scholarly journals Developing a Supplemental Assessment Tool for Younger Residents in Long-Term Care

2021 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 170-173
Author(s):  
Emma J. Hazelton-Provo

Background It has been established that the needs of long-term care resi­dents under 65 are distinct from those of older residents, and that these needs are not sufficiently met through the current model of LTC. Our goal was to create a supplemental assess­ment tool that can be used at the time of assessment to better represent the needs of this population. Methods Residents in the target age group (between 18 and 64), and staff who work with the target age group, were interviewed individually to identify important questions to be asked in the assessment tool. A preliminary tool was presented to the participants in a focus group, and feedback was used to make modifications to the tool. Results Questions developed from the study addressed several unique needs of this population, including the role of technology in their well-being, the need for time with visitors, and the need for supports as they transition in to LTC. Conclusions The needs of younger residents in LTC are unique, and through interviews with residents and staff we developed an assessment tool to better represent those needs at the time of admission.

2014 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
pp. 444-452 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernadette M. Willemse ◽  
Murna Downs ◽  
Lonneke Arnold ◽  
Dieneke Smit ◽  
Jacomine de Lange ◽  
...  

2017 ◽  
Vol 46 (4) ◽  
pp. 436-447 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ellen Verbakel

Aims: Motivated by ageing populations, healthcare policies increasingly emphasize the role of informal care. This study examines how prevalence rates of informal caregivers and intensive caregivers (i.e. those who provide informal care for at least 11 hours a week) vary between European countries, and to what extent informal caregiving and intensive caregiving relate to countries’ formal long-term care provisions and family care norms. Methods: Multilevel logistic regression analyses on data from the European Social Survey Round 7 ( n = 32,894 respondents in n = 19 countries) were used to test (a) contradicting hypotheses regarding the role of formal long-term care provisions based on crowding-out, crowding-in and specialization arguments and (b) the hypothesis that strong family care norms are positively related to (intensive) informal caregiving. Results: Prevalence rates of informal caregiving varied between European countries, from 20% to 44%. Intensive caregiving ranged from 4% to 11%. Opposite patterns regarding the role of formal long-term care provisions were revealed: generous long-term care provisions in a country were related to a higher likelihood of providing informal care, but a lower likelihood of providing intensive care. Moreover, intensive caregiving was more likely when family care norms in a country were strong. Conclusions: This study provided support for the specialization argument by showing that generous formal long-term care provisions crowded-out intensive caregiving, but also encouraged more people to provide (some) informal care. Because especially intensive caregiving is burdensome, low levels of formal long-term care provisions might bring risks to caregivers’ well-being and healthcare systems’ sustainability.


2014 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 971-978 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naiana Oliveira dos Santos ◽  
Margrid Beuter ◽  
Nara Marilene Oliveira Girardon-Perlini ◽  
Lisiane Manganelli Girardi Paskulin ◽  
Marinês Tambara Leite ◽  
...  

This study aimed to investigate the perception of the workers in a Long-Term Care Institution for the Elderly regarding the families of the older adults in the institution. It is qualitative research, undertaken with 16 workers of the multidisciplinary team. Data collection occurred in February-June 2012, through semi-structured interviews. The technique used for treatment of the data was thematic analysis. The results indicate that the family members visit the Long-Term Care Institution for the Elderly rarely, with commemorative dates being the main occasions in which they appear. The workers evidenced some situations of abandonment, in which the family does not visit the older adult even when called. They understand that nobody can substitute the role of the family, as it is the reference for the older adults. Therefore, spending time with the family can positively influence the well-being of the older adults in institutions.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 276-276
Author(s):  
Diana DiGasbarro ◽  
Courtney Whitaker ◽  
Benjamin Mast

Abstract Assessment of and care for people with dementia is shifting away from a purely medical disease model toward a more holistic, biopsychosocial approach. Within this movement is growing interest in balancing the negative, symptom-based view of people with dementia with better understanding of strengths and positive behaviors exhibited by people with dementia. The aim of this qualitative study was to gather perspectives of professional caregivers regarding positive behaviors and strengths observed in people with dementia. Data were obtained from three focus groups conducted at a memory care unit within a large long-term care facility. Focus group participants (N=14) worked in nursing and the activities department. Inductive methods were used to code and analyze focus group transcripts and recordings. Five major themes were identified: enduring abilities and values, enduring traits and strengths, sense of purpose and meaning, desire to be helpful, and prosocial behavior. These themes illustrate many domains in which professional caregivers have observed positive behaviors and strengths in people with dementia living in a long-term care facility. The results of this study contribute to the growing literature pertaining to the intersection of positive psychology and dementia research and practice. Future directions include development of an assessment tool to measure positive behavior and strengths in people living with dementia.


2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. iii17-iii65
Author(s):  
Siobhán McGuigan ◽  
Lisa O'Farrell ◽  
Sarah O'Dwyer

Abstract Background A significant number of older persons living with dementia highlight feelings of low mood following admission to care settings. There needs to be ongoing development in addressing the emotional well-being of this group as highlighted by 2013 NICE quality standard: Mental well-being of older persons in care homes. This exploratory study evaluates the impact of an inter-generational care group with emphasis on the emotional well-being of the older persons. A structured programme of shared experiences between the older persons group and pre-school age children was introduced. Methods Approval was sought from the safeguarding committee and insurance board of the care facility. Consent was obtained from residents to participate. Risk assessments were completed for the activities and the participants. Cognitive screen score and communication ability of each resident was noted in selecting the focus group (n=10). Outcome measures included qualitative interviews completed after each session. A qualitative mood wheel was completed with residents before and after the session had taken place. Results Focus group data supported the programme’s impact on emotional well-being. Eighty percent of participants reported mood elevation. Other benefits identified included excitement for the next session and bringing back memories of raising their own children and grandchildren. A singular negative aspect identified was that on occasion over stimulation impacted mood and participation level of one resident. Ninety percent of participants were female. The costs incurred were minimal to the organisation. Provision of resources were shared between the care facility and preschool facility. Conclusion The findings of this study support the use of inter-generational care groups in long term care facilities for residents with dementia. It confirms the benefits of improving emotional well-being of this cohort. Adequate supervision measures must be in place to regulate the stimulation level of the environment and facilitate individuals to exit the session.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 854-854
Author(s):  
Karen Dunn ◽  
Amy Johnson ◽  
Melissa Winkle

Abstract Animal-assisted activities (AAA) and therapy standards of practice have been published to protect the well-being of animals, animal handlers, and the special populations of patients that benefit from this mode of treatment. Inconsistencies among practice standards with concerns surrounding the topics of dog welfare, human well-being, and zoonotic transmission have been reported. The purpose of this qualitative research study was to review published AAA and therapy standards with older adult populations for best practices, conduct focus group sessions with caregivers from long-term care facilities that allow therapy dog visitation, and synthesize findings into an AAA checklist to be used by long-term care facility decision-makers when interviewing or bringing in therapy dog teams. Comparative analyses utilizing a systematic and sequential approach was used to analyze the data from the focus group sessions. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, only two focus group sessions at one long-term care facility were conducted resulting in a total of 15 caregivers. Four themes emerged from the data: promotes positive mood, essential resident screenings, caregiver roles, and memory aides. Relevant themes and AAA and therapy standards and guidelines were then combined in the development of the AAA/Therapy Dog Checklist. Administrators may find having a user-friendly AAA/therapy dog checklist a useful tool that can be used when interviewing therapy dog teams to ensure future dog therapy experiences will be positive and safe. The safety and well-being of residents in long-term care facilities and animals are essential to promote positive health outcomes for both populations.


Author(s):  
Chiaki Ura ◽  
Tsuyoshi Okamura ◽  
Akinori Takase ◽  
Masaya Shimmei ◽  
Yukan Ogawa

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 942-943
Author(s):  
Shannon Freeman ◽  
Aderonke Abgoji ◽  
Alanna Koopmans ◽  
Christopher Ross

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.


2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
I Fronteira ◽  
J Simoes ◽  
G Augusto

Abstract Informal care represents around 80% of all long term care provided in EU countries. Nevertheless, the needs for this type of care are expected to increase in the coming years in all OECD countries. Portugal is among the OECD countries with the highest ageing index (21.5% of the population was older than 65 years in 2017) due to high life expectancy and low fertility rates. As this demographic trend establishes, Portugal is expected to have more than 40% of the population over 65 years in 2037, and the expected prevalence of dementia is 3%, in 2050. In 2015 there were 2.1% of people over 65 receiving long-term care, representing 52% of all long-term care users. Around 38% were receiving care at home. It is estimated that 287,000 people in Portugal depend on informal carers. The agenda towards the official recognition of informal cares has been push forward in the country. Since 2015, several recommendations have been issued by the Parliament as well as legislative initiatives and a proposal for a Status of the Informal Carer is currently under discussion. We analyse the process of formulation of this policy in terms of sectors and stakeholders involved, definition and scope of informal carer, rights and obligations, role of the person being cared for, formal protection (e.g., labor, social, financial, training) and implementation. Recognition of the informal carer is a sector wide approach. One of the main features is the economic, social and labor protection mainly through reconciliation between work life and caring activities and promotion of the carer’s well being. Notwithstanding, and from a health system perspective, community health teams are to be the focal point for informal carers, supporting and providing specific training whenever needed. Despite its relevance, informal care should not be professionalized and responsibility of care should not be shifted from health services to informal carers. Key messages Needs for informal care are expected to increase in the coming years in OECD countries. Recognition of the informal carer is a sector wide approach.


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