Search results for ‘Subject term:"older people"’ Sort:
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Specialism, genericism and others: does it make a difference? A study of social work services to elderly people
- Authors:
- FULLER Roger, TULLE-WINTON Emmanuelle
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Social Work, 26(5), October 1996, pp.679-698.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
A previous paper in this journal by the authors described a preliminary feasibility study designed to investigate the effects of organising social work teams along specialist or generic lines. The main study which developed is reported in this article. The study, using modified case review forms, compares the way samples of referrals of elderly people were dealt with at an initial assessment and for up to a year subsequently by social work teams of contrasting organisational approaches. Sets out some of the measurable consequences of opting for the various models.
Informed decision-making with and for people with dementia: developing and pilot testing an education program for legal representatives (PRODECIDE)
- Authors:
- LUHNEN Julia, MUHLHAUSER Ingrid, RICHTER Tanja
- Journal article citation:
- Dementia: the International Journal of Social Research and Practice, 18(6), 2019, pp.2303-2321.
- Publisher:
- Sage
Background: People living with dementia are often appointed a legal representative, to support and protect their ethical and legal rights to informed healthcare decisions. However, legal representatives usually have no qualifications in healthcare. Objective: The aim of this study was to explore decision-making processes with participation of legal representatives and, resulting from this, to develop and pilot test an education program for legal representatives in Germany. Methods: This study conducted interviews with legal representatives and senior citizens about decision-making processes in healthcare, with special focus on percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, physical restraints, and prescription of antipsychotics for people with dementia. This study generated a curriculum based on systematic literature searches and the results of these interviews. This study tested the education program for comprehensibility, feasibility, usability, and acceptance. Results: Personal interviews with voluntary (n = 12) and professional (n = 12) representatives, and senior citizens (n = 14) were conducted. Preferences, attitudes, and wishes regarding percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, physical restraints, and antipsychotics, and the process of decision-making, were heterogeneous. A structural approach is lacking. The education program proxy-decison-making (PRODECIDE) comprises four modules: (A) decision-making processes and methods; (B–D) evidence-based knowledge about percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, physical restraints, and antipsychotics. This study conducted eight trainings with 47 legal representatives. PRODECIDE was well accepted. Comprehensibility of contents and materials was rated high. The program seems feasible for implementation. Conclusion: PRODECIDE seems suitable to improve the decision-making processes of legal representatives in Germany. Implementation will be appropriate if efficacy is proven; a randomized controlled trial is currently underway. (Edited publisher abstract)
Talking mats: a model of communication training
- Authors:
- MURPHY Joan, ALEXANDER Jean, McLINTON Ann
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Dementia Care, 24(5), 2016, pp.22-25.
- Publisher:
- Hawker
Talking Mats is an interactive communication resource which was devised by NHS speech and language therapists in a series of research projects at Stirling University. The authors explain how it works and why it is a valuable tool. They use an example of training they were commissioned to do in a long stay hospital in Glasgow, where patients were mainly older people with dementia who often found it difficult to communicate their needs and wishes. (Edited publisher abstract)
Gaps, disconnections, and discontinuities: the role of information exchange in the delivery of quality long-term care
- Journal article citation:
- Gerontologist, 53(5), 2013, pp.770-779.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
Purpose of the Study: The smart use of information and communication technologies (ICT) is widely seen as a means of enhancing the quality of aged care services. One of the barriers to ICT diffusion in aged care is the failure to cater for the complex and interdisciplinary requirements of the aged care environment. The aim of this qualitative study was to identify the layers of information exchange and communication and produce a conceptual model that can help to inform decisions related to the design, implementation, and sustainability of ICT. Design and Methods : A qualitative study conducted in 2010 within seven Australian residential aged care facilities. It included 11 focus groups involving 47 staff and 54 individual interviews and observation sessions. Results : The analysis of work processes identified key information exchange components related to the type of information (residential, clinical, and administrative) that is collected, stored, and communicated. This information relies on a diverse number of internal and external communication channels that are important for the organisation of care. Implications : The findings highlight potential areas of communication dysfunction as a consequence of structural holes, fragmentation, or disconnections that can adversely affect the continuity and coordination of care, its safety, and quality. (Publisher abstract)
Piloting choice and control for older people: an evaluation
- Author:
- JOSEPH ROWNTREE FOUNDATION
- Publisher:
- Joseph Rowntree Foundation
- Publication year:
- 2001
- Pagination:
- 4p.
- Place of publication:
- York
Frail bodies, courageous voices: older people influencing community care
- Authors:
- BARNES Marian, BENNETT Gaynor
- Journal article citation:
- Health and Social Care in the Community, 6(2), March 1998, pp.102-111.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Evaluates a project initiated by Age Concern Scotland in Fife, the User Panels project, which is intended to enable older people who were unable to leave their homes without assistance to meet together to develop a collective voice expressing the needs and experiences of older service users. It considers methodological questions posed by the evaluation of projects which aim to empower users, as well as discussing key findings from the evaluation. Those who became members of the panels valued this experience and reported intrinsic benefits related to the social contact, opportunities for learning and development of self-esteem. Evidence concerning enhanced capacity to exercise control over key aspects of their lives was less convincing. The model is considered to demonstrate benefits both for the older people who become involved and for officials seeking to improve the sensitivity of services to the needs of older people.
Positive steps: using the court of protection to prevent financial abuse of older people
- Author:
- ELEY Ruth
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health Review, 3(1), March 1998, pp.29-32.
- Publisher:
- Pier Professional
Discusses how the Mental Health Act 1983 provides for the Court of Protection to protect and manage the property and affairs of people who, by reason of their mental disorder, are incapable of managing and administering their own property and affairs.
Snap decision
- Author:
- GEORGE Mike
- Journal article citation:
- Community Care, 2.5.96, 1996, pp.32-33.
- Publisher:
- Reed Business Information
Hospital social workers often have to make rapid judgments with little knowledge of their client. The author reports on one worker's dilemma.
Investigating suspected elder maltreatment
- Author:
- RAMSEY-KLAWSNIK Holly
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect, 7(1), 1995, pp.41-67.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
Thorough investigation of reported cases of elder maltreatment is necessary to determine the validity of the allegations and to identify victims to whom protective services should be offered. Discusses the process of a comprehensive investigation, including the goals and steps involved. Information which should be elicited from reporters, collaterals, and existing documents is identified. Guidelines are provided for interviewing suspected victims and offenders. Argues that specialised diagnostic evaluations may aid in determining the validity of allegations and assessing the impact of maltreatment on the victim. Offers guidance for completing these investigatory tasks.
Tools for testing decision-making capacity in dementia
- Authors:
- PENNINGTON Catherine, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Age and Ageing, 47(6), 2018, pp.778-784.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
Background: dementia is a common cause of altered decision-making capacity. Determining whether an individual has the ability to make a specific decision can be very challenging for both clinicians and researchers. The UK legislation requires that we both promote residual capacity where possible, and protect vulnerable adults who cannot make independent decisions. We evaluated published instruments designed to aid in the assessment of capacity, focussing on those meeting the UK legal requirements. We also consider further disease and culture-specific factors which may influence decision making. Methods: a search of electronic databases was made for articles published between 2000 and 2017 detailing structured tools for the assessment of mental capacity. These were evaluated against the UK legal requirements. Results: nine tools were identified which fulfilled the UK legal requirements. Their design and structure varied, as did the level of reliability and validity data available. Some instruments can be tailored for a specific decisional scenario, whilst others are designed for use by particular patient groups. Discussion: a wide range of mental capacity assessment instruments is available, but not all fulfil the UK legal requirements. Healthcare professionals and researchers should be mindful of personal, cultural and disease-specific factors when assessing capacity. No gold standard for capacity assessment exists, which hampers the evaluation of different approaches. A combination of the opinion of a healthcare professional or researcher trained in capacity evaluation, plus the use of a structured assessment tool is the most robust approach. (Edited publisher abstract)