Search results for ‘Subject term:"older people"’ Sort:
Results 1 - 10 of 33
COVID 19 and dementia: experience from six European countries
- Authors:
- BURNS Alistair, et al
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, early cite 18 January 2021,
- Publisher:
- Wiley
The effects of Covid‐19 have been well documented across the world with an appreciation that older people and in particular those with dementia have been disproportionately and negatively affected by the pandemic. This is both in terms of their health outcomes (mortality and morbidity), care decisions made by health systems and the longer‐term effects such as neurological damage. The International Dementia Alliance (IDEAL) is a group of dementia specialists from six European countries and this paper is a summary of our experience of the effects of COVID‐19 on our populations. Experience from England, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain and Switzerland highlight the differential response from health and social care systems and the measures taken to maximise support for older people and those with dementia. The common themes include recognition of the atypical presentation of COVID‐19 in older people (and those with dementia) the need to pay particular attention to the care of people with dementia in care homes; the recognition of the toll that isolation can bring on older people and the complexity of the response by health and social services to minimise the negative impact of the pandemic. Potential new ways of working identified during the pandemic could serve as a positive legacy from the crisis. (Edited publisher abstract)
Subtle imitation behaviour in convenience samples of normal, demented, and currently depressed elderly subjects
- Authors:
- von GUNTEN Armin, DUC Rene
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 22(6), June 2007, pp.568-573.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
The clinical significance of imitation behaviour (IB) is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of subtle naïve and obstinate IB in convenience samples of normal elderly, demented, and depressed subjects. Subtle IB was assessed using a protocol constructed ad hoc in 146 patients, consecutively referred to a memory clinic having received an ICD-10 diagnosis of either dementia or depression, and in 241 healthy subjects. The prevalence of IB in the three groups was determined and the association with possible demographic, cognitive, and non-cognitive variables analysed. Subtle naïve IB was frequent in the elderly with dementia, intermediate in the depressed, and rare in the normal elderly except that the latter frequently stretched out their arms. Obstinate IB never occurred in the normal elderly. IB was predicted by none of the variables used. The groups included were convenience samples with the depressed being a small group precluding further distinction of depressive subtypes. Although naïve IB is a frequent clinical feature in the demented, it also accompanies depressive disorders in the elderly. It can be observed as context-specific IB in the normal elderly. Obstinate IB does not occur in the normal elderly.
A contextual analysis and logic model for integrated care for frail older adults living at home: the INSPIRE project
- Authors:
- YIP Olivia, et al
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Integrated Care, 21(2), 2021, p.9. Online only
- Publisher:
- International Foundation for Integrated Care
Introduction: Implementation science methods and a theory-driven approach can enhance the understanding of whether, how, and why integrated care for frail older adults is successful in practice. In this study, we aimed to perform a contextual analysis, develop a logic model, and select preliminary implementation strategies for an integrated care model in newly created information and advice centers for older adults in Canton Basel-Landschaft, Switzerland. Methods: We conducted a contextual analysis to determine factors which may influence the integrated care model and implementation strategies needed. A logic model depicting the overall program theory, including inputs, core components, outputs and outcomes, was designed using a deductive approach, and included stakeholders’ feedback and preliminary implementation strategies. Results: Contextual factors were identified (e.g., lack of integrated care regulations, existing community services, and a care pathway needed). Core components of the care model include screening, referral, assessment, care plan creation and coordination, and follow-up. Outcomes included person-centred coordinated care experiences, hospitalization rate and symptom burden, among others. Implementation strategies (e.g., nurse training and co-developing educational materials) were proposed to facilitate care model adoption. Conclusion: Contextual understanding and a clear logic model should enhance the potential for successful implementation of the integrated care model. (Edited publisher abstract)
Prisons should mirror society: the debate on age-segregated housing for older prisoners
- Authors:
- WANGAMO Tenzin, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Ageing and Society, 37(4), 2017, pp.675-694.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
The debate on age-segregated housing for older prisoners has seldom captured the perspectives of older prisoners and professionals (‘stakeholders’) working in a European prison setting. To address this gap in the research, 35 older prisoners from Switzerland and 40 stakeholders from three European countries (including Switzerland) were interviewed for the study. Data analysis was conducted thematically, and the validity of coding was established independently from the primary author. Interpretation of study results was agreed upon by all authors. Participants' opinions regarding age-segregated housing for older prisoners were split. An almost equal number of prisoners and stakeholders had similar arguments in favour of and against such living arrangements. The findings encompassed three major themes: ‘prisons should mirror society’ and thus age-mixed housing was preferable as it ensured generational exchange; a ‘separate unit within the prison’ would allow continuity of personal and other relationships and at the same time respond to older prisoners' specific health and environmental needs; finally, participants felt it was important to think critically about ‘the criteria’ for placing older prisoners in an age-segregated arrangement. The study concludes that the debate on consolidated versus separate housing is divided. Any push towards segregation based only on high prison violence and unvalidated context-specific information may result in unreliable public policy. (Edited publisher abstract)
Personality traits are associated with acute major depression across the age spectrum
- Authors:
- WEBER Kerstin, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Aging and Mental Health, 16(4), May 2012, pp.472-480.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Personality traits have been shown to be related both to increased risk of depression and also to depression recovery. The aim of the study was to explore the relationship between personality traits and major depression in 2 samples of young and old depressed outpatients in 2 age-matched groups. The study involved comparisons amongst 79 outpatients with major depression and 102 healthy controls. Two sub-groups of patients were determined: young (25–50 years) and old (60–85 years). The participants were assessed utilising the five-factor model of personality (neuroticism, extraversion, openness to experience, agreeableness, and conscientiousness), socio-demographic variables, physical health status, and depression features. The findings indicate that depressed patients show significantly higher levels of neuroticism and lower levels of extraversion, openness to experience and conscientiousness compared to controls. The levels of neuroticism did not allow for differentiating late-life from young age depression. Increased physical burden and decreased depression severity were the main predictors for this distinction. The data indicate that personality factors and depression are related, independently of patients’ age. They also stress the need to consider physical health, level of dependency and severity of symptoms when studying the relationship between personality traits and mood disorders.
Housing our Ageing Population: Panel for Innovation
- Authors:
- HOMES AND COMMUNITIES AGENCY, GREAT BRITAIN. Department of Health, GREAT BRITAIN. Department for Communities and Local Government
- Publisher:
- Homes and Communities Agency
- Publication year:
- 2009
- Pagination:
- 59p.
- Place of publication:
- London
Following the Lifetime Homes, Lifetime Neighbourhoods national strategy report, the Housing our Ageing Population: Panel for Innovation was established in 2009 to examine what further reform is needed to ensure that new build specialised housing meets the needs and aspirations of the older people of the future. This report brings together the findings and recommendations of the panel, which focused on improving the quality of life of the ageing population by influencing the availability and choice of high-quality sustainable homes and neighbourhoods, challenging the perceptions of mainstream and specialised housing for older people, raising the aspirations of older people to demand higher quality more sustainable homes, and spreading awareness of the possibilities offered through innovative design of housing and neighbourhoods. It highlights key design recommendations, offers case studies from London, Bristol, York, Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland and Sweden, proposes further work, links to parallel studies that emphasise the role of place making in enhancing quality of life, and forms the basis of advice to government ministers.
Longitudinal assessment of psychotherapeutic day hospital treatment for neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia
- Authors:
- WEBER Kerstin, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Aging and Mental Health, 13(1), January 2009, pp.92-98.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Behavioural and psychological symptoms (BPSD) of dementia are associated with more rapid cognitive deterioration as well as increased caregiver stress. The effectiveness of psychiatric day hospital care for this condition remains disputed. This study reports on the assessment of a psychotherapeutic day hospital program in a series of elderly people with dementia and concomitant BPSD. The day hospital program combined music, movement, psychodynamic group therapies, sociotherapy as well as individual interviews and family interventions. Participants were 76 individuals with mild to moderate dementia. Outcome measures were the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), Therapeutic Community Assessment scale including staff (SAS) and client assessments (CAS) and a Group Evaluation Scale (GES) were administrated at admission, 3, 6 and 12 months and discharge. Linear regression analysis showed that SAS (but not CAS) and GES scores significantly increased while the NPI total scores decreased across the different time points. NPI item score modifications were significant for anxiety and apathy. These changes remained significant when demographic variables, drug treatment changes and occurrence of life events were also considered. It is concluded that a psychotherapeutic day hospital program designed for older people with dementia and neuropsychiatric symptoms allows for a significant reduction of anxiety and apathy, better adhesion to therapeutic community treatment and clinical progress in group therapy. Controlled interventional studies are needed to further confirm these data.
Longitudinal assessment of psychotherapeutic day hospital treatment for elderly patients with depression
- Authors:
- CANUTO Alessandra, et al
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 23(9), September 2008, pp.949-956.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Although previous studies suggested that psychiatric day hospital care is a valuable alternative to inpatient treatment, its effectiveness for elderly patients is disputed. Small number of cases, poor definition of the psychotherapeutic setting, and absence of systematic assessment at different time points may explain the observed discrepancies. This study performed an assessment of a psychiatric day hospital treatment combining individual and group psychotherapy in a series of 122 elderly depressed outpatients. The Geriatric Depression Scale, Short Form Survey, as well as a Therapeutic Community Assessment Scale and Group Evaluation Scale were repeated at admission, 3, 6, 12 months and discharge. The day hospital program was based on psychotherapeutic treatment combining individual and group settings. All patients presented with major depression or a depressive episode of bipolar disease. Variables included severity of depressive symptoms, quality of life, adhesion to therapeutic community treatment and progress in groups of psychotherapy, art-therapy, and psychomotricity. There was a significant reduction of depressive symptoms, and improvement in mental quality of life across all time points studied. Adhesion to therapeutic community increased from admission to discharge. This was also the case for the progress in group therapy for all three groups used, yet the evolution of this parameter at intermediate time points was highly variable. Neither demographic characteristics, nor pharmacological treatment or presence of stressful life events predicted the clinical improvement. Psychotherapeutic care program in day hospitals may improve clinical status and quality of life in elderly depressed patients.
The Psychogeriatric Assessment Scales (PAS): psychometric properties in French and German speaking populations
- Authors:
- MACKINNON Andrew, MULLIGAN Reinhild
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 16(9), September 2001, pp.892-899.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Investigates the structure and measurement properties of the Psychogeriatric Assessment Scales (PAS) in a community sample, studies the performance of French and German translations of the PAS, determines the power of PAS scales to discriminate dementia and depression diagnosed to DSM-IV criteria. The measures were gathered as part of a large community survey. Responses to PAS items were obtained in the course of the administration of the Canberra Interview for the Elderly. Demographic variables, the mini-mental state examination and measures of premorbid intelligence robust to current intellectual impairment were also gathered in the course of the survey. There were 465 participants from Zurich and 456 from Geneva. Concludes that the study supports the PAS as a valid and reliable summary of the status of older persons with respect to the impairments, changes and symptomatology that lie at the core of dementing and depressive disorders. This study not only supports the results found in the original development sample, but demonstrates that it performs well against DSM-IV diagnostic criteria and amongst speakers of French and German.
Growing older in the community: European projects in housing and planning
- Authors:
- BRECH Joachim, POTTER Philip
- Publisher:
- Anchor Housing Trust/Wohnbund
- Publication year:
- 1994
- Pagination:
- 197p.,tables,illus.,bibliogs.
- Place of publication:
- Oxford
Research report looking at how meeting the care and housing needs of older people, to enable them to live in the community for as long as possible, is being tackled by European countries.