Journal of Social Service Research, 46(2), 2020, pp.211-224.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Place of publication:
Philadelphia, USA
This paper reports the findings of a study conducted in Hong Kong on the value position of the social service providers regarding user participation in service management. Using a survey instrument to collect data from 642 service providers in an elderly service organization, the study explored whether or not the value position had an effect on the views of the service providers on the structural set-up for user participation, and whether the value position of the professional staff was significantly different from that of the non-professional staff. Exploratory factor analyses (EFA), confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) were applied in the analysis. The findings identify that administrative buy-in needed to support shared decision-making with the welfare service users has not been achieved in the studied organization, owing to the absence of value commitment to the user participation cause. As the professional staff was more supportive of values favoring user participation, the paper calls for an acculturation process that would be stimulated and led by professionals to develop a participatory culture. The paper also recommends conducting similar study on a larger scale and qualitative inquiry into factors influencing the formation of values about user participation in future research.
(Publisher abstract)
This paper reports the findings of a study conducted in Hong Kong on the value position of the social service providers regarding user participation in service management. Using a survey instrument to collect data from 642 service providers in an elderly service organization, the study explored whether or not the value position had an effect on the views of the service providers on the structural set-up for user participation, and whether the value position of the professional staff was significantly different from that of the non-professional staff. Exploratory factor analyses (EFA), confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) were applied in the analysis. The findings identify that administrative buy-in needed to support shared decision-making with the welfare service users has not been achieved in the studied organization, owing to the absence of value commitment to the user participation cause. As the professional staff was more supportive of values favoring user participation, the paper calls for an acculturation process that would be stimulated and led by professionals to develop a participatory culture. The paper also recommends conducting similar study on a larger scale and qualitative inquiry into factors influencing the formation of values about user participation in future research.
(Publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
user participation, older people, social services, social care staff, management, attitudes, values;
Report of the research carried out by the Good Things Foundation for the Centre For Ageing Better, to try and understand the underlying reasons for older people’s digital behaviour. The methodology combined analysis of major datasets including the Online Centres learner survey and Ofcom’s Adults’ Media Use & Attitudes Report, as well as original qualitative research in the form of interviews, focus groups and observations. This included semi-structured interviews with twenty-seven people aged between 55 and 93. A literature review of grey and academic research concerning studies of digital exclusion but also research into cognitive decline in older age, and psychological phenomena which may affect digital behaviour was also part of the study. One of the clearest findings of the research is that older people with good social resources and little need for health and public services are able to live - and thrive - without access to the internet. The authors also present a typology of digital engagement and older people.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Report of the research carried out by the Good Things Foundation for the Centre For Ageing Better, to try and understand the underlying reasons for older people’s digital behaviour. The methodology combined analysis of major datasets including the Online Centres learner survey and Ofcom’s Adults’ Media Use & Attitudes Report, as well as original qualitative research in the form of interviews, focus groups and observations. This included semi-structured interviews with twenty-seven people aged between 55 and 93. A literature review of grey and academic research concerning studies of digital exclusion but also research into cognitive decline in older age, and psychological phenomena which may affect digital behaviour was also part of the study. One of the clearest findings of the research is that older people with good social resources and little need for health and public services are able to live - and thrive - without access to the internet. The authors also present a typology of digital engagement and older people.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
digital technology, older people, internet, user participation, user views, social inclusion, attitudes;
Looks at work carried out by the King's Fund which suggests that age discrimination in health and social care services are often a question of attitude rather than policy. Discusses a number of principles to tackle age discrimination
Looks at work carried out by the King's Fund which suggests that age discrimination in health and social care services are often a question of attitude rather than policy. Discusses a number of principles to tackle age discrimination
Subject terms:
older people, social care provision, user participation, age discrimination, attitudes, health care;
Fifteen years after the Special Eurobarometer 283 on Health and long-term care in the European Union, the results of the cross-national InCARE survey bring to light significant changes in the attitudes, expectations and long-term care experiences of Europeans. As momentum for reform is building both at national and European level, we find the policy discourse has not kept up with dynamic preferences and attitudes towards care, especially among younger cohorts. Overwhelming support for increasing the role of the State in long-term care organization, provision and financing and shifting the burden of care away from families and individuals, is improperly reflected in current policies. What is more, a failure to do so is negatively affecting trust in care systems, as well as increasing the reliance on informal carers at the detriment of their health and wellbeing. Since 2007, the ability of care systems to adequately address evolving care needs has declined: residential care is unaffordable for many, and the supply of community-based services is falling considerably behind a rising demand. Rural communities and poorer individuals bear the brunt of growing capacity gaps, while women are disproportionately affected by the burden of frequent, intensive and undesired informal caregiving spells. A reorientation towards person-centered, participatory, equitable and accessible care models is urgently needed to rebuild declining public trust in the ability of care systems to respond to the preferences and expectations of individuals and communities.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Fifteen years after the Special Eurobarometer 283 on Health and long-term care in the European Union, the results of the cross-national InCARE survey bring to light significant changes in the attitudes, expectations and long-term care experiences of Europeans. As momentum for reform is building both at national and European level, we find the policy discourse has not kept up with dynamic preferences and attitudes towards care, especially among younger cohorts. Overwhelming support for increasing the role of the State in long-term care organization, provision and financing and shifting the burden of care away from families and individuals, is improperly reflected in current policies. What is more, a failure to do so is negatively affecting trust in care systems, as well as increasing the reliance on informal carers at the detriment of their health and wellbeing. Since 2007, the ability of care systems to adequately address evolving care needs has declined: residential care is unaffordable for many, and the supply of community-based services is falling considerably behind a rising demand. Rural communities and poorer individuals bear the brunt of growing capacity gaps, while women are disproportionately affected by the burden of frequent, intensive and undesired informal caregiving spells. A reorientation towards person-centered, participatory, equitable and accessible care models is urgently needed to rebuild declining public trust in the ability of care systems to respond to the preferences and expectations of individuals and communities.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
older people, social care, long term care, attitudes, government policy, service provision, user views, person-centred care, user participation, access to services;
KNIGHT Craig, HASLAM S. Alexander, HASLAM Catherine
Journal article citation:
Ageing and Society, 30(8), November 2010, pp.1393-1418.
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press
In long-term care, the reliance on a ‘hotel style of living’ degrades social identity, life satisfaction and even lifespan. This study investigated the links between the empowerment of residents and their subsequent quality of life in the context of a move into a new care facility in South-West England. Twenty seven residents on one floor of a new care facility were involved in decisions surrounding its décor, while those on another floor were not. The residents' attitudes and behaviour were monitored at three points over five months. Findings revealed that members of the empowered group reported increased identification with staff and fellow residents, displayed enhanced citizenship, reported improved well-being, and made more use of the communal space. Also, staff found the empowered residents to be more engaged with their environment and the people around them, to be generally happier and to have better health. These patterns were observed one month after the move and remained four months later.
In long-term care, the reliance on a ‘hotel style of living’ degrades social identity, life satisfaction and even lifespan. This study investigated the links between the empowerment of residents and their subsequent quality of life in the context of a move into a new care facility in South-West England. Twenty seven residents on one floor of a new care facility were involved in decisions surrounding its décor, while those on another floor were not. The residents' attitudes and behaviour were monitored at three points over five months. Findings revealed that members of the empowered group reported increased identification with staff and fellow residents, displayed enhanced citizenship, reported improved well-being, and made more use of the communal space. Also, staff found the empowered residents to be more engaged with their environment and the people around them, to be generally happier and to have better health. These patterns were observed one month after the move and remained four months later.
Subject terms:
mental health, older people, quality of life, social networks, user participation, wellbeing, attitudes, care homes, decision making, empowerment;
Administration in Social Work, 31(2), 2007, pp.27-48.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Place of publication:
Philadelphia, USA
Informal caregivers of older users of adult day care centers are important clients for promoting the quality of services related to them. From the perspective of quality management, responsive communication and training provided to informal caregivers would enhance the caregivers' knowledge about the services of the center and thereby their perception about the helpfulness of the center. These effects are the focus of examination in the present study, which surveyed 508 caregivers affiliated with 22 adult day care centers in Hong Kong. The study measured the responsive communication of the center by aggregating caregivers' perceptions. Results support the hypothesis by revealing the contributions of the responsive communication of the center and the caregiver's knowledge to the caregiver's perception of helpfulness of the center. Moreover, responsive communication appears to foster the caregiver's service knowledge. (Copies of this article are available from: Haworth Document Delivery Centre, Haworth Press Inc., 10 Alice Street, Binghamton, NY 13904-1580).
Informal caregivers of older users of adult day care centers are important clients for promoting the quality of services related to them. From the perspective of quality management, responsive communication and training provided to informal caregivers would enhance the caregivers' knowledge about the services of the center and thereby their perception about the helpfulness of the center. These effects are the focus of examination in the present study, which surveyed 508 caregivers affiliated with 22 adult day care centers in Hong Kong. The study measured the responsive communication of the center by aggregating caregivers' perceptions. Results support the hypothesis by revealing the contributions of the responsive communication of the center and the caregiver's knowledge to the caregiver's perception of helpfulness of the center. Moreover, responsive communication appears to foster the caregiver's service knowledge. (Copies of this article are available from: Haworth Document Delivery Centre, Haworth Press Inc., 10 Alice Street, Binghamton, NY 13904-1580).
Subject terms:
older people, quality assurance, user participation, user views, attitudes, carers, day centres, evaluation;
International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 20(10), October 2005, pp.927-937.
Publisher:
Wiley
No study has assessed attitudes about depression and its treatment and participation at each step of recruitment and implementation of an effectiveness trial. This study aimed to determine the association between personal characteristics and attitudes of older adults about depression with participation at each step of the Primary Care Research in Substance Abuse and Mental Health for the Elderly (PRISM-E) treatment effectiveness trial. Persons who reported better social support were more likely to complete a baseline interview, but were less likely to meet with the mental health professional carrying out the intervention. Attitudes about taking medicines were significantly associated with uptake of the intervention, but not with earlier phases of recruitment. Persons were much more likely to have a visit with the mental health professional for treatment of depression if they were willing to take medicine for depression but did not endorse waiting for the depression to get better, working it out on one's own, or talking to a minister, priest, or rabbi. The authors conclude that social support and other personal characteristics may be the most appropriate for tailoring recruitment strategies, but later steps in the recruitment and implementation may require more attention to specific attitudes towards antidepressant medications.
No study has assessed attitudes about depression and its treatment and participation at each step of recruitment and implementation of an effectiveness trial. This study aimed to determine the association between personal characteristics and attitudes of older adults about depression with participation at each step of the Primary Care Research in Substance Abuse and Mental Health for the Elderly (PRISM-E) treatment effectiveness trial. Persons who reported better social support were more likely to complete a baseline interview, but were less likely to meet with the mental health professional carrying out the intervention. Attitudes about taking medicines were significantly associated with uptake of the intervention, but not with earlier phases of recruitment. Persons were much more likely to have a visit with the mental health professional for treatment of depression if they were willing to take medicine for depression but did not endorse waiting for the depression to get better, working it out on one's own, or talking to a minister, priest, or rabbi. The authors conclude that social support and other personal characteristics may be the most appropriate for tailoring recruitment strategies, but later steps in the recruitment and implementation may require more attention to specific attitudes towards antidepressant medications.
Subject terms:
mental health problems, older people, participatory research, primary care, research methods, service uptake, user participation, attitudes, depression;
Ageing and Society, 23(5), September 2003, pp.659-674.
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press
The governments joint housing and health strategy, Quality and Choice for Older People's Housing, attempts to map out the problems facing older people. The strategy also suggests there should be more opportunities for older people to make choices and for their deeper involvement in housing matters. Looks at the background to the strategy and reviews the literature to determine whether there is a foundation of dialogue with older people on housing issues. While there have been increasing efforts to build socially inclusive processes, particularly in the major ‘regeneration’ programmes, it is still the case that older people are usually excluded. The core of the article is a case study from the Better Government for Older People programme which explored the process by which older people worked alongside professionals to remodel a local authority dwelling. Older people gained as individuals and as a group from the housing project, and were able to develop collective influence through a representation role. Concludes with a discussion of the broader lessons for service providers.
The governments joint housing and health strategy, Quality and Choice for Older People's Housing, attempts to map out the problems facing older people. The strategy also suggests there should be more opportunities for older people to make choices and for their deeper involvement in housing matters. Looks at the background to the strategy and reviews the literature to determine whether there is a foundation of dialogue with older people on housing issues. While there have been increasing efforts to build socially inclusive processes, particularly in the major ‘regeneration’ programmes, it is still the case that older people are usually excluded. The core of the article is a case study from the Better Government for Older People programme which explored the process by which older people worked alongside professionals to remodel a local authority dwelling. Older people gained as individuals and as a group from the housing project, and were able to develop collective influence through a representation role. Concludes with a discussion of the broader lessons for service providers.
Subject terms:
housing, local authorities, older people, organisations, policy, user participation, attitudes, empowerment;
Professional Nurse, 17(5), January 2002, pp.318-321.
Publisher:
Emap Healthcare
The lay carers of people with dementia are frequently the experts on the care they need. Earlier research produced guidelines to encourage carer participation in care planning and this article reports on a project that sought the views of carers on these guidelines. The study highlights the main problems that carers face when seeking help from health-care services.
The lay carers of people with dementia are frequently the experts on the care they need. Earlier research produced guidelines to encourage carer participation in care planning and this article reports on a project that sought the views of carers on these guidelines. The study highlights the main problems that carers face when seeking help from health-care services.
Subject terms:
older people, user participation, user views, assessment, attitudes, carers, care planning, decision making, dementia, general practitioners;
This literature review identifies existing literature on the attitudes and aspirations of older people. The review informed new qualitative research on the attitudes and aspirations of older people through focus groups and individual in-depth interviews. The literature and qualitative research focused on the following themes identified by the Inter-Ministerial Group on older people: active ageing; health and social; consultation and involvement.
This literature review identifies existing literature on the attitudes and aspirations of older people. The review informed new qualitative research on the attitudes and aspirations of older people through focus groups and individual in-depth interviews. The literature and qualitative research focused on the following themes identified by the Inter-Ministerial Group on older people: active ageing; health and social; consultation and involvement.
Extended abstract:
BOAZ Annette, HAYDEN Carol, BERNARD Miriam. Attitudes and aspirations of older people: a review of the literature. Great Britain. Department of Social Security, 1999.
Context
This report presents a review of existing literature on the attitudes and aspirations of older people, focusing on UK literature produced during the last ten years. It forms the first stage of a programme of research, commissioned by the Department of Social Security, and carried out by The Local Government Centre, The University of Warwick, to inform the work of the Inter-Ministerial Group on Older People. The second stage of this research consisted of a qualitative study of the attitudes and aspirations of older people which is published in a companion volume (Research Report No. 102) titled 'Attitudes and Aspirations of Older People: a qualitative study'.
Method
This descriptive review focuses on literature from 1988 to 1998. The review identifies quantitative and qualitative research on the attitudes and aspirations of older people. For this research older people were identified as those aged 50 years and over, although the studies included often focus on specific age groups within this, such as those who have reached state pension age (currently 65 for men and 60 for women). The search was carried out in several complimentary ways. A computer and personal search of published material was used as a basis for the review. Databases of unpublished literature were also searched. The researchers also wrote to those researchers and practitioners who are known in the field and asked for copies of yet unpublished research and papers. The literature was reviewed paying particular attention to consensus and inconsistencies in outcomes between the different studies. The main reason for excluding papers were that the research was not UK based or the study was not concerned with the attitudes of older people themselves. This report does not attempt to review in detail the methodologies of the included studies. However, methodology has been taken into account when decisions were made as to whether or not, and to what extent, papers were included in the review. Sixty-eight papers were identified for inclusion in the review.
Contents
The first chapter contains a brief introduction to the research sources, to the approach used in the review and to some of the key methodological issues. The report then addresses the attitudes and aspirations of older people related to the themes identified by the Inter-Ministerial Group, which are active ageing, health and social care, and consultation and involvement. Each chapter discusses the literature identified by the review in relation to a theme. They also signpost readers to a selection of relevant reviews, literature and to ongoing programmes of work, although these are not discussed in detail. The majority of the research included in the review and in the signposting sections is held in the Centre for Policy on Ageing (CPA) Library in London. Each chapter identifies gaps in the current literature and conclude with a summary of the results. The final chapter discusses three cross-cutting themes: participation, independence, and diversity. The chapter concludes with a brief discussion of the coverage of the research. Gaps identified were used to focus the qualitative phase of the research. There are 141 pages of data extraction sheets in the appendix. These give details of the publication, the research question, study design, research tools and results.
Conclusion
The current research should inform the content of national surveys to ensure that appropriate and relevant questions are asked of older people. There is also scope for further qualitative research which values the contribution of older people, adds meaning to quantitative results and allows for more in-depth exploration of areas of interest.
113 references
contains details of 100 other research reports available from the Department of Social Security.
Subject terms:
literature reviews, older people, social care provision, user participation, user views, ageing, attitudes, consultation, health care;