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Suicidal ideation and its correlates among elderly in residential care homes
- Authors:
- MALFENT Daniela, et al
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 25(8), August 2010, pp.843-849.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Studies have shown that the highest suicide rates are found among the elderly, with suicidal ideation prevalent in long-term care facilities. Despite these facts most residents show no signs of suicidal ideation. However, there is a lack of information on which factors protect against suicidal thoughts among the elderly. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and correlates of suicidal ideation with risk and protective factors among older residential care home residents in Vienna. Participants included 129 residents, aged 60 and older, from 15 Viennese residential care homes, who completed a self-report questionnaire containing socio-demographic factors, physical health, mental health, and protective factors like self-efficacy, and internal locus of control as well as satisfaction with life. They were also asked about active and passive suicidal thoughts. Results indicated active suicidal ideation during the last month in 7% of the elderly, 11% reported active suicidal ideation during the past year. Depressive symptoms and current psychotherapeutic treatment were important predictors. In conclusion, the authors suggest that research and prevention strategies could not only target risk, but also include protective factors.
Fractures in the Austrian model of long-term care: what are the lessons from the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic?
- Authors:
- LEICHSENRING Kai, SCHMIDT Andrea E., STAFLINGER Heidemarie
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Long-Term Care, February 2021, pp.33-42. Online only
- Publisher:
- King's College London
- Place of publication:
- London
Context: The COVID-19 pandemic highlights limitations of long-term care (LTC) systems in Europe, which continue to be divided between health and social care, and between formal and informal care. Objective: This article focuses on Austria’s LTC sector and its critical features that became visible during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: The analysis was carried out via desk-research, which covered literature, on-going qualitative analysis of media coverage, and statements and reports by interest organisations and governmental agencies between March and August 2020. Where necessary, useful and feasible, update information on ensuing developments until the end of 2020 was added during a final revision. Findings: In Austria, the number of cases as well as the number and share of deaths in care homes were lower than in other countries until August 2020. Yet, the crisis brought several idiosyncrasies to the fore, most prominently a lack of support for informal caregivers and lack of acknowledgements of the rights of live-in personal (migrant) carers. We find that the COVID-19 crisis has shed light on the fact that existing inequalities are being aggravated by gender and migration issues. Implications: (i) The crisis highlights the need for better communication, integrated care and health information flows between health and social care; (ii) Clear guidelines are required to balance older people’s right to self-determination versus (public) health concerns; (iii) Increasing reliance on migrant carers from Eastern Europe has led to a dualisation of the LTC labour market in the past decades, which needs to be countered by increased quality standards and endeavours to fundamentally change the employment situation of live-in carers; (iv) Informal carers are vulnerable groups that deserve special attention and call for expansion of community services in long-term care. (Edited publisher abstract)
The long-term care workforce in Austria. Who are they and what do they do?
- Authors:
- RODRIGUES Ricardo, BAUER Gudrun, LEICHSENRING Kai
- Publisher:
- European Centre
- Publication year:
- 2018
- Pagination:
- 11
- Place of publication:
- Vienna
This policy brief examines the profile of long-term care workers in Austria, including information on demographic characteristics of long-term care workers, characteristics of clients and staffing ratios, daily working tasks, the reconciliation of work and family and a comparison of the main characteristics of long-term care employment between Austria, Germany and Sweden. It is one of two policy briefs which are based on the results of the NORDCARE survey to investigate the working conditions of the long-term care workforce in the home care and residential care sector in three regions of Austria. (Edited publisher abstract)
From care in homes to care at home: European experiences with (de)institutionalisation in long-term care
- Authors:
- ILINCA Stefania, LEICHSENRING Kai, RODRIGUES Ricardo
- Publisher:
- European Centre for Social Welfare Policy and Research
- Publication year:
- 2015
- Pagination:
- 15
- Place of publication:
- Vienna
Many countries across Europe have developed strategies to support community-based services in an attempt to replace traditional institutional models of care. Differences in needs, approaches and commitment levels have led to diverse results and pace of progress. However, much can be learned from their experiences and from examples of strategies and models which proved to be effective. This Policy Briefing presents a typology of long-term care regimes and proposes four case studies to illustrate the main barriers and drivers to deinstitutionalisation. Austria (Standard care mix) illustrates the importance of developing strong support systems for informal carers and strengthening home-based care provision. Sweden (UniversalNordic) has made great strides towards deinstitutionalisation by promoting coordination between care providers, but, the coverage and cost of services will soon become unsustainable unless appropriate support for family-based care is provided. Italy (Family-based) and the Czech Republic (Transition) represent situations where the rates of institutionalisation are relatively low and current policy is challenged to contain future growth. Both systems offer significant support to informal and family carers, but this historic over-reliance on household contributions to care is leading to a widening gap between supply and demand, which needs to be addressed through the strengthening of community-based services.The briefing concludes with a discussion of the core principles for reaching a sustainable balance between different long-term care settings. (Edited publisher abstract)
Caring for older Europeans: comparative studies in 29 countries
- Author:
- GIARCHI George Giacinto
- Publisher:
- Arena
- Publication year:
- 1996
- Pagination:
- 547p.,bibliog.
- Place of publication:
- Aldershot
Provides a reference source for various modes of care (both formal and informal) for older people throughout Europe. Each chapter follows the same format and covers: demography; socio-political and administrative background; social security and pensions; housing; health care; mental health care; residential care; personal social services; voluntary care agencies and support organisations; leisure pursuits and education; and older people in rural areas.