Bruising in older adults: what do social workers need to know?

2015 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 351-359
Author(s):  
Sarah A. O. Matthews ◽  
Janet Reynolds
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Work ◽  
Older People ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Accidental Injury ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Social Work Practitioners ◽  
Non Accidental Injury

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss a research study exploring one aspect of adult safeguarding, that of non-accidental injury in older adults, specifically bruising. The study was undertaken with a view to analysing the current relevant literature and examining current practitioners’ views concerning bruising in older adults in order to understand social work practitioners’ awareness of and training in bruising. Design/methodology/approach – The paper describes a small-scale research study including two focus groups of social work and nursing practitioners. Themes arising from transcripts are coded by the analyst and are discussed in light of the summary and explanation of the literature reviewed following an initial scoping and exclusion exercise. Findings – The paper found that there is some evidence of typical and atypical non-accidental bruising emerging in older adults similar to that of children, but this tends to be treated as a clinical matter and mostly directed at medical staff. Research limitations/implications – Because of the chosen research aim, the research results focus on social work practitioners. Researchers are encouraged to explore other constituents further and to extend the scope of the literature review in terms of date and type. Practical implications – This paper will be of interest to all those concerned with the effective understanding of bruising as a sign of non-accidental injury in older people and especially the extent to which social work practitioners and others have to consider bruising during the course of their work with older people. Originality/value – This paper fulfils an identified need to study what social work practitioners and others need to know during the course of their work with older adults.

scholarly journals Exploring the role of volunteers in social care for older adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 129-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ailsa Cameron ◽  
Eleanor K. Johnson ◽  
Paul B. Willis ◽  
Liz Lloyd ◽  
Randall Smith
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older People ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
The South ◽  
Content Type ◽  
South West

Purpose This paper aims to report the findings of a study that explores the contribution volunteers make to social care for older adults, identifying lessons for the social care sector and policymakers. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory multiple case study design was used to capture the perspectives and experiences of managers of services, volunteer co-ordinators, volunteers, paid care staff and older people. Seven diverse social care organisations took part in the study drawn from three locations in the South West of England. Findings This study identified three distinct models of volunteer contribution to social care services for older people. Although the contributions made by volunteers to services are valued, the study drew attention to some of the challenges related to their involvement. Research limitations/implications The organisations taking part in this small-scale study were all based in the South West of England, and the findings are therefore not generalisable but contribute to the growing evidence base related to this important field. Practical implications This study demonstrates the importance of the volunteer co-ordinator role and suggests that it is properly funded and resourced. It also confirms the importance of volunteers receiving appropriate training and support. Originality/value Given the increasing involvement of volunteers in the provision of social care, this paper provides lessons to ensure the role of volunteers in social care enhances rather than diminishes the quality of care provided.

Community versus family support in caregiving of older adults: implications for social work practitioners in South-East Nigeria

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-22
Author(s):  
Samuel O. Ebimgbo ◽  
Chiemezie S. Atama ◽  
Emeka E. Igboeli ◽  
Christy N. Obi-keguna ◽  
Casmir O. Odo
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Work ◽  
Family Support ◽  
Social Work Practitioners

scholarly journals Evaluation of edna: arts and dance for older people

2016 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-56 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann Skingley ◽  
Stephanie De'Ath ◽  
Luci Napleton
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Older People ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Life Questionnaire ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Art Forms

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impact on health and well-being of participation in dance and arts activities by older people living in the community. Design/methodology/approach – A small-scale, mixed methods research design comprising pretest-posttest evaluation of a three month dance and arts programme. Two groups of older people underwent physical measures and completed a self-report quality of life questionnaire. Written comments and interview data were also gathered. Findings – Physical tests (n=14) demonstrated improvements in posture, shoulder mobility and balance in both groups following the intervention, with some measures reaching statistical significance. Quality of life evaluations (n=21) also showed improvement, with the mental health subscale reaching statistical significance. Qualitative data showed that participants enjoyed the programme and felt physical, psychological and social benefits. Research limitations/implications – The research involved only a small sample of volunteers and a limited programme length which limits its generalisability. The absence of a control group means that causality cannot be inferred. Future research should extend recruitment to a wider geographical area and a longer intervention which includes a control group. Practical implications – Future arts interventions for older people should include consultation prior to, and throughout the project. Commissioners should consider supporting arts for health projects, building in additional funding for evaluative work. Originality/value – This study has added to the evidence base through combining art forms within a mixed methods framework, illustrating the interplay between the art forms, the outcomes and the potential role of social context.

Social capital and health care access among the older adults in Bangladesh

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 54-63
Author(s):  
Md. Shahidul Islam
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Social Capital ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Older People ◽  
Health Care Access ◽  
Economic Hardship ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Care Access ◽  
Access Problem

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the association between social capital (SC) and health care access problem among the older people in Bangladesh. Design/methodology/approach This study applied a random sampling method to select 310 older adults (all aged 60 years) in Bangladesh. Exploratory factor analysis was employed to extract SC dimensions. Logistic regression was applied to measure the association of SC dimensions and access. Findings The logistic regression result shows that with a one-unit increase in social network, norms of reciprocity, and civic participation, health care access problem will be decreased by OR= 0.732 (95% CI =0.529–1.014); OR=0.641 (95% CI = 0.447–0.919); and OR=0.748 (95% CI = 0.556–1.006) units. Respondents who have economic hardship were 3.211 (OR=3.211, CI = 0.84–5.59) times more likely to say that they had health care access problem compared with who had no economic hardship. Research limitations/implications The study showed that the lower level of SC and presence of economic hardship increased the probability to health care access problem among the older people. Improving SC may be helpful in reducing health care access problem. However, economic hardship reductions are also important to reduce the health care access problem. Improving SC and reducing economic hardship thus should be implemented at the same time. Practical implications The study showed that low SC and economic hardship increased the probability to health care access problem. Improving SC may be helpful in reducing health inequity. However, economic hardship reductions also important to health care access. Therefore, improving SC and reducing economic hardship should be implemented at the same time. Originality/value This study has a great policy importance in regard to reducing health care access problem among the older adult in Bangladesh as SC has a potential to bring about a concomitant improvement in the condition of the health care access.

scholarly journals Technology implementation in delivery of healthcare to older people: how can the least voiced in society be heard?

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 76-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yvonne van Zaalen ◽  
Mary McDonnell ◽  
Barbara Mikołajczyk ◽  
Sandra Buttigieg ◽  
Maria del Carmen Requena ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older People ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Great Emphasis ◽  
Older Person ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Use Of Technology

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to focus on ethical and judicial themes related to technology and the older adults.Design/methodology/approachDifferent consecutive phases in technology design and allocation will be discussed from a range of perspectives.FindingsLongevity is one of the greatest achievements of contemporary science and a result of development of social relations. Currently, various non-communicable diseases affect older adults and impose the greatest burden on global health. There is a great emphasis across Europe on caring for the older person in their own homes. Technology has a mediating role in determining the possibilities for good quality of life (QOL). The concept of assisting the older adult through the use of technology so as to access healthcare services has enormous potential. Although the potential of technology in healthcare is widely recognised, technology use can have its downsides. Professionals need to be aware of the risks, namely, those related to the privacy of the older person, which may accompany technology use.Research limitations/implicationsBy 2050, there will be more people aged over 65 than there are children. This phenomenon of global ageing constitutes a massive challenge in the area of health protection.Practical implicationsProfessionals need to be aware of the risks, for example, related to the privacy of the older person, that may accompany technology use.Social implicationsThere is a great emphasis across Europe on caring for the older person in their own homes. Technology has a mediating role in determining the possibilities for QOL.Originality/valueThe concept of assisting the older adult through the use of technology to avail of healthcare has enormous potential. Assistive technology, social media use and augmentative and alternative communication can have a positive effect on the QOL of older people, as long as they are supported enough in use of these technologies. However, ethical and juridical considerations are at stake as well.

Clinical supervision in older adult mental health services

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 241-250
Author(s):  
Alessandra Merizzi
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older People ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Clinical Supervision ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Theoretical Models ◽  
Clinical Work ◽  
Therapeutic Work ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Self Reflection

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore how supervision is applied in the context of National Health Service services for older adults, with particular regard to the profession of clinical psychology and psychotherapy. Design/methodology/approach The clinical supervision theories that are considered in this exploration are the Seven-Eyed Model (Hawkins and Shohet, 2012) and the Cyclical Model (Page and Wosket, 2015). The discussion also integrates an overview of psychological dynamics as presented by the existing literature with the author’s reflections on the influence of ageing stereotypes in the therapeutic work with older adults. Findings The theoretical models of clinical supervision considered can offer a robust framework and pathway for supervisory work in psychology and psychotherapy for older people. However, this alone seems insufficient and needs to be combined with the supervisor’s knowledge on psychology of ageing as well as their own self-reflection on internalised ageing stereotypes. Practical implications The paper suggests a need for health care professionals, providing clinical supervision on older adult therapeutic work, to be familiar with the aspects analysed. Originality/value Clinical supervision handbooks overlook aspects related to age as an issue of difference. This paper adds value to the clinical work with older people through a novel attempt to link implications of ageing stereotypes with the therapeutic and supervisory practice.

scholarly journals How could discourse theories of identity formation critically engage patient-centered care in older adults?

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 205-216
Author(s):  
Anna Horton ◽  
Simon Horton
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older People ◽  
Identity Formation ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Patient Centered ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Clinical Encounters ◽  
Centered Care ◽  
Conceptual Paper

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore how discourse theories can contribute to the concept of identity formation within a patient- or person-centered care (PCC) orientation, to enable more critical engagement with PCC in older people. Design/methodology/approach This is a conceptual paper. Findings This paper concludes that the discourse literature has important insights for understanding identity formation in older people as operationalized in the context of PCC in three particular ways: accounting for multiplicity in patients’ identity; exploring “the devolution of responsibility” to address shifts in performing identities in clinical encounters; and attending to a “crisis of positioning” to engage empowerment discourse within a PCC philosophy. Originality/value Whilst a notion of patient identity is at the heart of PCC, the concept remains inconsistent and underdeveloped. This is particularly problematic for the quality of care in older adults, as PCC has become increasingly synonymous with care of older people. Discourse theories of identity formation can be used to critically engage with identity within the context of PCC, so as to develop more nuanced understandings of “the person” or “the patient,” with the potential to improve research into care for aging and older adults.

scholarly journals Group intervention with institutionalised older persons

2015 ◽  
Vol 71 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Reineth Prinsloo
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Group Intervention ◽  
Older Persons ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Collective Case Study ◽  
Qualitative Research Study ◽  
Phase Group ◽  
Group Members

The number of older people in South Africa is increasing. This demands an increase in services by, inter alia, social workers and services by and within religious settings because of the special needs and challenges related to this particular life phase. Group work with older people can assist in creating an awareness of potential and areas for growth as well as assisting with the challenges of growing older. The article discusses a research study with the goal to explore and describe the experiences of group members of a group for institutionalised older persons. A qualitative research study with a collective case study design was utilised to gain insight into the experiences of the individuals within the group and the experiences of the group as a whole. Semi-structured one-on-one interviews were employed as the primary data collection method. Although on a small scale, this research study provides guidelines for group intervention with older people, which allows them to view their lives as meaningful, share personal experiences and problems and realise that they are not alone in their difficulties.

Hidden and ignored: Older sexual and gender minorities in New Zealand

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 94-109
Author(s):  
David Betts ◽  
Jane Maidment ◽  
Nikki Evans
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Work ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Sexual And Gender Minorities ◽  
Social Work Research ◽  
Gender Minorities ◽  
Social Work Practitioners ◽  
Mainstream Society ◽  
And Gender

This article explores the experiences of a frequently ignored and underrepresented population in social work research – older sexual and gender minorities. Reporting on findings from a larger research project with older LGBTQ+ people in New Zealand, thirty-one participants between the ages of 60 and 80 were interviewed about their experiences of social connectedness, stigma, and discrimination. Findings highlight that older sexual and gender minorities were twice made invisible. They felt excluded by mainstream society based on their age, as well as their sexual and gender identities. Implications include a need to incorporate intersectional perspectives when working with both older adults and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Social work practitioners also need to consider the multifaceted and compounding identities of their clients with diverse experiences.Keywords: sexual and gender minorities; older adults; New Zealand; invisibility; social work

1. Non-Accidental Injury Inflicted on a Child with an Air Weapon

1998 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 173-176
Author(s):  
G L Campbell-Hewson ◽  
A D'Amore ◽  
A Busuttil
Keyword(s):  
Child Abuse ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Anterior Wall ◽  
General Anaesthetic ◽  
Accidental Injury ◽  
Sagittal Sinus ◽  
Close Range ◽  
Non Accidental Injury

A case of non-accidental injury to an infant caused by the discharge of an air pistol is presented, the first such case to be reported. A two-month-old baby was shot at close range by his father with a ***.177 air pistol. A false account of the cause of the injury was given by the father and initially supported by the mother. The pellet penetrated the skin in the centre of the child's forehead and lodged in the anterior wall of the sagittal sinus. It was removed under general anaesthetic and the child made an uncomplicated recovery. The father was subsequently convicted and jailed for the assault. The relevant literature on air weapon injuries and bizarre forms of child abuse is discussed.

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