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.
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.
Subject terms:
long term care, older people, prevention, risk, suicide, care homes, depression;
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)
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)
Subject terms:
older people, long term care, informal care, community care, deinstitutionalisation, care homes, models, social policy, carers, policy, case studies;
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.
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.
Subject terms:
housing, informal care, leisure, leisure activities, mental health services, older people, pensions, population, residential care, rural areas, social policy, social care provision, voluntary organisations, benefits, care homes, comparative studies, demographics, education, health care;