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Program development of reminiscence group work for ageing people with intellectual disabilities
- Authors:
- VAN PUYENBROECK Joris, MEAS Bea
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, 31(3), September 2006, pp.139-147.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
The goal of this study was to adapt a narrative reminiscence program for the special needs of ageing people with mild/moderate intellectual disabilities. Research has shown that stimulating reminiscence in the elderly can be a meaningful activity, and holds promise for positive effects on well-being. In the first stage (10 weeks), the program was developed with 1 group. Evaluation and adjustments to the program were made based on video recordings, the researcher's log, and feedback from participants and support workers. Formative evaluation was performed by means of a within group analysis. In the second stage (3 weeks), the program was introduced to 6 other groups. Interviews with professional support workers were subjected to a cross-case analysis. The final program consists of 13 sessions covering different reminiscence themes. The success of reminiscence group work relies on (a) well-prepared and structured sessions, (b) adequate use of visual triggers, and (c) facilitating, coaching and moderating. The program was perceived as a valuable and meaningful activity by all participants. Although reminiscence group work is not therapeutic in nature, it may have therapeutic use for ageing people with intellectual disabilities, and in this sense is worth evaluating.
The effect of reminiscence group work on life satisfaction, self-esteem and mood of ageing people with intellectual disabilities
- Authors:
- VAN PUYENBROECK Joris, MAES Bea
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 22(1), January 2009, pp.23-33.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
This study evaluates the effects of reminiscence group work on the subjective well-being of ageing people with intellectual disabilities. The content of the successive group work sessions was manipulated as follows: a control-phase with three 'current topics' sessions, an experimental phase with six 'reminiscence' sessions and finally three 'current topics' sessions. Life satisfaction, perceived self-competence and mood were measured by questionnaires, filled in by the participants and direct support workers. A quasi-experimental pre-test–post-test design (n = 41) did not detect any changes in life satisfaction and perceived self-competence. For mood, a quasi-experimental ABA-design (n = 41) did not yield an experimental treatment effect, but a significant increase in scores was observed over time. Personality characteristics 'extraversion' and 'emotional stability', but not memory specificity were found to be significant covariates for the mood scores. Although the study's design did not allow the researchers to confirm the effect of reminiscence group work, the analysis nonetheless revealed some useful indications for further research. Also, interviews conducted before and after the programme resulted in positive appraisals of the programme as a worthwhile and meaningful activity for ageing people with intellectual disability.
“One does not forget, it all comes back”: elderly people with intellectual disability review adversities and stress-protection in their lives
- Authors:
- SCHEPENS Hadewych R. M. M., VAN PUYENBROECK Joris, MAES Bea
- Journal article citation:
- Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, 20(4), 2019, pp.190-205.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: People with intellectual disability are reported to encounter many negative life events during their increasingly long lives. In the absence of protective elements, these may cause toxic stress and trauma. Given the reported negative effects of such adverse events on their quality of life (QoL), the perspective of older people with intellectual disability themselves may be of relevance. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach: The authors questioned nine participants with mild intellectual disability, aged 61–88 years old, in four 90-min focus group sessions and thematically analysed the data. Findings: Many recent and bygone negative life events still weighed heavily on the participants. Negative interactions, experiences of loss, lack of control and awareness of one’s disability caused stress. Their emotional response contrasted with their contentment, compliance and resilience. Having (had) good relationships, having learnt coping skills, remaining active, talking about past experiences and feeling free of pain, safe, well supported, capable, respected and involved seemed to heighten resilience and protect participants from toxic stress. Research limitations/implications: Monitoring and preventing adverse (childhood) experiences, supporting active/emotional coping strategies, psychotherapy and life story work may facilitate coping with negative events and enhance QoL of elderly people with intellectual disability. Originality/value: Elderly people with mild intellectual disability run a higher risk of experiencing (early) adverse events in life. They are very capable of talking about their experiences, QoL, and the support they need. Focus groups were a reliable method to capture their insights. (Edited publisher abstract)
How to improve the quality of life of elderly people with intellectual disability: a systematic literature review of support strategies
- Authors:
- SCHEPENS Hadewych R. M. M., VAN PUYENBROECK Joris, MAES Bea
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 32(3), 2019, pp.483-521.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Background: The increased life expectancy of people with intellectual disability intensifies the need for age‐specific support. Research on effects of support strategies on quality of life (QoL) of these people remains scattered. Methods: A systematic search of peer‐reviewed publications since 1995 was performed, with participants having intellectual disability and being aged ≥50 years. Studies include experimental, observational and exploratory designs, analysing links between support strategies and QoL outcomes. The present authors adopted a narrative approach. Results: The present authors found 73 articles, assessed their quality, thematically categorized interventions into 12 themes, and listed them with their stated relationships to QoL. Conclusions: The studies indicated the importance of funding, provision and organisation of services/personnel, education, and cooperation among different support systems. The provision of good housing or activities, support when these provisions change, provision of (mental) health care, dementia care and end‐of‐life care, life story work, future planning and support for (I)ADLs are crucial. (Edited publisher abstract)
Adaptation of Flemish services to accommodate and support the ageing of people with intellectual disabilities
- Authors:
- MAES Bea, VAN PUYENBROECK Joris
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities, 5(4), December 2008, pp.245-252.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
The authors attempted to find out to what extent and in which ways, in Belgium, have Flemish services for people with intellectual disability adapted to the specific needs of aging people. A study was undertaken and a questionnaire was developed to address the following research topics: (1) accommodations and personnel, (2) staff working methods, and (3) staff views and attitudes. The questionnaire was completed by 66 coordinating staff members in as many facilities. At the time of the study, these services supported 310 (27%) persons with Down syndrome age 40 years and older and 833 (73%) persons with intellectual disability (other than Down syndrome) age 55 years and older. Adaptations in accommodation and personnel management were obvious in the majority of the participating services. The working methods reflected a person-centred philosophy, regardless of the age-factor. An exploratory factor analysis revealed three different staff approaches: an activating/socializing, disengaging, and methodical. Participation in activities and involvement in social relations have a prominent place in the staff's views. In general, the authors found that about two-thirds of the services have started to modify their accommodation and personnel to the needs of aging people with intellectual disability. The authors note also that the results suggest there is still a lot of work to do in improving staff training, introducing specific working methods, and in altering stereotypical staff attitudes to assure a good "aging in place."