Search results for ‘Author:"aubeeluck aimee"’ Sort:
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Residential care for those with neurological conditions: an exploration of three specialist neurological care facilities in the UK
- Authors:
- WILSON Eleanor, AUBEELUCK Aimee
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Care Services Management, 7(2), 2013, pp.61-71.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Neurological conditions account for a high number of years lived with disability. Progressive long-term neurological conditions include Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, motor neurone disease, and multiple sclerosis. A multidisciplinary approach is recommended, but there is little evidence of the types of support needed for people living in long-term residential care facilities with these conditions. The authors used a qualitative case study approach to evaluate the care provided by three long-term residential care facilities. Focus groups (n = 5), interviews (n = 13), and observations were undertaken to engage 35 staff members, service users, and family members. Findings show an ethos of personalised and tailored care where continuity of staffing created a homely environment. Physical spaces were adapted to meet the needs of residents. On-site physiotherapy services were provided for all residents to proactively manage conditions and maintain as much function as possible. A range of social activities were also provided to engage residents in a variety of ways. These were felt to be delivered by dedicated staff members in specialist spaces and in consultation with residents. Participants based at the facilities reported high levels of specialist expertise. Findings from this evaluation highlight a number of areas of best practice. However, large-scale, longitudinal studies designed to capture measurable outcomes or provide cost–benefits analysis are now needed. (Edited publisher abstract)
Quality of life on the views of older family carers of people with dementia
- Authors:
- OLIVEIRA Deborah, VASS Catherine, AUBEELUCK Aimee
- Journal article citation:
- Dementia: the International Journal of Social Research and Practice, 18(3), 2019, p.990–1009.
- Publisher:
- Sage
Older family carers of people with dementia represent an increasing but overlooked population of family carers. This research aimed to explore how these individuals make sense of their own quality of life and to identify the factors that enhance or compromise this. Four focus groups were conducted in 2014 with 19 older family carers in community-based support groups in Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom. Data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Thirty-three subthemes emerged and were collated into three superordinate themes: 1) aspects of care and caregiving, 2) feelings and concerns, and 3) satisfaction with life and caregiving. This study identified a broad range of aspects that are of particular importance to the quality of life of older family carers of people with dementia. These findings are expected to inform future research as well as health and social care providers with the aim of improving life quality for this population. (Edited publisher abstract)
What would most help improve the quality of life of older family carers of people with dementia? A qualitative study of carers' views
- Authors:
- OLIVEIRA Deborah, AUBEELUCK Lidia Sousa Aimee
- Journal article citation:
- Dementia: the International Journal of Social Research and Practice, 19(4), 2020, pp.939-950.
- Publisher:
- Sage
Older family carers of people with dementia provide a substantial amount of care for people with dementia in the UK. Caregiving can be stressful and burdensome for these individuals, who are also experiencing psychological and physical changes resulting from their own ageing process. However, little is known about what impacts their quality of life, how this can be improved and what we should prioritise. This brief report asks one simple question to older family carers of people living with dementia – “What would most help improve your quality of life as a carer?” Qualitative data were collected from 150 carers who completed an anonymous paper survey during the development and validation of a quality of life tool for use with this population (DQoL-OC). Participants were individuals aged 60 and over and were providing care for a family member with dementia at home in the UK. Carers were recruited from a variety of voluntary organizations, community-based carers’ groups, health services and via online forums. A thematic approach was used to analyse the carers’ comments and three main overarching themes were identified. The quality of life of older family carers can be enhanced by having more time away from caregiving, accessing health and social services that are dementia friendly and by having economic support. Future care, policies and research should aim to address these key areas in order to promote better quality of life for older carers of people with dementia. Further implications for practice, policy and research are discussed. (Publisher abstract)