Search results for ‘Subject term:"older people"’ Sort:
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Improving older people's oral health
- Author:
- ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS. Faculty of Dental Surgery
- Publisher:
- Royal College of Surgeons. Faculty of Dental Surgery
- Publication year:
- 2017
- Pagination:
- 20
- Place of publication:
- London
This report raises concerns about the significant impact that poor oral health is having on older people’s general health and quality of life. It makes a number of recommendations to improve oral healthcare for older people in England. They include: that key health and social care professionals should receive training in oral health; for regulators to make standards of oral care part of their assessments of hospitals and care homes; and for Government, health services, local authorities, care providers, regulators and the oral health profession to work together to improve access to dental services for older people. Although primarily applicable to England, a number of the recommendations also relevant for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. (Edited publisher abstract)
Woodland Wellbeing: a pilot for people with dementia
- Authors:
- GIBSON Elanor, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Working with Older People, 21(3), 2017, pp.178-185.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to understand whether a woodland-based intervention might offer something helpful and engaging for people affected by dementia. In total, 18 people came to Woodland Wellbeing groups over summer and autumn in 2016. Design/methodology/approach: The authors made observations during the groups, kept some notes and conducted some interviews around three months after people had participated in Woodland Wellbeing. Findings: Feedback from participants indicated themes around connection with nature and to one another; the joy in new learning and activities; and the inspirational impact of feeling part of nature. Originality/value: This paper adds to the growing literature on natural approaches in supporting the wellbeing of people affected by dementia, and highlights the value of partnership working. (Publisher abstract)
Informal caregiving transitions, subjective well-being and depressed mood: findings from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing
- Authors:
- RAFNSSON Snorri Bjorn, SHANKAR Aparna, STEPTOE Andrew
- Journal article citation:
- Aging and Mental Health, 21(1), 2017, pp.104-112.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Objectives: To prospectively investigate the impact of transitions in informal caregiving on emotional well-being over two years in a large population study of older people. Methods: Information on provision of unpaid care in 2004/2005 and 2006/2007 was available for 6571 participants in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. Three well-being domains were also assessed on each occasion: life satisfaction (measured with the Satisfaction with Life Scale); quality of life (assessed with the CASP-19 scale); and depression symptoms (measured using the Centers for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale). Multivariable analyses of the impact on well-being of two-year caregiving transitions (caregiving entry and caregiving exit, or continued caring) were conducted separately for spousal/child carers and carers of other family/non-relatives. Results: Compared to non-caregiving, entry into spousal/child caregiving was associated with decline in quality of life whereas entry into caregiving involving other kin relations increased life satisfaction and lowered depression symptoms. Contrary to expectations, caregiving exit was related to increased depression in both spousal/child and non-spousal/child carers. Continued spousal/child caregiving was also related to decline in quality of life. Other associations were suggestive but non-significant. Conclusion: The emotional impact of different caregiving transitions in later life differs across kin relationships; notably, spousal and child carers' well-being was consistently compromised at every stage of their caregiving career over the two-year study period. (Edited publisher abstract)
The meta marriage: links between older couples' relationship narratives and marital satisfaction
- Authors:
- McCOY Alexandra, RAUER Amy, SABEY Allen
- Journal article citation:
- Family Process, 56(4), 2017, pp.900-914.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Drawing upon a relatively understudied population and a unique observational task, the current study sought to examine how older couples' interactional behaviours during a relationship narrative task were associated with marital satisfaction over time. Using observational data from a sample of 64 older, higher-functioning married couples, the authors analysed a series of Actor–Partner Independence Models (APIM) to explore how couples' interactional behaviours during a relationship narrative task were associated with spouses' marital satisfaction both concurrently and one year later. Analyses revealed that spouses' behaviours (e.g., expressions of positive affect, negative affect, communication skills, engagement) were associated with their self-reported marital satisfaction both at the time of the narrative and with changes in marital satisfaction. The authors found particularly robust evidence for the role of husbands' negative affect during the narrative task in predicting changes in both spouses' marital satisfaction over time. The authors results indicate that researchers and clinicians should carefully consider the influence of development on the associations between spouses' behaviours and marital satisfaction. Further, those seeking to improve marriages in later life may need to consider the meaningful role that gender appears to play in shaping the marital experiences of older couples. (Edited publisher abstract)
Meeting the needs of older people living at home with dementia who have problems with continence
- Authors:
- DRENNAN Vari M., MANTHORPE Jill, ILIFFE Steve
- Journal article citation:
- Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, 18(4), 2017, pp.246-253.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to discuss the question of how to meet the needs of older people living at home with dementia who have problems with continence. The paper is focused on social care practice in community settings. Design/methodology/approach: This paper is practice focused and draws on the authors’ research and experiences in clinical care, workforce development and service improvement. Findings: This paper summarises research on incontinence and its negative effects on quality of life and care relationships. It describes the impact of incontinence in terms of social embarrassment, restricted social activity, extra work (such as laundry) and costs, but also distress. It links research with care practice, with a focus on people with dementia who may be at particular risk of both continence problems and of assumptions that nothing can be done to assist them. Social implications: This paper provides questions that could be addressed in commissioning and provision of services and argues that they need to be informed by care practitioners’ experiences. It provides details of sources of support that are available at national and local levels. Originality/value: This paper draws together research on continence and social care practice to provide a series of self-assessment questions for local services. It focuses on social care workers who are at the frontline of practice including personal assistants and carers. (Publisher abstract)
Enhanced health in care homes: learning from experiences so far
- Authors:
- BAYLIS Alex, PERKS-BAKER Susie
- Publisher:
- Kings Fund
- Publication year:
- 2017
- Pagination:
- 64
- Place of publication:
- London
This report looks at experiences so far in the areas of England working on delivering enhanced health in care homes and identifies learning for organisations implementing and developing enhanced health in care homes. It draws on interviews carried out in 15 local authority areas and a review of published literature about joining up and coordinating care homes and health services. The report looks at the impact that can be achieved through enhancing health in care homes, the way that projects measure their impact, and the extent to which residents are involved in identifying what 'good' coordinated care looks like. It finds that enhanced health in care homes is achievable in any area of England, and that a history of joint working between NHS, care homes and local authorities organisation is not essential. Interviewees' responses described significant benefits from closer working between care homes and health services, however, most areas focused on measurement of benefits through the avoidance of NHS activity and costs. The report highlights the need for better ways of measuring impact, including effects on care quality and quality of life, and the need to involve care home residents in defining what ‘good’ co-ordination of care looks like. It also highlights the importance of skilled leadership, and the use of networks and communities of practice to support leaders at all levels and share learning. The report outlines policy issues that arise from the findings and provides recommendations to help with extending and embedding enhanced health in care homes. (Edited publisher abstract)
Effects of digital engagement on the quality of life of older people
- Authors:
- DAMANT Jacqueline, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Health and Social Care in the Community, 25(6), 2017, pp.1679-1703.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
It is often asserted that older people's quality of life (QOL) is improved when they adopt information and communication technology (ICT) such as the Internet, mobile phones and computers. Similar assumptions are made about older people's use of ICT-based care such as telecare and telehealth. To examine the evidence around these claims, the authors conducted a scoping review of the academic and grey literature, covering the period between January 2007 and August 2014. A framework analysis approach, based on six domains of QOL derived from the ASCOT and WHOQOL models, was adopted to deductively code and analyse relevant literature. The review revealed mixed results. Older people's use of ICT in both mainstream and care contexts has been shown to have both positive and negative impacts on several aspects of QOL. Studies which have rigorously assessed the impact of older people's use of ICT on their QOL mostly demonstrate little effect. A number of qualitative studies have reported on the positive effects for older people who use ICT such as email or Skype to keep in touch with family and friends. Overall, the review unearthed several inconsistencies around the effects of older people's ICT use on their QOL, suggesting that implicit agreement is needed on the best research methods and instrumentation to adequately describe older people's experiences in today's digital age. Moreover, the available evidence does not consider the large number of older people who do not use ICT and how non-use affects QOL. (Edited publisher abstract)
Interventions to reduce dependency in bathing in community dwelling older adults: a systematic review
- Authors:
- GOLDING-DAY Miriam, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Systematic reviews, 6(1), 2017, Online only
- Publisher:
- BioMed Central
Background: The onset of bathing disability for older adults has been found to be an indicator and potential precursor of further disability. Thus interventions targeting bathing may prevent or delay further disability and the use of health and social care services. The aim of this systematic review was to identify interventions targeted at reducing dependency in bathing for community dwelling older adults, and determine their content and effectiveness in maintaining or improving function and quality of life. Methods: The authors conducted a systematic search of electronic databases including: The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); MEDLINE; EMBASE; AMED; CINAHL; PsycINFO and OTSeeker. The search took place on 18 October 2016. The review included randomised controlled trials, nonrandomised controlled trials, and controlled before and after studies that evaluated an intervention designed to reduce dependency in bathing. Articles were screened for inclusion by two independent reviewers; risk of bias was assessed using quality assessment tools; and data extracted using pre-prepared forms. Disagreements were resolved by discussion and inclusion of a third reviewer. Results: The search process identified one study for inclusion in the review. This study evaluated a bathing intervention delivered by an occupational therapist following discharge from hospital. Overall, the findings suggest modest improvements in functional ability in favour of the intervention group although the results should be interpreted with caution. Conclusion: Despite evidence suggesting the importance of addressing bathing difficulties as a means of possible prevention of disability in the ageing process, there is a dearth of evaluative or interventional research studies. Further robust research is warranted, including studies of randomised and controlled design. (Edited publisher abstract)
Pet dogs as promoters of wellbeing
- Author:
- WHILE Alison
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Community Nursing, 22(7), 2017, p.332–336.
- Publisher:
- MA Healthcare
- Place of publication:
- London
The rise in life expectancy requires strategies to enable healthy ageing and the promotion of a high quality of life in old age. Poor mental health including depression and social isolation can blight older people's lives. Despite the positive benefits of physical activity for both mental and physical health, only a minority of those over 65 years are attaining the recommended levels of physical activity. The evidence relating to the benefits of pet dogs as promoters of wellbeing is set out in this article, although meeting their care needs may place an additional strain on an older person and/or their carer who has limited resources and physical capabilities. (Publisher abstract)
Psychological well-being over time among informal caregivers caring for persons with dementia living at home
- Authors:
- LETHIN Connie, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Aging and Mental Health, 21(11), 2017, pp.1138-1146.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Objectives: To investigate informal caregivers’ psychological well-being and predicted increase in psychological well-being, when caring for persons with dementia (PwDs) living at home, related to caregiver, PwD and formal care (FC) factors. Method: A cohort study at baseline and 3 months’ follow-up in eight European countries. Caregivers included (n = 1223) were caring for PwDs aged ≥ 65 years at home. Data on caregivers, PwDs and FC were collected using standardised instruments. Regression analysis of factors associated with caregiver psychological well-being at baseline and 3 months later was performed. Results: Factors associated with caregiver psychological well-being at baseline were positive experience of caregiving, low caregiver burden, high quality of life (QoL) for caregivers, male gender of PwD, high QoL of PwD, few neuropsychiatric symptoms and depressive symptoms for the PwD. At follow-up, caregivers with increased psychological well-being experienced of quality of care (QoC) higher and were more often using dementia specific service. Predicting factors for caregivers’ increased psychological well-being were less caregiver burden, positive experience of caregiving, less supervision of the PwD and higher caregiver QoL, if PwD were male, had higher QoL and less neuropsychiatric symptoms. Furthermore, higher QoC predicted increased caregivers’ psychological well-being. Conclusion: Informal caregiving for PwDs living at home is a complex task. The authors' study shows that caregivers’ psychological well-being was associated with, among other things, less caregiver burden and higher QoL. Professionals should be aware of PwD neuropsychiatric symptoms that might affect caregivers’ psychological well-being, and provide proper care and treatment for caregivers and PwDs. (Edited publisher abstract)