Search results for ‘Subject term:"older people"’ Sort:
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Exploring the health needs of aging LGBT adults in the Cape Fear Region of North Carolina
- Authors:
- ROWAN Noell L., BEYER Kelsey
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 60(6-7), 2017, pp.569-586.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
This study explored issues of culturally sensitive healthcare practice and needs among lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender ageing adults in coastal North Carolina. Survey data results indicated the largest problem was a history of verbally harassment and need for culturally sensitive healthcare. In conclusion, culturally sensitive interventions are needed to address the health disparities and unique needs of LGBT ageing adults. Cultural sensitivity training for service providers is suggested as a vital step in addressing health disparities of ageing LGBT adults. Implications for research include further exploration of health related needs of these often hidden and underserved population groups. (Publisher abstract)
Painful journeys: why getting to hospital appointments is a major issue for older people
- Author:
- AGE UK
- Publisher:
- Age UK
- Publication year:
- 2017
- Pagination:
- 19
- Place of publication:
- London
This report identifies three key problems that older people and their families can experience when trying to get to routine hospital appointments: long and uncomfortable public transport journeys; variable quality of patient transport services; and extra costs to older people and their families. These difficulties can result in extra costs to the NHS due to missed appointments, possible relapses, and treatment at a point of crisis rather than preventative care. The report draws on the results of a survey of 1,342 people aged 65 or over and uses individual case examples to illustrate the problems experienced. The report calls for the government to conduct a review of transport services to ensure every hospital journey for an older person: is comfortable, affordable, minimises stress and anxiety, and gets them to and from hospital in good time, without long waits. (Edited publisher abstract)
Training of residential social care staff to meet the needs of older people with intellectual disabilities who develop age-related health problems: an exploratory study
- Authors:
- NORTHWAY Ruth, JENKINS Robert, HOLLAND-HART Daniella
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 30(5), 2017, pp.911-921.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Background: Despite awareness of the age related health needs of people with intellectual disabilities little is known regarding how residential social care staff are prepared to meet such needs. Methods: Data were gathered via semi-structured interviews from 14 managers of supported living settings. Transcripts were thematically analysed. Findings: Staff may work in supported living settings with no prior experience of care work, and previous knowledge/experience of supporting people in relation to their health is not required. Whilst health related training is provided there is a lack of specific training regarding healthy ageing, and training seems to be reactive to changing needs of tenants meaning that proactive monitoring for changes in health status may not occur. Conclusions: Whilst some training is provided for residential social care staff in relation to health and ageing a more proactive approach is required which should include a focus on healthy ageing. (Edited publisher abstract)
Characteristics of the old and homeless: identifying distinct service needs
- Authors:
- KIMBLER Kristopher J., DEWEES Mari A., HARRIS Ashley N.
- Journal article citation:
- Aging and Mental Health, 21(2), 2017, pp.190-198.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify characteristics related to ageing and homelessness. It was hypothesized that older adults would exhibit more vulnerability compared to other age groups related to health, social support proximity, occupational perceptions, and recent living conditions prior to seeking assistance at an emergency shelter. It was also hypothesized that these age-related characteristics would predict the amount of time that individuals resided in the emergency shelter. Method: A cross-sectional sample of young, middle-aged, and older homeless adults seeking shelter at two emergency homeless shelters was utilized for this study. Data included information obtained during a structured interview after participants arrived at the shelter and the number of days that were spent at the shelter. Results: Older adults were more likely to exhibit several characteristics (i.e., poorer health, being further from social support, longer durations of homelessness, lack of employment area, prior residence types, and mental health treatment) potentially contributing to and/or recovering from homelessness. Duration of homelessness, reports of having no career area, and age were predictive of the amount of time spent at the shelter. Conclusions: The various characteristics that differentiate older homeless populations (e.g., health, social support, homelessness duration, and employment) could create potential barriers to overcoming homelessness that should be considered when serving this population. (Edited publisher abstract)
Health and social care needs assessments of the older prison population: a guidance document
- Authors:
- MUNDAY David, LEAMAN Jane, O'MOORE Eamonn
- Publisher:
- Public Health England
- Publication year:
- 2017
- Pagination:
- 59
- Place of publication:
- London
This document provides evidence-based guidance on how to carry out a health and social care needs assessment of older people in prisons. It can be used by commissioners of prison healthcare services and social care services to understand the needs of older people in prisons and commission and deliver services that meet their needs. The document is structured around 13 chapters which each address a key theme that should be considered. They include demographics, review of physical environment, risk factors for disease, prevalence of disease, medicines optimisation, prevalence of social care need, promoting health and wellbeing, palliative care services, user engagement, mapping services to meet need, and planning for release and continuity of care. Each chapter includes national level data on levels of need; data sources and indicators that can used to assess need; and examples from practice. (Edited publisher abstract)
Care in the community: home care use among adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities over time
- Authors:
- MARTIN Lynn, OUELLET-KUNTZ Helene, McKENZIE Katherine
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities, 14(3), 2017, pp.251-254.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Community-based healthcare services have quickly evolved over the last few decades to respond to the growing population of older adults, and their desire to remain independent in the community. In Ontario, Canada, deinstitutionalization has resulted in all persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities living and ageing, in the community. This paper compares use of home care services in Ontario among adults (age 18–99 years) with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities over time. Home care use over a 5-year period was compared between a cohort of 46,008 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and a random sample of 3,272,080 adults without intellectual and developmental disabilities. Persons with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities received similar types of home care services. Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities had much higher rates of admission to home care, and at much earlier ages. While this remained true over time, slight differences by age were noted between groups. Higher use at earlier ages suggests that home care services are responding to the needs of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Future research should identify (or develop) best practices for promoting independence in the community for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities with healthcare needs. (Edited publisher abstract)
Older UK sheltered housing tenants' perceptions of well-being and their usage of hospital services
- Authors:
- COOK Glenda, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Health and Social Care in the Community, 25(5), 2017, pp.1644-1654.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
The aim of this study was to examine sheltered housing tenants' views of health and well-being, the strategies they adopted to support their well-being, and their use of health and social care services through a Health Needs Assessment. Sheltered housing in the UK is a form of service-integrated housing for people, predominantly over 60. The study used a parallel, three-strand mixed method approach to encompass the tenants' perceptions of health and well-being (n = 96 participants), analysis of the service's health and well-being database, and analysis of emergency and elective hospital admissions (n = 978 tenant data sets for the period January to December 2012). Tenants' perceptions of well-being were seen to reinforce much of the previous work on the subject with strategies required to sustain social, community, physical, economic, environmental, leisure, emotional and spiritual dimensions. Of the tenants' self-reported chronic conditions, arthritis, heart conditions and breathing problems were identified as their most common health concerns. Hospital admission data indicated that 43% of the tenant population was admitted to hospital (886 admissions) with 53% emergency and 47% elective admissions. The potential cost of emergency as opposed to elective admissions was substantial. The mean length of stay for emergency admissions was 8.2 days (median 3.0 days). While elective hospital admission had a mean length of stay of 1.0 day (median 0.0 days). These results suggest the need for multi-professional health, social care and housing services interventions to facilitate sheltered housing tenants' aspirations and support their strategies to live well and independently in their own homes. Equally there is a need to increase tenants' awareness of health conditions and their management, the importance of services which offer facilitation, resources and support, and the key role played by prevention and reablement. (Publisher abstract)
Coping strategies used by LGB older adults in facing and anticipating health challenges: a narrative analysis
- Authors:
- SEELMA Kristie L., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Gay and Lesbian Social Services, 29(3), 2017, pp.300-318.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
Given that lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) older adults face notable health disparities compared to their heterosexual counterparts, there is a need for understanding how LGB adults cope with health challenges in late life. The current study analyses narratives from nine LGB adults age 65 and older living in an urban area in the Southeast United States. Participants spoke of coping strategies related to health promotion behaviours, shifting perspectives of health and body, trusting in spirituality for comfort, and accepting the end of life. The authors discuss implications for social services professionals who work with older LGB adults and for future research. (Edited publisher abstract)
Who cares? The lived experiences of older prisoners in Scotland's prisons
- Author:
- HM INSPECTORATE OF PRISONS FOR SCOTLAND
- Publisher:
- HM Inspectorate of Prisons for Scotland
- Publication year:
- 2017
- Pagination:
- 50
- Place of publication:
- Edinburgh
Thematic study of the lived experience of older prisoners (aged 60 years and over) in Scotland’s prisons, many of whom have deteriorating health and mobility problems. The study involved an analysis of survey responses from 164 questionnaires returned by older prisoners; supplementary interviews with older prisoner; and interviews and focus groups with prison staff. Direct quotations are included throughout the report. Based on the personal experiences of the staff and prisoners, five main themes emerged from the study: relationships, staffing issues; location and environment; medical provision and personal care; and prisoners’ fears for the future. The report identifies multiple factors affecting older prisoners that are likely to reinforce a sense of being forgotten and their fears of loneliness, isolation and dying alone. Key findings of the report include that: the health and social care needs of older prisoners should determine the accommodation and activities available for them; staff working with older prisoners should be identified as suitable for the role and trained appropriately; and that older prisoners should be supported to maintain positive contact with their families. The report also highlights the key role of NHS Boards and local authorities in caring for older prisoners. (Edited publisher abstract)
The obstacle course: overcoming the barriers to a better later life
- Authors:
- CHRISTIE Amelia, McDOWELL Adrian
- Publisher:
- Independent Age
- Publication year:
- 2017
- Pagination:
- 60
- Place of publication:
- London
This report looks at some of the issues older people and their families face in accessing the services and support they need to remain independent and live healthy, enjoyable lives. The report draws on an analysis of calls received to the Independent Age advice Helpline in 2016 and findings from other charities, think tanks and government reports. It focuses on four topic areas: help with serious health needs; understanding social care and the barriers to accessing support when they need personal care and practical help, securing a decent income and access to benefits; and staying in control which looks at some of the major life changes older people can experience, in relation to their finances and housing. For each topic area, the report examines the most common issues older people face and includes individual stories older people and their family members which show the difference early intervention can make, as well as where things are going wrong. It also highlights emerging issues which may get worse in the future, if not addressed. The report concludes that the country is still not responding well enough for a rapidly ageing population. It offers some recommendations to improve health, care and social security services for older people. (Edited publisher abstract)