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The association between higher social support and lower depressive symptoms among aging services clients is attenuated at higher levels of functional impairment
- Authors:
- ORDEN Kimberly A. van, et al
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 30(10), 2015, pp.1085-1092.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Objective: Adults seeking services from the Aging Services Provider Network (ASPN) are at risk for depression. ASPN clients also have high prevalence of both functional impairments and social morbidities. Study of the relationships between these factors may inform the development of interventions for depression in this service setting. Methods: The study interviewed 373 older adults accessing ASPN services and assessed depression symptom severity, functional impairment (instrumental activities of daily living and activities of daily living), and social support. Results: Lower social support and greater functional impairment were associated with greater depressive symptoms. At a high level of functional impairment, the inverse associations between indices of social support and depressive symptoms were attenuated. Conclusions: Results suggest that older adults with more severe functional impairment may benefit somewhat less from increased social support with respect to depression symptom severity. (Edited publisher abstract)
Have we seen the back of smack?
- Authors:
- HOWARD Roger, SINGLETON Nicola
- Journal article citation:
- Druglink, 27(5), September 2012, pp.14-15.
- Publisher:
- Drugscope
- Place of publication:
- London
Reporting that UK estimates of problem drug use suggest that there is a falling prevalence of problem opiate use (mostly heroin) in England, this article examines and discusses recent changes in drug use, and particularly heroin use. It cites data showing that the estimated number of problem opiate users (including people in treatment) in the 35 to 64 year age group has increased, and that there has been a reduction in new users, and includes a table showing trends in problem drug use in England by age group from 2004/5 to 2009/10. It suggests that heroin dependency and the need for treatment and support is increasingly an issue for older adult groups. It considers possible reasons for this and the challenges it presents for policy makers, local commissioners and service providers. The authors discuss the implications, and suggest that a renewed focus on recovery as a journey and new approaches such as heroin-assisted treatment may be suitable for older heroin-addicted people with long term problems.
Housing and support for older people: a good practice guide
- Author:
- HAYES Paul
- Publisher:
- Shelter
- Publication year:
- 2006
- Pagination:
- 35p.
- Place of publication:
- London
Older people make up a large and ever-increasing section of the population. As we age, our needs change, as do our wishes and aspirations. Housing and support for older people, examines available housing options, homelessness prevention, approaches to working with older services users, and advice provision for our aging populace. Essential reading for organisations that provide services and care to older people including housing departments, social services, NHS staff, housing associations, and independent advice agencies.
The long goodbye
- Author:
- BRYAN Jenny
- Journal article citation:
- Health Service Journal, 6.1.00, 2000, pp.16-18.
- Publisher:
- Emap Healthcare
Reaching a 100th birthday will soon become a commonplace event. This report asserts that the centenarians of the new millennium will not be the chronic sick and long-stayers of the currently envisaged worst case scenario.
Exploring the challenge: the impact of the design process
- Author:
- DESIGN COUNCIL
- Publisher:
- Design Council
- Publication year:
- 2017
- Pagination:
- 60
- Place of publication:
- London
An ethnographic evaluation of the ‘Exploring the Challenge’ phase of Transform Ageing, a design-led programme which aims to improve people’s experience of ageing. Transforming Ageing brought together older people, social entrepreneurs and health and social care leaders to develop new solutions that better support the needs and aspirations of ageing communities. Teams were formed around challenges relevant to each location (Torbay, Somerset, North Devon and Cornwall). These included social isolation, hospital discharge, assistive technology, feeling supported as a carer, and being physically active. This evaluation reviews the successes and challenges of using a design-led approach with multiple stakeholders in a community setting. The evaluation uncovered impacts on the participants, documented the process of applying a design-led approach in a community setting and identified opportunities for improvement. The findings are organised around the following themes: diversity and collaboration; accessibility and inclusiveness; human beings first, professionals second; the process and language of design; and ownership and legacy. It is written for those interested in the approach taken in Transform Ageing and those eager to make change to improve people's later life. (Edited publisher abstract)
Using healthcare services: perspectives of community‐dwelling aging adults with intellectual disabilities and family members
- Authors:
- BAUMBUSCH Jennifer, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities, 16(1), 2019, pp.4-12.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
The aging of adults with Intellectual Disability (ID) in the community resulting from deinstitutionalization signals a need for change in healthcare policy and services. This population is growing older at rates similar to the rest of the population, and individuals with ID often have multiple chronic illnesses and may experience young‐onset dementia, increasing their need to use healthcare services. However, it is widely recognized that currently healthcare services are ill‐prepared to meet the unique needs of this population as they age in their communities. The purpose of this study was to explore this issue from the perspectives of aging individuals with ID and family members (FMs). This study employed qualitative description as the method of inquiry and took place in British Columbia, Canada. Adults with ID age 40 years and older (N = 21) and FMs (N = 26) participated. Data were collected through focus groups and semistructured interviews. Thematic data analysis was conducted to generate the main study findings. Two overarching themes were identified. First, “the organization and culture of healthcare services in the community.” This theme included issues such as age restrictions on health services, navigating health services, the culture of appointment‐making, and implications of living in rural settings, all of which influenced how individuals used healthcare services. Second, “interactions with healthcare providers” illustrated ways in which providers contribute to healthcare experiences. Many factors, both organizational and interpersonal, shape the experiences of aging individuals with ID using healthcare services in their communities. There continues to be a policy and service gap that can create unnecessary and avoidable difficulties in using healthcare services. Policies, service delivery, and education of healthcare providers need to be revisited in light of the unique needs of this population aging in the community in order to ensure healthcare is accessible. (Edited publisher abstract)
Dying in long-term care: perspectives from sexual and gender minority older adults about their fears and hopes for end of life
- Authors:
- KORTES-MILLER Katherine, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Social Work in End-of-Life and Palliative Care, 14(2-3), 2018, pp.209-224.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia
As lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) communities age, many individuals expect a need to enter the long-term care system toward the end of life. Not unlike most ageing Canadians, this anticipation is met with concern and fear. However, previous research suggests that older LGBTQ + individuals have unique fears often related to personal safety and discrimination. This qualitative study examined the hopes and fears of older LGBTQ + adults considering long-term care as they face end of life. Data were collected from three focus groups in Ontario, Canada, and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Specific and frequent reference to fear of entering long-term care homes was common across all focus groups, as participants anticipated: social isolation, decreased independence and capacity for decision-making, increased vulnerability to LGBTQ+-related stigma as well as exposure to unsafe social and physical environments. The results from this study, therefore, emphasise the need for palliative care specialists and long-term care home staff to address the unique health needs of older LGBTQ + adults nearing the end of life in order to work toward allaying fears and creating supportive and inclusive long-term care environments. (Edited publisher abstract)
Watching over me: positive, negative and neutral perceptions of in-home monitoring held by independent-living older residents in an Australian pilot study
- Authors:
- BRADFORD Dana Kai, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Ageing and Society, 38(7), 2018, pp.1377-1398.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
With an increase in the proportion of Australians aged over 65, and high government expenditure on residential care, there is a strong imperative to find smart, safe solutions to support older people to stay in their own homes. There is a growing interest in Australia for assistive technologies that provide home monitoring to promote health and wellbeing. This solution will only be viable if it meets with the expectations of older residents and their families. In the first smart homes pilot in Australia, we sought to ascertain barriers and facilitators of this technology. There was an overall positive response to the system, despite a slight tendency for residents to modify their behaviour due to perceived surveillance. Positive outcomes included increases in family communication, health autonomy and advances in technology uptake. Our findings suggest that a combination of considered placement of in-home technology, straightforward medical devices and a supportive human element will ensure that the technology meets the balance of service provision and preservation of dignity. Smart homes could mitigate the challenges associated with aged care while affording peace of mind for seniors and families. (Edited publisher abstract)
The potential of domiciliary care service in the Czech Republic to promote ageing in place
- Authors:
- KUBALCIKOVA Katerina, HAVLIKOVA Jana
- Journal article citation:
- European Journal of Social Work, 18(1), 2015, pp.65-80.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Due to population ageing, the need for long-term care is increasing. In many European countries, there is now a firm policy preference for care in the home as opposed to institutional care and policies at the local level support this preference. The purpose of this study is to report on the position of domiciliary care service within the Czech social services for the elderly and to explore its potential to promote ‘ageing in place’. The aim of the research was to perceive this issue from the viewpoint of the different parties: service users, service workers, service managers as well as policy-makers. Therefore, the qualitative methodology (case study method) was used. The results revealed that users considered domiciliary care as the only service in the Czech Republic that allowed them to remain at home despite their worsening capacity to manage the activities of daily living. On the part of the domiciliary care service, however, the authors found that this was strong in the provision of practical help, as well as assistance with users' self-maintenance, whereas their supervision and care management were not explicitly included either in the concept or the practice of this type of service. (Edited publisher abstract)
Social inclusion through ageing-in-place with care?
- Authors:
- BARRETT Patrick, HALE Beatrice, GAULD Robin
- Journal article citation:
- Ageing and Society, 32(3), April 2012, pp.361-378.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
The policy of ageing-in-place (support to remain in a long-term family home) has meant an increase in the number of frail or disabled older people receiving home care services. This paper explores the changes which occur as a result of becoming a care recipient and increasing dependency within the home, using the rites of passage framework. Drawing on research into the experience of dependence on care involving interviews with community dwelling older people in New Zealand, the authors argue that the transition into receiving care is characterised by discontinuity and upheaval which tends to reinforce social exclusion. The paper discusses transition into ageing-in-place with care, separation from independent living, assessment, aspects of disorientation and disconnection from the social world, and reconnective care practice involving consultative and inclusive ways of working. It concludes that care recipients are not well served by systems that do not address the disconnection they experience through development of disability and frailty, and that positive home care relationships that address both physical and emotional needs can help to achieve social inclusion and better outcomes for older people.