scholarly journals Evaluation of the Factors that Promote Improved Experience and Better Outcomes of Older Adults in Intermediate Care Setting

J ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-31
Author(s):  
Rona Blendell ◽  
Omorogieva Ojo
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Patient Participation ◽  
Care Setting ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Professional Communication ◽  
Intermediate Care ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Care And Support ◽  
Critical Appraisal Skills

The aim of this article was to identify the main contributing factors to optimising improved experience and better outcomes for older adults participating in intermediate care setting. Background: Intermediate care is an integrated team intervention for patients experiencing an acute change in their function and well-being. Crisis intervention is one of several intermediate care pathways and provides a timely, person-centred, goal setting assessment to determine appropriate care and support for patients in the community. Method: This systematic review was conducted using key search terms and Boolean operators. A Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tool was used to evaluate the studies and the data was extracted and synthesised systematically to develop themes relating to the research question. Results: Seven qualitative primary research studies and one mixed methods study were identified. The main themes were ‘communicating with patients’ and ‘patient participation’. Results showed neither themes are parallel entities but co-dependent. Patient-centred approaches to communication by professionals encouraged active patient participation, in turn optimising patient outcomes. Conclusion: This review showed that patient participation in intermediate care requires professionals using advanced communication skills and taking time to actively listen to what is important to the patients. In addition, poor professional communication resulted in passive patient participation. Implications for future practice are discussed.

scholarly journals Impacts of Low-cost Robotic Pets for Older Adults and People With Dementia: Scoping Review

10.2196/25340 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. e25340
Author(s):  
Wei Qi Koh ◽  
Faith Xin Hui Ang ◽  
Dympna Casey
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Robots ◽  
Psychosocial Needs ◽  
Live Animal ◽  
People With Dementia

Background Older adults and people with dementia are particularly vulnerable to social isolation. Social robots, including robotic pets, are promising technological interventions that can benefit the psychosocial health of older adults and people with dementia. However, issues such as high costs can lead to a lack of equal access and concerns about infection control. Although there are previous reviews on the use of robotic pets for older adults and people with dementia, none have included or had a focus on low-cost and familiarly and realistically designed pet robots. Objective The aim of this review is to synthesize evidence on the delivery and impact of low-cost, familiarly and realistically designed interactive robotic pets for older adults and people with dementia. Methods The Arksey and O’Malley framework was used to guide this review. First, the research question was identified. Second, searches were conducted on five electronic databases and Google Scholar. Studies were selected using a two-phase screening process, where two reviewers independently screened and extracted data using a standardized data extraction form. Finally, the results were discussed, categorized, and presented narratively. Results A total of 9 studies were included in the review. Positive impacts related to several psychosocial domains, including mood and affect, communication and social interaction, companionship, and other well-being outcomes. Issues and concerns associated with its use included misperceptions of the robotic pets as a live animal, ethical issues of attachment, negative reactions by users, and other pragmatic concerns such as hygiene and cost. Conclusions Overall, the findings resonate with previous studies that investigated the effectiveness of other social robots, demonstrating the promise of these low-cost robotic pets in addressing the psychosocial needs of older adults and people with dementia. The affordability of these robotic pets appeared to influence the practicalities of real-world use, such as intervention delivery and infection control, which are especially relevant in light of COVID-19. Moving forward, studies should also consider comparing the effects of these low-cost robots with other robotic pets.

scholarly journals Assessing mood in older adults: a conceptual review of methods and approaches

2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (8) ◽  
pp. 1197-1206 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura J. E. Brown ◽  
Arlene J. Astell
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Mood State ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Temporal Perspective ◽  
Assessment Techniques ◽  
Older Populations

ABSTRACTBackground: Accurate measures of mood state are important for understanding and optimizing health and well-being in later life. A range of different mood assessment measures is available, reflecting the variety of ways in which mood has been conceptualized and the different purposes for which measures have been developed.Methods: We undertook a conceptual review of the literature relating to mood and its assessment in older populations.Results: Moods are subjective states of mind that are typically described and quantified using self-report measures. Moods can be conceptually differentiated from the related psychological concepts of emotion, well-being, quality of life, and depression. Quantitative tools for assessing mood state include single-item mood ratings, composite factor scales, and clinical depression assessments. Mood assessments may be administered retrospectively or contemporaneously to the mood state of interest. The method and temporal perspective used to assess mood state will impact on the nature and precision of the mood data that are collected, and the types of research questions that can be addressed.Conclusions: No single mood assessment technique can be considered optimal for all situations. Rather, both the type of tool and the temporal perspective taken must be selected according to the nature of the study design and the research question being addressed. More thorough and frank reporting of the rationale for, and limitations of, mood assessment techniques are also essential for continued development of mood research with older adults.

Impacts of low-cost robotic pets for older adults and people with dementia: A scoping review (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Qi Koh ◽  
Faith Xin Hui Ang ◽  
Dympna Casey
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Robots ◽  
Psychosocial Needs ◽  
Live Animal ◽  
People With Dementia

BACKGROUND Older adults and people with dementia are particularly vulnerable to social isolation. Social robots, including robotic pets, are promising technological interventions that can benefit the psychosocial health of older adults and people with dementia. However, issues such as high costs can lead to a lack of equal access and concerns about infection control. Although there are previous reviews on the use of robotic pets for older adults and people with dementia, none have included or had a focus on low-cost, familiarly and realistically designed pet robots. OBJECTIVE The aim of this review was to synthesise evidence on the delivery and impact of low-cost, familiarly and realistically designed interactive robotic pets for older adults and people with dementia. METHODS The Arksey and O’Malley framework was used to guide this review. First, the research question was identified. Next, searches were conducted on five electronic databases and Google Scholar. Studies were selected using a two-phase screening process, where two reviewers independently screened and extracted data using a standardized data extraction form. Finally, the results were discussed, categorised and presented narratively. RESULTS A total of nine studies were included in the review. Positive impacts related to several psychosocial domains, including mood and affect, communication and social interaction, companionship, and other well-being outcomes. Issues and concerns associated with its use included misperceptions of the robotic pets as a live animal, ethical issues of attachment, negative reactions by users, and other pragmatic concerns such as hygiene and cost. CONCLUSIONS Overall, findings resonate with previous studies that investigated the effectiveness of other social robots, demonstrating the promise of these low-cost robotic pets in addressing the psychosocial needs of older adults and people with dementia. The affordability of these robotic pets appeared to influence the practicalities of real-world use, such as intervention delivery and infection control, which are especially relevant in light of COVID-19. Moving forward, studies should also consider comparing the effects of these low-cost robots with other robotic pets. CLINICALTRIAL

scholarly journals Perspectives of Older Adults on Aging Well: A Focus Group Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hadeel Halaweh ◽  
Synneve Dahlin-Ivanoff ◽  
Ulla Svantesson ◽  
Carin Willén
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Aging Well

Background. With increasing number of older adults worldwide, promoting health and well-being becomes a priority for aging well. Well-being and physical and mental health are closely related, and this relation may become more vital at older ages as it may contribute to aging well. The state of well-being is a multifaceted phenomenon that refers to an individual’s subjective feelings, and exploring perspectives of older adults on aging well is developing to be an important area of research. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore perceptions on aging well among older adult Palestinians ≥60 years. Methods. A qualitative research design in the context of focus group discussions was used; seven focus groups were conducted including fifty-six participants (aged 63–81 years). Data were analyzed using a qualitative interpretative thematic approach described by Braun and Clarke. Results. Three major themes were identified, “sense of well-being,” “having good physical health,” and “preserving good mental health.” The participants perceived that aging well is influenced by positive feelings such as being joyous, staying independent, having a life purpose, self-possessed contentment, and financially secured, in addition to be socially engaged and enjoying good physical and mental health. Conclusion. This study contributes to get a better insight concerning older adults’ perspectives on aging well. Enhancing physically active lifestyle, participation in social and leisure activities, healthy eating habits, having a purpose in life, and being intellectually engaged are all contributing factors to aging well. Vital factors are to be considered in developing strategic health and rehabilitative plans for promoting aging well among older adults.

scholarly journals Dependency as Status: Older Adults’ Presentations of Self as Recipients of Care

SAGE Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 215824402096359
Author(s):  
Virpi Timonen ◽  
Luciana Lolich
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Capital ◽  
Family Relations ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Informal Networks ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Care And Support ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Supportive Family

We draw on Bourdieu’s and Goffman’s theories to elaborate the novel idea of dependency as status in old age, a concept that emerged from our Grounded Theory study conducted with 46 older adults (26 women and 20 men) living in and around Dublin, Ireland. The research participants’ portrayals of (in)dependence and assistance reflected their access to and use of social and symbolic (age) capital. Older adults derived social capital from supportive family relations or trusting relationships with formal care providers, and deployed such capital to signal their status as “cared for” individuals. Age capital—constructions of deservingness drawing on advanced age, age-related disabilities, and lifelong contributions—was used by older adults to frame and justify acceptance of help. We argue that where older adults are able to draw on age capital or social capital, they can signal their position as “cared for” individuals who display and acknowledge their dependency, and transform it into a marker of status. Conversely, some participants were keen to present themselves as independent. These participants made downward comparisons with others whom they saw as “worse off” or, in their view, as insufficiently responsible for their own health and well-being. In the contemporary Western frame, dependency is to be avoided at all costs, but we argue that some older people are able to embrace dependency in a way that reflects and demonstrates their status and agency. Care professionals and members of informal networks can make a significant difference to older persons’ acceptance of help, care, and support by offering services in a manner that affirms the care recipients’ worth and agency.

scholarly journals PERCEIVED AVAILABILITY OF CARE AND SUPPORT AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN BANGLADESH

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S676-S677
Author(s):  
Farhana Ferdous Luna
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older People ◽  
Support Services ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Weak State ◽  
Care And Support ◽  
Populations At Risk ◽  
The Government

Abstract Care for older adults is most precarious in developing countries where poverty and weak state support systems have put the well-being of their older populations at risk. Bangladesh is one such nation characterized by excess poverty, poor health, high mortality rates, and illiteracy among its older adults. The lack of elder-friendly infrastructure presents another problem for aging well in Bangladesh. This study examined perceptions about the adequacy of care and support received by older Bangladeshis. A cross-sectional survey collected data from 100 older people who were purposively sampled. Results revealed that older people generally are not satisfied with support services from the government and feel that old-age care has historically declined. Inadequate care and support was cited both at family and state levels. Respondents expressed concern that earlier generations of older people were better taken care of than the present generation, and that the former received more respect than the latter. Factors related to perceived support deficits included poverty, widowhood, and migration of sons. In this patrilineal culture, widowed women in particular perceived themselves as disadvantaged in terms of care availability. We conclude by recommending that policies be designed to enhance care and support services for older people in Bangladesh, particularly the most vulnerable and marginalized among them.

scholarly journals Expert Assessments of Loneliness among Older Adults: Identifying Reasons and Providing Solutions

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 331-342
Author(s):  
Фабио Касати ◽  
Галина Анзельмовна Барышева ◽  
Ольга Павловна Недоспасова ◽  
Ольга Юрьевна Корнева ◽  
Евгений Викторович Щекотин ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Social Protection ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Soviet Society ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Subjective Assessments ◽  
Expert Assessments

Loneliness among older adults has emerged as a specific social phenomenon relatively recently – in developed countries just a few decades ago. In Russia, due to its initially strong family-oriented culture, this problem presented itself even later, following the collapse of Soviet society. This article analyses probable social policy adjustments aimed at reducing the negative impact of loneliness on the older generation. We address the issue of loneliness assessment and prevention involving older adults themselves and social workers as experts. The methodology of 'expert seminars' involves comparing preliminary subjective assessments of the phenomenon under consideration with a final assessment of its contributing factors. Two groups of experts disagree on both the general assessment of loneliness and how to outline the loneliness-provoking factors and solutions suggested to combat it. Social workers have assumed that loneliness can be mitigated by developing an age-friendly environment, which improves the quality of life of the older generation. Older adults, however, clearly revealed in discussions during expert seminars and in their final recommendations that impersonal environment-oriented measures are not specific enough to tackle loneliness. In recent decades, political elites have made significant efforts to promote the importance, necessity and, to a large extent, the inevitability of delegating greater responsibility for the well-being of older adults to older adults themselves. However, participants of our Tomsk expert seminars were unwilling to take responsibility and continued to rely heavily on the social protection system rather than on personal resources or family support.

scholarly journals Theoretical Challenges and Social Inequalities in Active Ageing

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (17) ◽  
pp. 9156
Author(s):  
Per H. Jensen ◽  
Jakob Skjøtt-Larsen
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Social Inequalities ◽  
Multiple Correspondence Analysis ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Active Ageing ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Demographic Ageing ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
The Individual

Active ageing has been discussed in international political organisations and among researchers as a major means for combatting the challenges of demographic ageing. This study aims to make a critical-theoretical and empirical assessment of the active ageing concept, challenging the active ageing discourse from two different angles. First, an assessment of the theoretical framework of active ageing shows that the conceptual framework is undertheorised, lacks conceptual and analytical clarity, and fails to propose clear contributing factors and barriers. The second part presents an empirical analysis of the concept of active ageing guided by the following research question: is active ageing realistic—and for whom? Using Danish data subjected to multiple correspondence analysis, it is found that active ageing at the individual level is preconditioned by health, education, having good finances, etc. Furthermore, a Matthew effect of accumulated advantage is found; that is, older adults who are blessed in one sphere of life are also blessed in others, and such inequalities in old age are the outcomes of social life biographies (i.e., cumulative advantages/disadvantages over the life course). Thus, empirical findings indicate that active ageing may be an elusive goal for a large segment of older adults.

Auditory Dysfunction in Alzheimer's Disease

2010 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sridhar Krishnamurti
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Care Setting ◽  
Neurodegenerative Disorder ◽  
Disease Process ◽  
Clinical Protocols ◽  
Speech Language Pathologist ◽  
Auditory Dysfunction

Alzheimer's disease is neurodegenerative disorder which affects a growing number of older adults every year. With an understanding of auditory dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease, the speech-language pathologist working in the health care setting can provide better service to these individuals. The pathophysiology of the disease process in Alzheimer's disease increases the likelihood of specific types of auditory deficits as opposed to others. This article will discuss the auditory deficits in Alzheimer's disease, their implications, and the value of clinical protocols for individuals with this disease.

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