scholarly journals Residents' Wayfinding Challenges and Environmental Interventions in a Care Home

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 531-532
Author(s):  
Habib Chaudhury ◽  
Shelby Elkes
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Care Home ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Environmental Interventions ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Home Administration

Abstract This study evaluated the role of the built environment on residents’ wayfinding behaviours at Louis Brier Home in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The goal of this study was to explore baseline mobility challenges for the residents traveling between their bedrooms and social spaces. In response to this, low-cost environmental interventions were proposed and implemented to support safe and independent wayfinding for the residents. The project consisted of three phases. First phase involved a mixed methods approach using behavior mapping and spatial observations of the residents interacting with their physical environment, combined with one focus group with the staff members. In the second phase, researchers presented actionable environmental interventions for the care home administration to consider and implement. The final phase involved post-implementation behaviour mapping, spatial observations and a focus group session. The implemented environmental interventions influenced in improved resident wayfinding and orientation in the long-term care home.

scholarly journals Environment Still Matters: Examining Person-Place-Relationships in the Old and the New Normal Across Settings

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 531-531
Author(s):  
Frank Oswald ◽  
Habib Chaudhury ◽  
Amanda Grenier
Keyword(s):  
Long Term Care ◽  
Care Home ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Care Homes ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Environmental Interventions ◽  
Research Issues ◽  
New Normal ◽  
Environmental Gerontology

Abstract In environmental gerontology, the home and the neighborhood have always been of particular interest for empirical research. Issues such as orientation and safety, place attachment and biographical bonding, have proven to be important for community dwellings older adults and for those living in care homes. However, with Covid-19, the seemingly stable person-place-relationships have been challenged. This symposium provides a set of applied research contributions that demonstrate the persistent salience of the environment by examining person-place-relationships in the old and the new normal in private homes and care homes. Contributions draw from ideas of “precarious ageing” (Grenier & Phillipson) and “pandemic precarity”, for instance to understand housing insecurity, while concepts from environmental gerontology are used to explain processes of environmental agency and belonging. The first contribution by Mahmood and colleagues introduces an environmental audit tool for people at risk of homelessness to assess built environmental features of housing and neighborhood that support housing stability in the face of insecurity. Second, Wanka provides data from people framed as ‘risk-groups’ through the Covid-19 pandemic and how they dealt with contact restrictions, showing the role of intergenerational neighborhood relations to mediate risks of pandemic precariousness. Third, Elkes examined mobility and wayfinding challenges for residents in a long-term care home and subsequent environmental interventions to improve orientation. Forth, Leontowitsch and colleagues present findings from long-term care home residents during the pandemic to gain understanding of their experiences of social isolation and a biographical sense of resilience. Finally, Amanda Grenier will serve as the session’s discussant.

Using Normalization Process Theory to Evaluate the Implementation of Montessori-based Volunteer Visits Within a Canadian Long-term Care Home

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paulette V Hunter ◽  
Lilian Thorpe ◽  
Celine Hounjet ◽  
Thomas Hadjistavropoulos
Keyword(s):  
Long Term Care ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Care Home ◽  
Dementia Care ◽  
Normalization Process Theory ◽  
Process Theory ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Normalization Process

Abstract Background and Objectives Montessori-based interventions (MBIs) have potential to improve the life quality of long-term care residents with dementia. In this study, we aimed to understand the processes by which staff integrated a volunteer-led MBI into practice within a special dementia care unit, and to explore staff members ’ perceptions of associated strengths and limitations. Research Design and Methods This study relied on a qualitative descriptive design. Following a 3-month period of volunteer involvement, we conducted 21 interviews with staff members to document perceptions of the new program and subjected interview transcripts to qualitative content analysis, guided by normalization process theory. Results During the implementation of the volunteer-led MBI, staff members developed a shared understanding of the intervention, a sense of commitment, practical ways to support the intervention, and opinions about the value of the residents. Overall, we found that the volunteer-led MBI was quickly and successfully integrated into practice and was perceived to support both residents and staff members in meaningful ways. Nevertheless, some limitations were also identified. Discussion and Implications Volunteer-delivered MBIs are a useful adjunct to practice within a special dementia care unit. This article raises attention to some strengths and limitations associated with this approach.

scholarly journals Alcohol in long-term care homes: A qualitative investigation with residents, relatives, care workers and managers

2021 ◽  
pp. 145507252110181
Author(s):  
Jakob Emiliussen ◽  
Søren Engelsen ◽  
Regina Christiansen ◽  
Anette Søgaard Nielsen ◽  
Søren Harnow Klausen
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Care Home ◽  
Care Homes ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Symbolic Value

Introduction: Western societies are aging rapidly, and habitual use of alcohol is changing among older adults. Hence, care facilities are facing novel challenges regarding alcohol use. This pioneering qualitative study seeks to investigate the role of alcohol in care homes, as seen from the perspectives of residents, care workers, relatives, and institution management simultaneously. Method: Five residents, four care workers, three relatives, and two care home managers participated in semi-structured interviews lasting 60 minutes maximum. An interpretative phenomenological analysis framework were utilised for the analysis. Results: It seems that there is a positive attitude towards the use of alcohol in care homes across the four groups of participants. They find that the use of alcohol is presently low among the residents. Importantly there appears to be an important symbolic value in the rituals surrounding alcohol which is upheld by all four groups. Conclusion: While experiences between the four groups seem to converge regarding the use of alcohol, there are still some important differences. Importantly, we suggest that these unique views be utilised in developing methods for handling alcohol use in care homes in the future.

scholarly journals Staff Experience of a Canadian Long-Term Care Home During a COVID-19 Outbreak: A Qualitative Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lillian Hung ◽  
Sophie C. Yang ◽  
Ellen Guo ◽  
Mariko Sakamoto ◽  
Jim Mann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Support ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Care Home ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Participatory Action ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Staff Experiences

Abstract Background: COVID-19 has significant impact on long-term care (LTC) residents and staff. The purpose of this paper is to report the data gathered during a COVID-19 outbreak in a Canadian LTC home regarding staff experiences, challenges, and needs, to offer lessons learned and implications. Methods: A total of 30 staff from multiple disciplines participated in the study, including nurses, care workers, recreational staff, and a unit clerk. Focus groups (n=20) and one-on-one interviews (n=10) were conducted as part of a larger participatory action research (PAR) in a Canadian LTC home. All data collection was conducted virtually via Zoom, and thematic analysis was performed to identify themes.Results: Four main themes were identified: We are Proud, We Felt Anxious, We Grew Closer to Residents and Staff Members, and The Vaccines Help.Conclusions: This research details the resilience that characterizes staff in LTC, while highlighting the emotional toll of the pandemic, particularly during an outbreak. LTC staff in this study found innovative ways to connect and support residents and this resulted in stronger connections and relationships. Leadership and organizational support are pivotal for supporting team resilience to manage crisis and adapt positively in times of COVID-19 pandemic, especially during the period of outbreak.

Usability of a Detector of Behavioural Disturbances to Monitor Patients with Dementia Living in Long-Term Care Homes: A Focus Group Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Amine Choukou ◽  
Sophia Mbabaali ◽  
Ryan East
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Current Practice ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Care Homes ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
The People ◽  
High Level

BACKGROUND The number of Canadians with dementia is expected to rise to nearly 1 million individuals in the next decade. It is more than urgent to find a solution to monitor any unsafe behaviour that could be harmful to patients with dementia and the people around them such as other patients, professionals, or visitors. Current practice does not utilize systems to monitor behaviours of the patients with dementia (PwD) and send alerts when potential dangerous events occur. Events are reported randomly by non-professionals or when a professional notices an absence to a scheduled event. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the potential of implementing a detector of behavioural disturbances (DBD) in long-term care homes through a mapping of the perceptions of clinicians and staff members towards this technology. METHODS A focus group was conducted with 8 clinicians and staff members and 1 partner of a PwD. RESULTS Three themes emerged from a thematic analysis of the perspectives of the stakeholders: (A) capability of the DBD to detect relevant dementia-related behavioural disturbances, (B) characteristics of the DBD and clinical needs and (C) DBD modalities of use. CONCLUSIONS The results confirmed the adequacy of the DBD for their daily needs in terms of detecting hazardous behaviours or personal and interpersonal behavioural disturbances. The DBD has been considered useful and easy to use by the focus group participants, meaning that the DBD has a high level of usability. CLINICALTRIAL NA

scholarly journals Developing a Supplemental Assessment Tool for Younger Residents in Long-Term Care

2021 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 170-173
Author(s):  
Emma J. Hazelton-Provo
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Current Model ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Time Of Admission

Background It has been established that the needs of long-term care resi­dents under 65 are distinct from those of older residents, and that these needs are not sufficiently met through the current model of LTC. Our goal was to create a supplemental assess­ment tool that can be used at the time of assessment to better represent the needs of this population. Methods Residents in the target age group (between 18 and 64), and staff who work with the target age group, were interviewed individually to identify important questions to be asked in the assessment tool. A preliminary tool was presented to the participants in a focus group, and feedback was used to make modifications to the tool. Results Questions developed from the study addressed several unique needs of this population, including the role of technology in their well-being, the need for time with visitors, and the need for supports as they transition in to LTC. Conclusions The needs of younger residents in LTC are unique, and through interviews with residents and staff we developed an assessment tool to better represent those needs at the time of admission.

Evidence to support an advanced role for recreational therapists: Staff trainer in long term care

2009 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 29-34
Author(s):  
Linda L. Buettner, PhD, LRT, CTRS
Keyword(s):  
Long Term Care ◽  
Pilot Project ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Training Project ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Staff Skills

This pilot project evaluated change in staff knowledge, stress, and skills in engaging long term care residents in meaningful individualized activity. A recreational therapist provided 10 short training sessions to 29 staff members with the goal of increasing staff skills in providing activities. Data indicates significant improvements in knowledge, stress, and engagement skills occurred in this training project indicating the role of staff trainer provides significant impact.

Communication Disordered: Program Implementation in Long-Term Care

2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (15) ◽  
pp. 64-67
Author(s):  
George Barnes ◽  
Joseph Salemi
Keyword(s):  
Program Implementation ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Family Satisfaction ◽  
Regulatory Compliance ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Change Policy

The organizational structure of long-term care (LTC) facilities often removes the rehab department from the interdisciplinary work culture, inhibiting the speech-language pathologist's (SLP's) communication with the facility administration and limiting the SLP's influence when implementing clinical programs. The SLP then is unable to change policy or monitor the actions of the care staff. When the SLP asks staff members to follow protocols not yet accepted by facility policy, staff may be unable to respond due to confusing or conflicting protocol. The SLP needs to involve members of the facility administration in the policy-making process in order to create successful clinical programs. The SLP must overcome communication barriers by understanding the needs of the administration to explain how staff compliance with clinical goals improves quality of care, regulatory compliance, and patient-family satisfaction, and has the potential to enhance revenue for the facility. By taking this approach, the SLP has a greater opportunity to increase safety, independence, and quality of life for patients who otherwise may not receive access to the appropriate services.

Evaluating and Motivating Activation in Long Term Care: Lessons From a Pilot Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-46
Author(s):  
J. Jbilou ◽  
A. El Bouazaoui ◽  
B. Zhang ◽  
J.L. Henry ◽  
L McDonald ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Long Term Care ◽  
Driving Simulator ◽  
Care Home ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Care Facilities ◽  
Technological Intervention ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Research Recommendations

Older adults living in long-term care facilities typically receive insufficient exercise and have long periods of the day when they are not doing anything other than sitting or lying down, watching television, or ruminating (Wilkinson et al., 2017). We developed an intervention called the Experiential Centivizer, which provides residents with opportunities to use a driving simulator, watch world travel videos, and engage in exercise. We assessed the impact of the intervention on residents of a long-term care home in Fredericton, NB, Canada. In this paper, we report on the results observed and highlight the lessons learned from implementing a technological intervention within a long-term care setting. Practical and research recommendations are also discussed to facilitate future intervention implementation in long-term care.

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