Search results for ‘Subject term:"older people"’ Sort:
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Impact of the COVID‐19 lockdown on system usage of an innovative care support system and the mood of older adults
- Authors:
- MAYER Christopher C., et al
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 37(3), 2022,
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Background: Older age is a substantial risk factor for serious illness from COVID-19. Moreover, isolation and quarantine are more likely to cause physical, mental and social deprivation in older age. Information and Communication Tools are means to prevent such consequences. Objective: This study aimed therefore to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown measures on the usage of an innovative technical support system deployed in Austria (AT) and Luxembourg (LU) consisting of several tools that allow independent living in older age. Methods: Thirty-nine older adults (11 male; 28 female) with a mean age of 74.3 (SD 7.3) years were included in the study. In total, 18 older people were recruited in AT and 21 in LU. Descriptive statistics were computed, and longitudinal models were fitted for technology use and self-reported mood. Results: The number of older adults using the system significantly decreased from the time before lockdown (39 [100%]) to during lockdown (26 [67%]) and thereafter (23 [59%]; p < 0.001). Multiple comparisons revealed a significant reduction in the average number of events for calendar and medication tools, but a substantial increase in communication and messaging events. Self-reported well-being declined during the lockdown and increased afterwards back to baseline levels. Conclusion: Communication was the main reason for using the support system. In addition, strategies and interventions are essential to support older adults when using information technology in the prolonged phases of the pandemic to sustain independent living. (Edited publisher abstract)
Home modifications among community-dwelling older adults: a closer look at race and ethnicity
- Authors:
- BAKK Louanne, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 60(5), 2017, pp.377-394.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
This study investigated racial and ethnic differences in home modification use. Data from the 2011 National Health and Aging Trends Study were used (n=6,764). Compared with non-Hispanic Whites, Hispanics were less likely to have a grab bar (odds ratio (OR) = 0.6), bath seat (OR = 0.8), or raised toilet (OR = 0.6). Non-Hispanic Blacks were less likely to have a grab bar (OR = 0.7) or bath seat (OR = 0.7) than non-Hispanic Whites, but more likely to have a raised toilet (OR = 1.3). English proficiency largely explained ethnic differences, while health status partially accounted for racial disparities. (Publisher abstract)
Satisfaction with social care services among South Asian and White British older people: the need to understand the system
- Authors:
- WILLIS Rosalind, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Ageing and Society, 36(7), 2016, pp.1364-1387.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
National surveys show that people from minority ethnic groups tend to be less satisfied with social care services compared with the white population, but do not show why. Research indicates that barriers to accessing services include lack of information, perceptions of cultural inappropriateness and normative expectations of care. Less research has examined the experience of minority ethnic service users after they access services. This study conducted in-depth interviews with 82 South Asian and White British service users and family carers, the majority of whom were older people. Thematic analysis was used. The key theme was understanding the social care system. Participants with a good understanding of the system were more able to adapt and achieve control over their care. Participants with a poor understanding were uncertain about how to access further care, or why a service had been refused. More White British than South Asian participants had a good understanding of the system. There was more in common between the South Asian and White British participants' experiences than might have been expected. Language was an important facilitator of care for South Asian participants, but ethnic matching with staff was less important. Recommendations include better communication throughout the care process to ensure service users and carers have a clear understanding of social care services and hence a better experience. (Publisher abstract)
Low health literacy and older adults: meanings, problems, and recommendations for social work
- Author:
- FINDLEY Aaron
- Journal article citation:
- Social Work in Health Care, 54(1), 2015, pp.65-81.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
Many older adults struggle to manage their health care problems. Low health literacy exacerbates such struggles and contributes to a variety of adverse health behaviours and outcomes. Addressing how health literacy impinges on the lives of older adults is a neglected area of social work practice and knowledge. This article explores seven areas: defining health literacy, the problem and prevalence of low health literacy among older adults, health inequalities and health literacy, a brief literature review, neglected issues in the literature, suggestions for macro and micro social work interventions to improve health literacy for older adult populations, and conclusion. (Edited publisher abstract)
Report of the community research project focusing on the level of interaction between black and minority ethnic individuals aged 50 and over and service providers in relation to mental well being in Worcestershire
- Authors:
- GONZALEZ Sergio, et al
- Publisher:
- National Institute for Mental Health in England
- Publication year:
- 2008
- Pagination:
- 95p.
- Place of publication:
- Leeds
This Community Engagement project focuses on the level of interaction between older black and minority ethnic individuals and service providers in relation to mental well being. The participants were 40 members of the Worcestershire black and minority ethnic communities, and were representative of Chinese, Pakistani, Indian, Bangladeshi and one other background. Data was collected by means of one to one semi-structured interviews. The findings highlight a wide range of issues which impact on the daily interactions of members of the Worcestershire BME community and health professionals. In addition, personal attitudes to, and perceptions of, general health and mental health were collected. Problems with communication were flagged up by the participants. These problems ranged from single language problems to more complex interaction difficulties possibly due to cultural differences. Misunderstandings, incorrect assumptions and simple lack of communications on both the service providers’ and the service users’ sides were central to the research findings. The recommendations focus on providing interpreter services and multilingual information, together with the awareness that often the printed media is not the best way to get information across. Informational support to help GPs meet the clients’ needs and promote the link between physical and mental health are amongst the recommendations. [NB This publisher no longer exists]
Meeting the house needs of BME elders
- Author:
- HOLLYWOOD Michele
- Journal article citation:
- Working with Older People, 6(4), December 2002, pp.18-22.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Looks at what is involved for housing providers seeking to make their services accessible and appropriate to black and minority ethnic older people.
Access to a community aged psychiatry service by elderly from non-English-speaking backgrounds
- Authors:
- HASSETT Anne, GEORGE Kuruvilla
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 17(7), July 2002, pp.623-628.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
With the ageing of Australia's ethnic communities, aged mental health services need to examine issues pertaining to accessibility and appropriateness in the context of this sociodemographic change. The aim of this review of referrals to a community aged-psychiatry service was to compare for differences between patients from non-English-speaking backgrounds and English-speaking backgrounds. The 12-month review of referrals to an aged psychiatry community service found that nearly half were of elderly patients from Non English Speaking Backgrounds. The lower utilisation of the service by certain ethnic groups may reflect obstacles in their pathway to care. Alternatively, strong family networks, or a lower prevalence of mental illness in these elderly, may explain the findings in this report.
Listening to consumers: developing more responsive health services
- Author:
- CENTRE FOR SOCIAL ACTION
- Publisher:
- De Montfort University. Centre for Social Action
- Publication year:
- 2002
- Place of publication:
- Leicester
Draws on the experience of the Centre for Social Action in conducting community consultations and evaluations on behalf of health services and community agencies with an interest in health issues.
Lifelong learning: improving opportunities for visually impaired older adults
- Author:
- McCANDLISH Cheryll
- Publisher:
- Royal National Association for the Blind
- Publication year:
- 2000
- Pagination:
- 32p.,bibliog.
- Place of publication:
- London
Aims to identify factors which visually impaired older people consider would significantly improve their access to adult education. Describes the range of educational provision available and the means by which it is funded. Discusses ways in which better publicity and marketing can encourage participation from visually impaired older people. Explores the role of pre-entry assessment in aiding learners. Discusses how appropriate transport, premises, equipment, tutors and volunteers are needed for this group of learners. Discusses issues related to curriculum and learning approaches. Concludes by considering factors which inhibit take-up and opportunities for progression in learning.
Lived experience: voices of older people on the COVID-19 pandemic 2020
- Author:
- AGE NI
- Publisher:
- Age NI
- Publication year:
- 2020
- Pagination:
- 11
- Place of publication:
- Belfast
This report highlights the experiences of older people in Northern Ireland living through the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing on feedback from the Consultative Forum at Age NI, it reflects key concerns and experiences through four key themes: support, health and care; communication and connection; loneliness and isolation; and grief and loss. The report finds that the pandemic and lockdown forced changes to many of the everyday care and support systems older people depend upon –restrictions on acute and community services made managing existing health concerns more difficult for many older people. Accessing sources of clear, up to date information has been very important during the lockdown – older people would like to access support and services online; they have concerns about using public transport for getting out and about again; and want safe ways to get back to their interests and activities. Older people are especially vulnerable to the effects of loneliness – older people shielding and not able to maintain movement and activity lost physical and cognitive fitness rapidly; and lack of connection and being unable to visit care homes caused some to worry about the risk of abuse and neglect. The COVID-19 pandemic is responsible for a significant increase in the number of excess deaths in Northern Ireland and older people feature disproportionately among them – families were distressed and concerned when advanced care planning was raised during the early stages of the pandemic; and people were worried and anxious about older people living in residential and nursing homes. The report provides a set of specific action points to help improve older people’s experience in relation to each of the four themes. (Edited publisher abstract)