“Calm . . . Satisfied . . . Comforting”: The Experience and Meaning of Rabbit-Assisted Activities for Older Adults

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (12) ◽  
pp. 1564-1575 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalie Pitheckoff ◽  
Sara J. McLaughlin ◽  
Kate de Medeiros
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Residential Facility ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Negative Experiences ◽  
Activity Program ◽  
Care Facilities ◽  
Depth Interviews

Animal-assisted activity programs are commonly used in long-term care facilities to enhance the well-being of older residents. Although research suggests that older adults benefit from these programs, little is known about the experience from the perspective of older adults themselves. In this qualitative study, we used direct observation and in-depth interviews to gain an understanding of the experience of participating in a unique rabbit-assisted activity program delivered in a Midwestern residential facility. Several benefits were identified, with no negative experiences articulated by the participants. In addition to finding the rabbits soothing, the rabbits served as a source of social support for some participants and encouraged social interaction. Participants generally felt that rabbits are good animals to use for this type of activity, but expressed a desire for more frequent, longer, and more interactive visits. Facilities considering animal-assisted activities (AAA) programs should consider these factors when designing their programs.

scholarly journals THE IMPACT OF A PARO INTERVENTION ON DEPRESSION AND WELL-BEING IN OLDER ADULTS WITH DEPRESSION

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S341-S341
Author(s):  
Shu-Chuan Chen ◽  
Wendy Moyle ◽  
Cindy Jones
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Older People ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
World Health ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Care Facilities

Abstract Aim: This study aimed to explore the effect of a social robot Paro intervention on depression and well-being in older adults with depression living in long-term care facilities in Taiwan. Methods: This study was adopted a single group and quasi-experimental with repeated measures design. Each participant participated in two stages: observation and Paro intervention stages. Stage 1 was an 8-week observation stage in long-term care facilities where the purpose was to observe the normal mood, behaviour and activities of older adults with depression. In stage 2, each participant was given a Paro by the researcher to keep for 24 hours for 7 days in for 8 weeks. Outcome measurements were obtained 4 times: a week before the intervention (T1), immediately the end of 8-week observation (T2), mid-point of Paro intervention (T3), and immediately the end of 8-week Paro intervention (T4). Instruments included the Geriatric Depression Scale, the UCLA Loneliness Scale version 3, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire-OLD. Results: There were 20 participants completed the study. The mean age of participants was 81.1years (SD = 8.2). After 8-week Paro intervention, statistically significant differences in changes were found on depression, loneliness, and quality of life from pre-intervention to post-intervention. Conclusion: This study was found that Paro intervention has beneficial effects on depression and mental well-being for older people with depression in long-term care facilities. Paro Intervention might be a suitable psychosocial intervention for older people with depression and should be considered as a useful tool in clinical practice.

scholarly journals HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF OLDER ADULTS IN LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES: LESSONS FROM LONGITUDINAL STUDIES.

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S242-S242
Author(s):  
Robert O Barker ◽  
Andrew Kingston ◽  
Fiona Matthews ◽  
Barbara Hanratty
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Longitudinal Studies ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Complex Needs ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Care Facilities

Abstract Older adults in long-term care facilities (LTCF) have complex needs for health care and support. There is a perception that residents’ needs are increasing over time, but little research evidence to back this up. In this study we brought together data on 1640 residents in LTCFs from three longitudinal studies, and conducted repeated cross-sectional analyses across a 25 year period. We found that the prevalence of severe disability amongst residents has increased from 56% to 80% over a 20 year period, driven by increases in difficulties in bathing and dressing. The prevalence of multimorbidity also increased from 29% to 56% between 2006 and 2014. A growth in the number of people with dementia, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases contributed to this. We conclude that residents in LTCFs have become a selected subset of the population, characterised by increasing needs for support. This poses an important challenge for future care provision.

Uitbraak COVID-19 in de verpleeghuiszorg

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Nursing Home ◽  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Informal Caregivers ◽  
Rapid Review ◽  
Daily Routine ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Care Facilities

Long-term care for older adults is highly affect by the COVID-19 outbreak. The objective of this rapid review is to understand what we can learn from previous crises or disasters worldwide to optimize the care for older adults in long term care facilities during the outbreak of COVID-19. We searched five electronic databases to identify potentially relevant articles. In total, 23 articles were included in this study. Based on the articles, it appeared that nursing homes benefit from preparing for the situation as best as they can. For instance, by having proper protocols and clear division of tasks and collaboration within the organization. In addition, it is helpful for nursing homes to collaborate closely with other healthcare organizations, general practitioners, informal caregivers and local authorities. It is recommended that nursing homes pay attention to capacity and employability of staff and that they support or relieve staff where possible. With regard to care for the older adults, it is important that staff tries to find a new daily routine in the care for residents as soon as possible. Some practical tips were found on how to communicate with people who have dementia. Furthermore, behavior of people with dementia may change during a crisis. We found tips for staff how to respond and act upon behavior change. After the COVID-19 outbreak, aftercare for staff, residents, and informal caregivers is essential to timely detect psychosocial problems. The consideration between, on the one hand, acute safety and risk reduction (e.g. by closing residential care facilities and isolating residents), and on the other hand, the psychosocial consequences for residents and staff, were discussed in case of other disasters. Furthermore, the search of how to provide good (palliative) care and to maintain quality of life for older adults who suffer from COVID-19 is also of concern to nursing home organizations. In the included articles, the perspective of older adults, informal caregivers and staff is often lacking. Especially the experiences of older adults, informal caregivers, and nursing home staff with the care for older adults in the current situation, are important in formulating lessons about how to act before, during and after the coronacrisis. This may further enhance person-centered care, even in times of crisis. Therefore, we recommend to study these experiences in future research.

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

Older Adults Diagnosed With Schizophrenia in Long-term Care Facilities: Life Course Theory for Holistic Nursing Research and Practice

2021 ◽  
pp. 089801012110253
Author(s):  
Verónica G. Walker ◽  
Elizabeth K. Walker
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Course ◽  
Health Beliefs ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Life Course Theory ◽  
Nursing Research ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Holistic Nursing ◽  
Care Facilities

Older adults diagnosed with schizophrenia (OADWS) often enter long-term care facilities with unique challenges related to trauma and stress experienced throughout their life course. Health care workers often report that when they work with this population, they feel unprepared due to limited training. In this article, life course theory is presented as a lens for holistic nursing research and as a way for nurses to adapt interventions already used with cognitively impaired older adults (e.g., those diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease) for OADWS in long-term care. It is hoped that these ideas will facilitate discussion of ways to inform training for holistic long-term care of OADWS. Holistic principles of nursing addressed with life course theory as a lens include the following: (a) accounting for strengths and challenges; (b) honoring experiences, values, and health beliefs; (c) viewing interrelationships with the environment; and (d) nurturing of peace, wholeness, and healing.

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 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
Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document