Search results for ‘Subject term:"older people"’ Sort:
Results 1 - 10 of 14
SCIE research briefing 28: assistive technology and older people
- Authors:
- SOCIAL CARE INSTITUTE FOR EXCELLENCE, BEECH Roger, ROBERTS Diane
- Publisher:
- Social Care Institute for Excellence
- Publication year:
- 2008
- Pagination:
- 11p.
- Place of publication:
- London
The term ‘assistive technology’ incorporates a wide variety of devices. Assistive technology can be supportive, preventive or responsive. The increasing proportion of older people in the population makes the use of assistive technology an attractive option in social services. Perceptions vary as to whether or not assistive technology has sufficient benefits. Existing research supports the greater use of assistive technology but further evaluation and ‘local learning’ is needed. The views and needs of people using assistive technology need to be taken into account.
Effectiveness of a training program for carers to recognize depression among older people
- Authors:
- McCABE Marita P., et al
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 23(12), December 2008, pp.1290-1296.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Depression is a mental disorder that is frequently not detected among older people. The current study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a training program to assist carers to better recognize depression among older people in both community and residential care settings. In total, 52 professional carers (26 in community care, 26 in residential care) across a range of occupations completed a four session (for personal care attendants) or six session (for registered nurses or managers) training program. The program provided training for staff to identify and respond appropriately to signs of depression. In addition, nurses and managers were trained on the use of screening tools and referral processes. Outcomes were evaluated at post-test, and 6-month follow-up. The results demonstrated that for all groups training was effective in increasing carers' knowledge of depression and self-efficacy in detecting depression, as well as reducing the barriers to care at both post-test and 6-month follow-up. The training program evaluated in the current study was effective in increasing the level of skills necessary for care staff to better detect depression among older people in both community and residential care settings. Further research is needed to determine if these improved skills are sustained over time, and if they actually improve the level of recognition of depression among older people.
Developing strategies for the prevention, detection and management of elder abuse: the Irish experience
- Authors:
- O’DWYER Clodagh, O’NEILL Desmond
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect, 20(2), 2008, pp.169-180.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
Elder abuse has been officially recognised as a problem in Ireland only since the early 1990s, and its prevalence is still unknown. Policy developments are reviewed, including the briefing of government by the statutory National Council on Aging and Older People, commissioning of research, and the establishment of the Working Group on Elder Abuse. Following recommendations for the Working Group, pilot projects have been conducted and evaluated, leading to recommendations for national policy and practice guidelines, legislative amendments, and education and training initiatives. Progress with implementation has been patchy. The paper concludes with comment on two recent research studies, one revealing serious problems in the institutional care of the elderly. (Copies of this article are available from: Haworth Document Delivery Centre, Haworth Press Inc., 10 Alice Street, Binghamton, NY 13904-1580).
Mental wellbeing and older people: quick reference guide
- Author:
- NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH AND CLINICAL EXCELLENCE
- Publisher:
- National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence
- Publication year:
- 2008
- Pagination:
- 5p.
- Place of publication:
- London
This quick reference guide presents the recommendations made in ‘Occupational therapy interventions and physical activity interventions to promote the mental wellbeing of older people in primary care and residential care’. It focuses on the role of occupational therapy interventions and physical activity interventions in the promotion of mental wellbeing for older people. It is for health professionals who have a role in, and responsibility for, promoting older people’s mental wellbeing and may also be relevant for carers and family members and older people themselves. The four recommendations are: occupational therapy interventions; physical activity; walking schemes; staff training.
Age, mobility and email
- Author:
- MURNANE John S.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Assistive Technologies, 2(4), December 2008, pp.16-25.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
This research project investigated practical aspects of teaching older, retired people to use the Internet, with particular emphasis on email. The study was carried out in Melbourne, Australia. This paper deals with the justification for the research, its aims, objectives and mid-term results. A small number or residents in retirement accommodation, aged 84-97, have been tutored on a one-to-one basis to use email and other computer/Internet applications. Though several endemic hurdles have been experienced, the research shows the benefits of email and ways to overcome some of the problems.
Elder abuse in the United Kingdom
- Author:
- PENHALE Bridget
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect, 20(2), 2008, pp.151-168.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
Elder abuse began to attract attention in the UK in the 1990s, following earlier concerns with child abuse and domestic violence. Initially, interest focused on domestic settings but institutional settings are now also being explored. This paper summarises what is currently known about this type of abuse, and about protection and prevention. It also discusses legislative responses, national guidance, local authority responses, the value of a multi-disciplinary approach, and good practice issues. Knowledge about the mistreatment of older people is still incomplete and more research is needed, together with the continuing development of professional standards, systems of accountability, and education and training (including of the general public). (Copies of this article are available from: Haworth Document Delivery Centre, Haworth Press Inc., 10 Alice Street, Binghamton, NY 13904-1580).
An overview of elder abuse and neglect in Australia
- Authors:
- KURRLE Susan, NAUGHTIN Gerard
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect, 20(2), 2008, pp.108-125.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
Until the late 1980s elder abuse was a hidden problem in Australia, especially in relation to older people living in the community. Growing awareness has been driven by a range of official reports and research studies, and the activities of community organisations. The results of some of these are briefly reviewed, together with research, policy and practice responses by the federal government and each of the state governments: South Australia; New South Wales; Queensland; Victoria; Tasmania; Western Australia; the Australian Capital Territory; and the Northern Territory. Approaches differ, being characterised either by advocacy on behalf of the individual or enhancement of the capacity of service providers to respond to cases. A training and education function seems integral to all the different approaches. (Copies of this article are available from: Haworth Document Delivery Centre, Haworth Press Inc., 10 Alice Street, Binghamton, NY 13904-1580).
Getting older gracefully
- Authors:
- CLARE Alison, CUTHBERT Sharon Lee
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health Today, September 2008, pp.30-31.
- Publisher:
- Pavilion
- Place of publication:
- Hove
Provides a brief overview of two new vocational qualifications being offered by City and Guilds and Age Concern in promoting the mental health and wellbeing of older people.
A profile of Action on Elder Abuse
- Author:
- -
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Adult Protection, 10(3), August 2008, pp.35-38.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
A profile of Action on Elder Abuse (AEA), an abuse charity that works to protect and prevent the abuse of vulnerable older adults in the UK and in Ireland. The organisation outlines their activities aimed at raising awareness and prevention of elder abuse.
Equality and human rights: case study: Age Concern Stockport: the needs of older LGBT people and training aids for statutory sector workers
- Author:
- GREAT BRITAIN. Department of Health
- Publisher:
- Great Britain. Department of Health
- Publication year:
- 2008
- Pagination:
- 4p.
- Place of publication:
- London
Age Concern Stockport started to work with older LGBT people in their area in 2000, in response to reports of discrimination in service provision because of their sexuality and their age, Since then Age Concern Stockport has worked with the PCT, the local authority and Salford University to promote a better understanding of the needs of older LGBT people. This includes healthcare, social care, housing, transport and other services across the public sector. An older people’s LGTB group has written ‘Moving Forward’, a training and resource pack for public sector agencies, published by Salford University in October 2007.