Hospital from 1991 to 2001

2005 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 365-370 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margaret J McGregor ◽  
J Mark FitzGerald ◽  
Robert J Reid ◽  
Adrian R Levy ◽  
Michael Schulzer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Length Of Stay ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Care Facility ◽  
Community Acquired Pneumonia ◽  
Hospital Length Of Stay ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Term Care Facility ◽  
Long Term Care Facility ◽  
Care Facilities

BACKGROUND: Pneumonia is a common reason for hospital admission, and the cost of treatment is primarily determined by length of stay (LOS).OBJECTIVES: To explore the changes to and determinants of hospital LOS for patients admitted for the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia over a decade of acute hospital downsizing.METHODS: Data were extracted from the database of Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, on patients admitted with community-acquired pneumonia (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes 481.xx, 482.xx, 483.xx, 485.xx and 486.xx) from January 1, 1991 to March 31, 2001. The effects of sociodemographic factors, the specialty of the admitting physician (family practice versus specialist), admission from and/or discharge to a long-term care facility (nursing home) and year of admission, adjusted for comorbidity, illness severity measures and other potential confounders were examined. Longitudinal changes in these factors over the 10-year period were also investigated.RESULTS: The study population (n=2495) had a median age of 73 years, 53% were male and the median LOS was six days. Adjusted LOS was longer for women (10% increase, 95% CI 3 to 16), increasing age group (7% increase, 95% CI 4 to 10), admission under a family physician versus specialist (42% increase, 95% CI 32 to 52) and admission from home with subsequent discharge to a long-term care facility (75% increase, 95% CI 47 to 108). Adjusted hospital LOS decreased by an estimated 2% (95% CI 1 to 3) per annum. The mean age at admission and the proportion admitted from long-term care facilities both increased significantly over the decade (P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that the management of hospitalized patients with pneumonia changed substantially between 1991 and 2001. The interface of long-term care facilities with acute care would be an important future area to explore potential efficiencies in caring for patients with pneumonia.

scholarly journals Implementation of Assistive Technologies and Robotics in Long-Term Care Facilities: A Three-Stage Assessment Based on Acceptance, Ethics, and Emotions

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annette Franke ◽  
Elmar Nass ◽  
Anna-Kathleen Piereth ◽  
Annabel Zettl ◽  
Christian Heidl
Keyword(s):  
Transformational Leadership ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Implementation Process ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Emotion Management ◽  
Assistive Technologies ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Care Facilities

Assistive technologies including assistive robots (AT/AR) appear to be a promising response to the increasing prevalence of older adults in need of care. An increasing number of long-term care facilities (LTCFs) try to implement AT/AR in order to create a stimulating environment for aging well and to reduce workload for professional care staff. The implementation of new technologies in an organization may lead to noticeable cultural changes in terms of social interactions and care practices associated with positive or negative emotions for the employees. This applies especially for LTCFs with high rates of vulnerable residents affected by increasing care needs and specific ethics in nursing and cultural rules within the setting. Thus, systematic consideration in leadership management of emotions and ethical aspects is essential for stakeholders involved in the implementation process. In this article, we explicitly focus on the emotions of the employees and leaders within LTCFs. We relate to direct consequences for the organizational well-being and culture, which is of course (indirectly) affecting patients and residents. While aspects of technology acceptance such as safety and usefulness are frequently discussed in academic literature, the topic of emotion-management and ethical questions during the organizational implementation process in LTCFs received little attention. Emotional culture entails affective values, ethical norms and perceptions of employees and further investigation is needed to address the importance of transformational leadership during implementation process. For this purpose, we developed a three-staged assessment tool for implementation of AT/AR in long-term care institutions. Acceptance (A), ethical acceptability (A) and emotional consequences (E) are considered as comprehensive assessment, in which emotional consequences comprise management aspects of transformational leadership (T), emotion-management (E) and organizational culture (O). Based on AAE and TEO, this paper presents an integrated framework illustrated with a illustrative example and aims to combine established approaches with ethical insights in order to unfold potentials of AT/AR in LTCSs.

scholarly journals Conflict Behaviours of Administrators in Long Term Care Facilities Influence Facility Ratings: SOS-Semantics of Self in Conflict™

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 711-724
Keyword(s):  
Best Practice ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Care Facility ◽  
Harris County ◽  
Nursing Facility ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Care Facilities ◽  
Us Government ◽  
Nursing Care Facility

Long term care (LTC) facilities, also called nursing homes, are often ripe for conflicts which cause stress for residents, their families and staff. This article presents the results of a survey showing how nursing facility administrators in Harris County, Texas, managed conflict within their facilities and how a more positive approach was consistently reflected in how their facilities were rated in US government quality consumer ratings. The concept at the centre of this study, SOS-Semantics of Self in Conflict™, recognises that the degradation of standards due to conflict is not just an event in a nursing care facility. It is a process that is heavily influenced, and in some cases exacerbated, by the way in which facility administrators react to conflict. These reactions have important broader implications for the facility’s best practice retrospectively.

scholarly journals BETTER LIVING THROUGH TECH: TECHNOLOGY-MEDIATED RECREATION AND LONG-TERM CARE FACILITY RESIDENTS’ QUALITY OF LIFE

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S442-S442
Author(s):  
Ethan A McMahan ◽  
Marion Godoy ◽  
Abiola Awosanya ◽  
Robert Winningham ◽  
Charles De Vilmorin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Care Facility ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Term Care Facility ◽  
Long Term Care Facility ◽  
Care Facilities

Abstract Empirical research on long-term care facility resident engagement has consistently indicated that increased engagement is associated with more positive clinical outcomes and increased quality of life. The current study adds to this existing literature by documenting the positive effects of technologically-mediated recreational programing on quality of life and medication usage in aged residents living in long-term care facilities. Technologically-mediated recreational programming was defined as recreational programming that was developed, implemented, and /or monitored using software platforms dedicated specifically for these types of activities. This study utilized a longitudinal design and was part of a larger project examining quality of life in older adults. A sample of 272 residents from three long-term care facilities in Toronto, Ontario participated in this project. Resident quality of life was assessed at multiple time points across a span of approximately 12 months, and resident engagement in recreational programming was monitored continuously during this twelve-month period. Quality of life was measured using the Resident Assessment Instrument Minimum Data Set Version 2.0. Number of pharmacological medication prescriptions received during the twelve-month study period was also assessed. Descriptive analyses indicated that, in general, resident functioning tended to decrease over time. However, when controlling for age, gender, and baseline measures of resident functioning, engagement in technologically-mediated recreational programming was positively associated with several indicators of quality of life. The current findings thus indicate that engagement in technology-mediated recreational programming is associated with increased quality of life of residents in long-term care facilities.

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