scholarly journals A Pilot Evaluation of the Strengthening a Palliative Approach in Long-Term Care (SPA-LTC) Program

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharon Kaasalainen ◽  
Tamara Sussman ◽  
Genevieve Thompson ◽  
Lynn McCleary ◽  
Paulette Hunter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
End Of Life ◽  
Family Involvement ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Family Outcomes ◽  
Palliative Approach ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Planning Methods

Abstract Background: Despite increased annual mortality in long-term care (LTC) homes, research has shown that care of dying residents and their families is currently suboptimal in these settings. The purpose of this study was to evaluate resident and family outcomes associated with the Strengthening a Palliative Approach in LTC (SPA-LTC) program, developed to help encourage meaningful end of life discussions and planning. Methods: The study employs a mixed method design in four LTC homes across Southern Ontario. Data were collected from residents and families of the LTC homes through chart reviews, interviews, and focus groups. Results: In total, 39 residents/families agreed to participate in the study. Positive intervention outcomes included a reduction in the proportion of emergency department use at end of life and hospital deaths for those participating in SPA-LTC, improved support for families, and increased family involvement in the care of residents. Residents stated that they appreciated learning about a palliative approach to care and being informed about their current status. Conclusions: The benefits of SPA-LTC for residents and families justify its continued use within LTC. Study results also suggest that certain enhancements of the program could further promote future integration of best practices within a palliative approach to care within the LTC context.

scholarly journals Evaluation of a Program Based on the Strengthening a Palliative Approach in Long-Term Care (SPA-LTC) Model

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharon Kaasalainen ◽  
Tamara Sussman ◽  
Genevieve Thompson ◽  
Lynn McCleary ◽  
Paulette Hunter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
End Of Life ◽  
Family Involvement ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Staff Support ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Palliative Approach ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Planning Methods ◽  
Hospital Deaths

Abstract Background: Despite increased annual mortality in long-term care (LTC) homes, research has shown that palliative approaches to care are currently suboptimal in these settings. The purpose of this study was to evaluate resident, family, and staff outcomes associated with the Strengthening a Palliative Approach in LTC (SPA-LTC) program, developed to help encourage meaningful end-of-life discussions and planning. Methods: The study employs a mixed method design in four LTC homes across Southern Ontario. Data were collected from residents, families and staff of the LTC homes through chart reviews, surveys and interviews. Results: In total, 39 residents/families agreed to participate in the study. Positive intervention outcomes included a reduction in the proportion of emergency department use at end-of-life and hospital deaths for those participating in SPA-LTC, an improvement in interdisciplinary communication between staff, support for both families and staff involved, and increased family involvement in the care of residents. However, there were no significant pre-post differences in staff collaboration or comfort in providing end of life care. Conclusions: The benefits of SPA-LTC for families, residents and staff justify its continued use within LTC. Study results also suggest that certain enhancements of the program could further promote future integration of best practices within a palliative approach to care within the LTC context.

Health Literacy and Long-Term Care Needs among Thai Elderly in Rural Communities

2020 ◽  
Vol 103 (12) ◽  
pp. 1315-1324
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptom ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Health Knowledge ◽  
Elderly Persons ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Study Results

Background: Factors related to long-term care needs have been studied widely, but there is limited research about the influence of health literacy on long-term care needs among the elderly in rural communities where the social context and care environment are uniquely different. Objective: To examine factors influencing long-term care needs among Thai elderly in rural communities. Materials and Methods: The present study used the cross-sectional design. The study sample included 477 elderly persons, who were members of the communities in Nakhon Ratchasima Province. Multi-stage random sampling was used to select participants. They were interviewed using the demographic and health information questionnaire, the Thai Geriatric Depression Scale (TGDS), the health literacy scale of Thai adults and long-term care needs questionnaire. The selected factors examined as independent variables included some demographic factors, depressive symptom, and health literacy. Results: The present study results revealed significant positive relationships existing between long-term care needs with age and depressive symptom, while negative relationships between income and health literacy were reported. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis indicated that four of nine determinants of long-term care needs: age, depressive symptom, health knowledge and understanding, and ability managing their health condition significantly predicted long-term care needs at a level of 18% (R² adjusted=0.18, p<0.001). Conclusion: The present study results showed associations between personal and health literacy factors with long-term care needs. These findings prove that it is vitally important for healthcare professionals to consider the rural elderly’s mental health status and health literacy when providing care and planning treatment. Keywords: Health literacy, Long-term care needs, Rural community

scholarly journals #MoreThanAVisitor: Families as “Essential” Care Partners During COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Candace L Kemp
Keyword(s):  
Family Involvement ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Research Policy ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Direct Care ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Public Health Response ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Care Partners

Abstract The public health response to the current Coronavirus pandemic in long-term care communities, including assisted living, encompasses prohibiting visitors. This ban, which includes family members, has been criticized for being unfair, unhealthy, and unsafe. Against this backdrop, I examine the roles family play in residents’ daily lives and care routines. I argue that classifying family as “visitors” rather than essential care partners overlooks their critical contributions and stems from taken-for-granted assumption about gender, families, and care work, and I demonstrate why families are more than visitors. Policies that ban family visits also reflect a narrow understanding of health that focuses on mitigating infection risk, but neglects overall health and well-being. This policy further stems from a limited comprehension of care relations. Research shows that banning family visits has negative consequences for residents, but also families themselves, and direct care workers. I argue that identifying ways to better understand and support family involvement is essential and demonstrate the utility of the Convoys of Care model for guiding the reconceptualization of family in long-term care research, policy, and practice during and beyond the pandemic.

scholarly journals Cost of shifting from healthcare to long-term care in later life across major diseases: analysis of end-of-life care during the last 24 months of life

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomoko Terada ◽  
Keiko Nakamura ◽  
Kaoruko Seino ◽  
Masashi Kizuki ◽  
Naohiko Inase
Keyword(s):  
End Of Life ◽  
End Of Life Care ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Life Care ◽  
Term Care

The Effect of a Reduced Statutory Workweek on Familial Long-Term Care in Korea

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (10) ◽  
pp. 1620-1641 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erin Hye-Won Kim ◽  
Changjun Lee ◽  
Young Kyung Do
Keyword(s):  
Long Term Care ◽  
Panel Study ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Financial Transfers ◽  
Elderly Parents ◽  
Female Workers ◽  
Policy Tool ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Aging Societies

Objectives: We examine how statutory workweeks affect workers’ provision of long-term care for their non-coresident elderly parents. Method: The Korean government reduced its statutory workweek from 44 to 40 hr, gradually from larger to smaller establishments, between 2004 and 2011. Using multiple regressions, we assess how the reduction affected visits, financial transfers, and in-kind transfers to parents. Annual longitudinal data come from the 2005 to 2013 waves of the Korea Labor and Income Panel Study. Results: The reduction caused an increase in the frequency of visits and in-kind transfers among male workers, with no significant impact on their financial transfers. Among female workers, we found no impact on any outcomes. Discussion: We interpret the findings within the context of developed Asian countries with long work hours and Confucian traditions, and suggest regulating workweeks as a policy tool to encourage familial long-term care in the rapidly aging societies.

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