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Social work and intervention with older people in Portugal: a critical point of view
- Author:
- CARVALHO Maria Irene
- Journal article citation:
- European Journal of Social Work, 17(3), 2014, pp.336-352.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Even before ageing became a challenge to society, it already was for social work professionals. What interested the social work professionals were the older people who accumulated low incomes, poverty, loneliness, isolation, disease and several outbuildings. The increasing number of older and much older people reconfigured the intervention of professionals in this area. This intervention is in accordance with the policies of the welfare state, based on the rights and human dignity and a paradigm of social development oriented to social cohesion. The professionals are now responsible for older people policies in social and health care areas. The article includes an analysis of the relationship between social work, ageing and policies for older people and some exploratory results obtained through the analysis of relevant documents that allowed us to characterise the field of social work intervention with older people in the social security system and field of social action. This integrated analysis in a context of economic crisis takes a critical perspective on the impacts of reconfiguration policies for the older people and social work in those days. (Publisher abstract)
‘The Billion Dollar Question’: embedding prevention in older people's services—Ten ‘High-Impact’ changes
- Authors:
- ALLEN Kerry, GLASBY Jon
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Social Work, 43(5), 2013, pp.904-924.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
With ageing populations, social changes and rising public expectations, many countries are exploring ways of developing a more preventative approach within their health and social care services. In England, this has become a growing priority over time—made even more significant by recent economic change and by the urgent need to reduce public sector spending. However, a key dilemma for policy makers and managers is the patchy nature of the evidence base—with a lack of certainty over how to reform services or prioritise spending in order to develop a more genuinely preventative approach. Against this background, this commentary reviews national and international evidence around ten policy measures and interventions, highlighting some of the most promising approaches as well as the fragmented and contested nature of the evidence base. (Publisher abstract)
Outcomes and well-being part 2: a comparative longitudinal study of two models of homecare delivery and their impact upon the older person self-reported subjective well-being. A qualitative follow up study paper
- Author:
- GETHIN-JONES Stephen
- Journal article citation:
- Working with Older People, 16(2), 2012, pp.52-60.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
This qualitative study investigated why outcome-focused home care appeared to be associated with an increase in older individuals' subjective well-being. Participants included 20 service users, who were subject of two semi-structured interviews; one interview at the start of the intervention and one at the six month stage. The data were then analysed under core themes raised by the service user in these interviews. The sample was divided into two, with one group receiving the outcome-focussed model of care and the other group receiving the traditional time focused care. Findings indicated that service users' subjective well-being improved due to the ability of outcome-focused care to provide consistency, flexibility and most importantly the ability of the service user to form a relationship with the homecare workers providing their care. Implications for practice are discussed.
Holistic care and environmental design: the future for dementia care
- Author:
- CHAPLIN Andy
- Journal article citation:
- Housing Care and Support, 14(3), 2011, pp.91-97.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
The impact of dementia is of concern to both individuals and public budgets. The potential in dementia-friendly environmental design to complement other psychological approaches presents a more holistic approach that respects and works with the strengths of the individual, in contrast to purely medical approaches or institutional care. This article describes the development of a new approach, using environmental design and non-drug-based interventions to support individuals with dementia to live independently and safely in their own homes. Although in its infancy, this approach is beginning to show how it can help to improve the mood, socialisation, and short-term memory of people with dementia and reduce the need for residential care or hospital admission. The article, based upon the development teams' observations, outlines the potential in home improvement work in dementia-proofing, to enhance reminiscence-based work. To date, unofficial data suggest that design-based approaches may add significantly to the effectiveness of psychological management of dementia via reminiscence work.
Our invisible addicts: first report of the Older Persons' Substance Misuse Working Group of the Royal College of Psychiatrists
- Author:
- ROYAL COLLEGE OF PSYCHIATRISTS
- Publisher:
- Royal College of Psychiatrists
- Publication year:
- 2011
- Pagination:
- 60p., bibliog.
- Place of publication:
- London
Substance misuse by older people is now a growing public health problem. Between 2001 and 2031, there is projected to be a 50% increase in the number of older people in the UK. The percentage of men and women drinking more than the weekly recommended limits has also risen, by 60% in men and 100% in women between 1990 and 2006. Given the likely impact of these two factors on health and social care services, there is now a pressing need to address substance misuse in older people. This report has brought together a group of health professionals with expertise in substance misuse in older people, whose remit it has been to develop the existing knowledge base according to the following terms of reference: examining the nature and extent of substance misuse in older people; identifying precipitants and complications; highlighting best-practice guidance exploring training opportunities; and developing future strategy, encompassing clinical service provision and developments, training and education, research, and policy. The report concludes that, at a policy level, advocating for the inclusion of this issue in more substantive terms in all relevant policy documents. An initial step might be influencing policy makers to develop clinical guidelines through care pathways addressing the varied needs of older substance misusers.
Understanding patterns of service utilization among informal caregivers of community older adults
- Author:
- HONG Song-Iee
- Journal article citation:
- Gerontologist, 50(1), February 2010, pp.87-99.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
Although the availability of social resources for informal caregivers has risen, the uptake of these services is relatively low. This article seeks to identify patterns of service utilisation among informal caregivers of frail older adults, and examine the determinants that explain heterogeneous variations in caregivers’ service use patterns. Using 1,908 data points from the 2004 National Long-Term Care Survey and Informal Caregiver data, this study classifies overall patterns of caregiver service utilisation: financial information, support group, respite service, day care or senior centre, personal or nursing care, housework, meal delivery, transportation, house modification, and assistive devices. Emphasising caregivers’ service use patterns and social networks derived from the Network Episode Model, the modified Andersen model guides determinants of these patterns. The analysis revealed a hierarchical structure of service use patterns: multiple service users, selective in-home service users, and light service users. Caregivers’ network compositions signified heterogeneity in service use patterns. Care recipient, and caregiver, related needs contributed to distinguishing service use patterns. The author, in conclusion, notes that differentiation of services may be important for meeting caregivers’ needs and distributing programme resources by identifying target populations for intervention, a process which may tailor specific interventions to better supported caregivers.
A clash of cultures: rural values and service delivery to mistreated and neglected older people in Eastern Canada
- Authors:
- HARBISON Joan, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Practice: Social Work in Action, 17(4), December 2005, pp.229-246.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
There is considerable evidence to suggest that older people living in situations of mistreatment and neglect are reluctant to accept help. This is attributed to the high value that older generations place on their privacy and family integrity, and on their ability to cope and remain in charge of their lives. This paper explores the challenges these cultural norms pose for formal and informal helpers. The discussion is illustrated by the findings of a study of service delivery in rural Eastern Canada. The study revealed that the efforts of formal and informal helpers to accommodate older people’s cultural norms, and respond to what they want, are frequently successful. However, this help is continually under threat from the centralisation and rationalisation of service delivery, as well as an increased focus on the potential for litigation resulting from harm to clients or helpers. The implications of these findings for practice are discussed.
Carer burden in dementia
- Authors:
- BURNS Alistair, RABINS Peter
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 15(S1), July 2000, pp.9-13.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
For the carer, supporting a person suffering from dementia of an aetiology is stressful. This review summarises some of the factors associated with stress and some of the interventions aimed at alleviating distress.
When people with pre-existing disabilities age in place: implications for social work practice
- Authors:
- GILSON Stephen French, NETTING F. Ellen
- Journal article citation:
- Health and Social Work, 22(4), November 1997, pp.290-298.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
Focuses on a population of people with disabilities who are "ageing in place," that is, individuals ageing with pre-existing physical disabilities. A brief overview of people ageing with disabilities and selected background information on the increasing linkages between the ageing and disability communities is provided. Four case examples illustrate the practice implications faced by social workers in partnering with people with pre-existing disabilities and in being sensitive to their desires concerning ageing in place.
Safe to be me: meeting the needs of older lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people using health and social care services
- Authors:
- KNOCKER Sally, SMITH Anthony
- Publisher:
- Age UK
- Publication year:
- 2017
- Pagination:
- 40
- Place of publication:
- London
This guide offers practical advice to help services meet the needs of older lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people and highlights why being LGBT continues to be important in terms of person-centred care and support. It outlines some of the barriers to good practice in care for older LGBT people, what managers and staff can to improve practice, and provides an overview of the current equalities and anti-discrimination legislative framework. The guide also provides checklist of good practice pointers for organisations. It also includes case studies which can be used in training sessions and staff discussion. The resource will be useful for anyone working or volunteering in health, social care or the voluntary sector who would like to support older people who are lesbian, gay, bi or trans. It will also be helpful for training providers to ensure courses integrate discussions and scenarios relating to the needs of people who are LGBT. The guide has been developed in partnership between Age UK the national organisation and Opening Doors London. (Edited publisher abstract)