scholarly journals Aging services workers in the pandemic: Voiced experience of senior center staff & case workers

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 968-968
Author(s):  
Esther Okang ◽  
Siobhan Aaron ◽  
Katherine Supiano ◽  
Abdul Osman
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Psychosocial Support ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Direct Care ◽  
Direct Care Workers ◽  
Senior Center ◽  
Senior Centers ◽  
Center Staff ◽  
Care Workers

Abstract The pandemic necessitated immediate shutdown of senior centers, requiring a rapid pivot in the delivery of services to older adults by direct care workers. We provided psychosocial support to older adult service personnel-including Aging and Adult Services case workers and Senior Center Staff, and conducted focus groups with staff at intervals to capture the mid-point of the pandemic (peak of older adult deaths), onset of vaccine availability and the re-entry phase as programs re-opened. We evaluated coping and self-efficacy of workers and discerned sustained high levels of coping and perceived job performance. Using a phenomenological lens, we analyzed transcribed recordings, generated codes, and created categories of experiences. Several themes emerged: personal and professional resilience, passion for serving older adults, motivation to perform their job well, stress of not having face-to-face contact with clients, insufficient resources-especially in rural areas, lack of essential training, feeling disjointed as a team, and work-life balance. Over the course of the pandemic, workers expressed increasing resiliency and skills to navigate the pandemic, oscillations in their fears for their clients’ well-being, and gratitude that they kept their jobs and gained additional State resources. As the vaccine was available and utilized, and as senior centers were reopening, senior center staff were enthusiastic, yet case workers remained apprehensive about long-term consequences of the pandemic. This study affirms the role of direct care workers as essential and valuable. Yet, their expressed need for more education, psychosocial support, and community awareness of their service remains to be addressed.

scholarly journals Enhancing Behavioral Health Competencies for Senior Center Staff: Lessons Learned From Workforce Training Efforts

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 1-1
Author(s):  
Bronwyn Keefe ◽  
Jennifer Tripken
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Behavioral Health ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Organizational Level ◽  
Senior Center ◽  
Senior Centers ◽  
Knowledge And Skills ◽  
Center Staff ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Increases in the numbers of older adults with mental health and substance use concerns compel us to identify best practices in training to address these issues. Senior Centers are an ideal location for behavioral health education programs as they are the go-to place for many older adults. This session will describe a program funded by The Retirement Research Foundation and offered in collaboration with Center for Aging and Disability Education and Research at Boston University and NCOA to increase senior center staff knowledge and skills. Approximately 250 senior center staff in Illinois, Florida, and Wisconsin completed an online certificate in Behavioral Health and Aging. Results show that 100% of respondents felt that the training was useful for their job; 93% felt that they will be a more effective worker as a result of the training; and 97% felt that the information they learned in the training will make a difference with the people they serve. We held key informant interviews to assess the impact of training and participants stated that their knowledge, skills, and behaviors were influenced by the program. At the organizational level, leaders reported new programming related to behavioral health and revised practices and protocols. This presentation will cover: (1) the extent to which training participants mastered the competencies needed for effective practice; (2) knowledge and skills gained from the training program; (3) Senior Centers’ capacity to identify and refer older adults to mental health services; and (4) organizational changes related to behavioral health programming with older adults.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Insomnia Symptoms and Need for an Intervention Among Direct-Care Workers in Long-Term Care

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 700-700
Author(s):  
Soomi Lee ◽  
Taylor Vigoureux ◽  
Kathryn Hyer ◽  
Brent Small
Keyword(s):  
Assisted Living ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Early Morning ◽  
Direct Care ◽  
Direct Care Workers ◽  
Willingness To Participate ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Insomnia Symptoms

Abstract This study examined the prevalence of insomnia symptoms among direct-care workers at an assisted-living community and their perceived need for a sleep intervention. Thirty-five participants reported their main sleep-related concerns, willingness to participate in a sleep intervention, and preferred delivery forms/content of the intervention. They also reported nightly sleep characteristics via ecological momentary assessment (EMA) for 2 weeks. 80% reported any sleep-related concern; insomnia-related concern was most prevalent (57%). This was also evident in their EMA reports of waking up in the middle of the night or early morning for 72% of the days. Most (66%) expressed interest in participating in a sleep intervention either online or in group sessions. Mindfulness strategies were most preferred, followed by cognitive-behavioral therapy, and sleep hygiene education. The high prevalence of insomnia symptoms in direct-care workers needs to be addressed by future interventions for their well-being as well as for the quality of care.

scholarly journals Senior Centers and LGBT Participants: Engaging Older Adults Virtually in a Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 295-295
Author(s):  
Suzanne Marmo ◽  
Manoj Pardasani ◽  
David Vincent
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
National Council ◽  
Senior Center ◽  
Senior Centers ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Upon the outbreak of COVID-19, recommendations to cease all non-essential in-person social services were mandated across the United States to prevent transmission to non-infected individuals. As a result, approximately 96% of all senior centers in the United States were closed to in-person programming (National Council on Aging, 2020). LGBT older adults in particular were at higher risk of isolation and declines in overall health as they were more likely to live alone, experience loneliness or have less immediate family support systems when compared to non-LGBT older adults (Yang, Chu & Salmon, 2017). The purpose of this presentation is to explore how LGBT older adult participants in senior centers transitioned to virtual programming during the pandemic. Using a risk-resiliency theory framework, the purpose of this presentation is to share the impact of virtual programming on the health and well-being of LGBT community-dwelling older adults. An exploratory, cross-sectional study was conducted utilizing an online survey to understand their needs, concerns and experiences. Participants reported a relatively easy adaptation to technology, steady participation in programs and services, satisfaction with virtual senior center programming and a consistent sense of engagement with their peers. Higher levels of engagement with senior center programs were associated with greater perceptions of social support. Additionally, stronger perceptions of social support and participation in exercise and fitness programming were associated with higher life satisfaction and lesser symptoms of depression and anxiety. Strategies for outreach, engagement and service provision will be presented.

Understanding Decision Making Among Direct Care Workers in Assisted Living

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 369-390 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara E. Bowman ◽  
Wendy A. Rogers
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Assisted Living ◽  
Critical Incident ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Direct Care ◽  
Direct Care Workers ◽  
Assisted Living Facilities ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Care Workers

An increase in the older adult population will likely be associated with an increased need for long-term-care communities, such as assisted living. A primary goal of assisted living communities is to help residents maintain their health and well-being. To accomplish this goal, direct care workers employed in these settings are responsible for monitoring residents for cues that might signal problems and then responding appropriately. However, very little is known about these workers’ decision making. To gain a better understanding, direct care workers from assisted living facilities took part in a critical incident interview and a scenario-based interview. The interview data revealed various cues that were categorized as cognitive, physical, or emotional in nature. Specific explanations for the scenarios were primarily that the situation was the result of a cognitive/emotional/social issue or a physical health issue. The type and number of explanations varied widely from scenario to scenario. Of the actions participants described taking to handle the scenarios, gathering and using information was discussed more than any other action. This research has implications for training of formal and informal caregivers and also highlights the potential need for decision support systems in this domain.

Prevalent Insomnia Concerns and Perceived Need for Sleep Intervention Among Direct-Care Workers in Long-Term Care

2020 ◽  
pp. 073346482097861
Author(s):  
Soomi Lee ◽  
Taylor F. Vigoureux ◽  
Kathryn Hyer ◽  
Brent J. Small
Keyword(s):  
Long Term Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Direct Care ◽  
Direct Care Workers ◽  
Sleep Onset Latency ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Perceived Need ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Long Sleep

This study examined sleep concerns among direct-care workers in long-term care and their perceived need for a sleep intervention. Thirty-five participants reported their sleep concerns and willingness to participate in a sleep intervention with preferred delivery forms/content. Multiple sleep characteristics were assessed via ecological momentary assessment and actigraphy for 2 weeks. Eighty percent reported at least one sleep concern with insomnia-related concerns being most prevalent. Those with insomnia-related concerns tended to have long sleep onset latency, frequent awakenings, suboptimal (long) sleep duration, and long naps. Most participants (66%) expressed interest in participating in a sleep intervention either online or in group sessions; interest was higher in those with insomnia-related concerns. Mindfulness strategies were most preferred, followed by cognitive-behavioral therapy and sleep hygiene education. The high prevalence of insomnia-related concerns in direct-care workers needs to be addressed for the well-being of these workers and for the quality of geriatric care delivery.

Talk or Walk? Gait Speed over Self-Report in Association with Cognitive Speed in Healthy Older Adults

GeroPsych ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-52
Author(s):  
Matthew C. Costello ◽  
Shane J. Sizemore ◽  
Kimberly E. O’Brien ◽  
Lydia K. Manning
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Gait Speed ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Subjective Report ◽  
Healthy Older Adults ◽  
Relative Value ◽  
Cognitive Speed ◽  
Age Range

Abstract. This study explores the relative value of both subjectively reported cognitive speed and gait speed in association with objectively derived cognitive speed. It also explores how these factors are affected by psychological and physical well-being. A group of 90 cognitively healthy older adults ( M = 73.38, SD = 8.06 years, range = 60–89 years) were tested in a three-task cognitive battery to determine objective cognitive speed as well as measures of gait speed, well-being, and subjective cognitive speed. Analyses indicated that gait speed was associated with objective cognitive speed to a greater degree than was subjective report, the latter being more closely related to well-being than to objective cognitive speed. These results were largely invariant across the 30-year age range of our older adult sample.

scholarly journals Sex Difference in Self-Reported Sexual Functioning Among Frail Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 313-313
Author(s):  
Brianne Olivieri-Mui ◽  
Sandra Shi ◽  
Ellen McCarthy ◽  
Dae Kim
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Sex Differences ◽  
Sexual Function ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Sexual Functioning ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Males And Females

Abstract Frailty may differentially impact how older adult males and females perceive sexual functioning, an important part of well-being. We assessed the level of frailty (robust, pre-frail, frail) for anyone with data on 11 sexual functioning questions asked in wave 2 of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project, 2010-2011 (n=2060). Questions covered five domains: overall sexual function (OSF), sexual function anxiety (SFA), changes in sexual function (CSF), erectile/vaginal dysfunction (EVD), and masturbation. Logistic regression identified sex differences in frailty and reporting worse sexual functioning. Linear regression predicted the number of domains reported as worse. Among males (n=1057), pre-frailty meant higher odds of reporting SFA (OR 1.8 95%CI 1.2-6.6), CSF (OR 1.7 95%CI 1.1-2.7), and EVD (OR 1.5 95%CI 1.0-2.2). Among females (n=1003), there was no difference in reporting by frailty. Females were more likely to report worse OSF (Robust: OR 7.4, 95%CI 4.8-11.4; Pre-frail: OR 6.2, 95%CI 3.9-9.9; Frail: OR 3.4 95%CI 1.7-6.6), but less likely to report SFA (Robust OR .3, 95%CI .2-.5; Pre-frail OR .2, 95%CI .1-.3; Frail OR .2 95%CI .1-.3). Pre-frail and frail females reported fewer domains as worse (Pre-frail coefficient -0.21 SE 0.09, Frail -0.43 SE 0.14). As frailty worsened, males reported more domains as worse (Pre-frail 0.24 SE 0.07, Frail 0.29 SE 0.08). Self-reported sexual functioning differs by sex at all levels of frailty, and reporting by males, but not females, changes with frailty. Providers should be aware that sexual functioning is of importance to both sexes despite varying degrees of frailty.

scholarly journals Increasing Older Adult Involvement in Geriatric Assessment: A Mixed-Methods Process Evaluation

2021 ◽  
pp. 089826432199332
Author(s):  
Wanda Rietkerk ◽  
Jannet de Jonge-de Haan ◽  
Joris P. J. Slaets ◽  
Sytse U. Zuidema ◽  
Debby L. Gerritsen
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Behavior Change ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Goal Setting ◽  
Geriatric Assessment ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Implementation Processes ◽  
Adult Involvement ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Objectives: Goal setting and motivational interviewing (MI) may increase well-being by promoting healthy behavior. Since we failed to show improved well-being in a proactive assessment service for community-dwelling older adults applying these techniques, we studied whether implementation processes could explain this. Methods: Goals set during the comprehensive geriatric assessment were evaluated on their potential for behavior change. MI and goal setting adherence wasassessed by reviewing audiotaped interactions and interviewing care professionals. Results: Among the 280 goals set with 230 frail older adults (mean age 77 ± 6.9 years, 59% women), more than 90% had a low potential for behavior change. Quality thresholds for MI were reached in only one of the 11 interactions. Application was hindered by the context and the limited proficiency of care professionals. Discussion: Implementation was suboptimal for goal setting and MI. This decreased the potential for improved well-being in the participating older adults.

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