ARINO-BLASCO Sergio, TADD Win, BOIX-FERRER Josep Antoni
Journal article citation:
Quality in Ageing, 6(1), June 2005, pp.30-36.
Publisher:
Pier Professional
Place of publication:
Brighton
This article deals with professionals' views concerning the importance of dignity for older people and how this can best be maintained. Overall, participants painted a negative picture of the lives of older people, although clear distinctions were drawn between fit and frail older people. Indignities associated with old age arose from ill health, dependency, vulnerability, frailty and loss of competence. It was considered that technological advances made older people seem left behind. However, many described working with this age group as an enjoyable experience. Professionals identified the following factors as essential to dignified care: promotion of autonomy and independence,; a person-centred and holistic approach; maintenance of identity and encouragement of involvement; participation and empowerment; effective communication and respect. Undignified care was associated with invisibility, de-personalisation, abuse, humiliation and narrow and mechanistic approaches to care.
This article deals with professionals' views concerning the importance of dignity for older people and how this can best be maintained. Overall, participants painted a negative picture of the lives of older people, although clear distinctions were drawn between fit and frail older people. Indignities associated with old age arose from ill health, dependency, vulnerability, frailty and loss of competence. It was considered that technological advances made older people seem left behind. However, many described working with this age group as an enjoyable experience. Professionals identified the following factors as essential to dignified care: promotion of autonomy and independence,; a person-centred and holistic approach; maintenance of identity and encouragement of involvement; participation and empowerment; effective communication and respect. Undignified care was associated with invisibility, de-personalisation, abuse, humiliation and narrow and mechanistic approaches to care.
Subject terms:
older people, self-determination, self-esteem, attitudes, health care, health professionals;
Content type:
research
Location(s):
France, Ireland, Sweden, Slovak Republic, Spain, United Kingdom
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;