Search results for ‘Subject term:"older people"’ Sort:
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A family approach to delirium: a review of the literature
- Author:
- HALLOWAY Shannon
- Journal article citation:
- Aging and Mental Health, 18(2), 2014, pp.129-139.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
This literature review had the following objectives: (1) evaluate the current state of research into delirium management (prevention, identification, or treatment of delirium) with family approaches or involvement, (2) identify gaps and areas that require investigation, and (3) determine a future course of research. A comprehensive search of original research was conducted in six major databases using seven keywords in 2012. The literature search yielded a total of 2160 articles. Criteria for eligibility were met by a total of 11 articles. The articles were evaluated in regards to purpose, sample, research design, level of evidence, variables, and results. The literature review revealed that this topic is emergent and requires substantial additional research. The aspects of delirium care that researchers investigated were diverse and included bedside interventions (n = 3), screening strategies (n = 4), family education (n = 2), and care that employed multiple components (n = 2). Delirium outcomes improved significantly in two high-quality studies: one multi-component intervention and one bedside intervention program. Other noteworthy findings of lower quality studies warrant further examination. The review of the articles did not determine if the involvement of families in delirium management improves patient outcomes; however, the review revealed potential for program development and future courses of research.
Late-life depressive disorder in the community II. The relationship between psychiatric history, MMSE and family history
- Authors:
- Van OJEN Rob, et al
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Psychiatry, 166, March 1995, pp.316-319.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
In previous studies, dementia was linked to a family history of dementia and Down's syndrome. This study tested the hypothesis that late-life depression accompanied by cognitive impairment in elderly individuals with no history of psychiatric illness is also associated with these family histories.
Depression and infrequent participation in social activities among older adults: the moderating role of high-quality familial ties
- Authors:
- HOLTFRETER Kristy, TURANOVIC Jillian J., REISIG Michael D.
- Journal article citation:
- Aging and Mental Health, 21(4), 2017, pp.379-388.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Objectives: The primary objective of this study is to investigate whether depression is associated with reduced participation in social activities among older adults. Additionally, this study assesses whether high-quality familial ties diminish the negative association between depression and social activities. Methods: Using cross-sectional telephone interview data from a sample of individuals 60 years of age and older in Arizona and Florida (N = 2000), this study estimates a series of linear regression models to assess the relationship between depression and social activities, and test whether this association is conditioned by high-quality familial ties using multiplicative interaction terms. Results: As expected, an inverse relationship between depression and social activities is observed. Delving deeper, the regression models reveal that the depression–inactivity association is weaker among older individuals with strong, positive ties to spouses and children. Additional tests demonstrate the mere of existence of familial bonds provides no meaningful benefit – the quality of such ties matters. Conclusion: Findings support the theoretical argument that high-quality familial ties provide supportive coping resources that buffer individuals from the undesirable consequences associated with depression. Moving forward, longitudinal research on the causal links between depression and infrequent participation in social and leisure activities among older adults is warranted. (Publisher abstract)
Family support in late life: a review of the literature on aging, disability, and family caregiving
- Authors:
- GROSSMAN Brian R., WEBB Catherine E.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Family Social Work, 19(4), 2016, pp.348-395.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
For older adults and people with disabilities in the United States, family caregiving is an important part of remaining at home and in the community. As care recipients and caregivers age, family dynamics change, and the health, social, and financial impacts of this work have implications for individuals, families, and social policy. This review maps the literature across multiple fields related to disability and ageing to understand caregiving in late life, what it means to be an older caregiver and/or to care for older people. The authors summarise the findings of 97 articles to address the care, services, and supports family caregivers provide for older adults; negative and positive impacts for caregivers serving in this role; supports that family members use or need; and societal impact of family caregiving. Much of the literature describes the work family caregivers provide and negative impacts of caregiving. Less attention is devoted to caregiving benefits, supports used by family caregivers, and societal impacts. The authors conclude with an agenda for future research that attends to the need for research that includes: more diverse samples, new types of caregivers, longitudinal data, qualitative data and analysis, and comparative research. (Edited publisher abstract)
An introduction to the mental health of older people: understanding depression in later life
- Authors:
- SOCIAL CARE INSTITUTE FOR EXCELLENCE, MILNE Alisoun, GEARING Brian, WARNER Joanne
- Publisher:
- Social Care Institute for Excellence
- Publication year:
- 2007
- Place of publication:
- London
**This learning resource was removed in March 2023.** The main focus of this learning object is depression amongst older people. The learning object begins by highlighting some of the problems with defining and diagnosing 'depression' and then goes on to discuss the estimated numbers of older people that are thought to suffer from the condition. Next you will consider what makes people more or less vulnerable to developing depression in later life. Finally you will look at effective treatments for depression and explanations for why it so often remains unrecognised in older people.
Elder disability as an explanation for racial differences in informal home care
- Authors:
- LI Lydia W., FRIES Brant E.
- Journal article citation:
- Gerontologist, 45(2), April 2005, pp.2-6-215.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
Adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and disability levels, this study examines whether differences exist in the structure and function of community-dwelling Black and White frail elders' informal care networks. Data from in-person assessments of Michigan's Home and Community-Based Medicaid Waiver applicants were analyzed. The sample consisted of 936 Black and 3,182 White frail elderly persons. When sociodemographic characteristics were controlled for, racial differences were found in all informal care components except out-of-home chores. Differences in functional components (amount of care, scope of assistance, and personal care) were largely accounted for by disability, whereas racial differences in the structural components (source of care, living arrangement, and sole caregiver) and in-home chores were not. Findings suggest that Black elders are not better off than White elders in the receipt of informal care. Although Black elders receive more informal help, this difference is primarily because of level of disability. This study calls for heightened awareness of disability among low-income Black elders and the potential burden experienced by their caregivers
Coping effectiveness: determinants and relevance to the mental health and affect of family caregivers of persons with dementia
- Authors:
- GOTTLEIB B. H., ROONEY J. A.
- Journal article citation:
- Aging and Mental Health, 9(4), July 2004, pp.364-373.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Family caregivers of persons with dementia (n = 141) rated their effectiveness in coping with a challenging symptom displayed by their relative, and completed measures of their ways of coping, their general (optimism) and specific (caregiving self-efficacy) outcome expectancies, their affect (positive and negative), and the mental health subscale of the SF-36. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that coping effectiveness is more highly influenced by relatively stable outcome expectancies than by the ways of coping that are employed. In addition, optimism exerted a consistent and relatively strong impact on affect and mental health, overshadowing the influence of coping and judgments of its effectiveness. However, coping effectiveness not only had a significant main effect on the caregivers' mental health and negative affect, but also served a stress buffering function by reducing negative affect.
Older parents who care for children with serious mental illness
- Author:
- KAUFMAN Allan V.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 29(4), 1998, pp.35-55.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
This paper discusses the results of an exploratory study of a sample of older parents who lived with and provided care to adult children with serious mental illness in the USA. A majority of the parents reported high levels of social support from relatives and friends, and appeared to be coping adequately with the stress associated with their care giving activities. Most of the parents had made no concrete plans or arrangements for the future care of their seriously mentally ill children.
The effectiveness of the home help service with confused old people and their families
- Authors:
- LEVIN Enid, SINCLAIR Ian, GORBACH Peter
- Journal article citation:
- Research Policy and Planning, 3(2), 1985, pp.1-7.
- Publisher:
- Social Services Research Group
As part of a wider study of relatives supporting confused old people at home the authors considered the relevance of the home help service to the supporters' problems and its effectiveness in alleviating them. Although the service was often not received by old people living with others and presenting the most severe problems, it was generally appreciated by the supporters, relevant to their problems and apparently beneficial to their psychological health. Sometimes it apparently prevented institutional admission. Draws implications for the service and stresses the need to evaluate mainstream services as well as innovations in family support.
Influence of the social network on married and unmarried older adults’ mental health
- Authors:
- STOKES Jeffrey E., MOORMAN Sara M.
- Journal article citation:
- Gerontologist, 58(6), 2018, p.1109–1113.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
Purpose of the Study: In later life, adults’ social networks grow smaller through a combination of intentional selection and involuntary loss. This study examined whether older adults who lack a high-quality marriage compensate for this using support from other ties. The authors analysed how relationships with family and friends are associated with depressive symptoms across multiple marital statuses. Design and Methods: Data from 3,371 older adults who participated in the most recent wave of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP) were analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and ordinary least squares (OLS) regression. Results: Individuals in high-quality marriages experienced fewer depressive symptoms than the widowed, never married, divorced/separated, and those in lower-quality marriages. Older adults’ perceived family support, family strain, and friend strain were all significantly associated with depressive symptoms. The only difference in these effects according to marital status was for perceived family support, which was strongest for the never married. Implications: The never married may depend more on family and friends than the previously or unhappily married. Any compensation efforts among the latter failed to reduce depressive symptoms relative to happily married others. Older adults in high-quality marriages benefit from their marital relationship, and also benefit from supportive family and friend ties. (Edited publisher abstract)