Search results for ‘Subject term:"physical disabilities"’ Sort:
Results 1 - 8 of 8
Cycles of adaptive strategies over the life course
- Authors:
- COOPER Margaret, BIGBY Christine
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 57(5), 2014, pp.421-437.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
An increasing number of Australia’s ageing population are aging with long-term physical impairments. This study explored the life experiences of this group using a qualitative approach. In-depth interviews were conducted with 10 disabled Victorians, aged between 51 and 84 years, and an inductive thematic analysis undertaken. A relationship was found between the adaptive strategies that participants developed as they moved through life phases and the impairment stages. The implications of the emergence of a cyclical process of adaptation across the life course. and particularly in respect of aging, delivery of aged-care services and social workers in this sector are discussed. (Publisher abstract)
Quality in social care: achieving excellence in home care
- Author:
- SOCIAL CARE INSTITUTE FOR EXCELLENCE
- Publisher:
- Social Care Institute for Excellence
- Publication year:
- 2014
- Pagination:
- 19 minutes 48 seconds
- Place of publication:
- London
Service users get together with a social care academic and a leader in the home care sector to discuss how excellence can be achieved in domiciliary care. We see examples of excellence in support offered to older people, people with learning disabilities and people with physical disabilities in their own homes. Much of the focus is on the relationship between staff members and the people they support because getting that right is fundamental to excellent care. This film has now been revised. This film was previously available under the title 'Defining excellence: excellence in domiciliary care '. (Edited publisher abstract)
Decisions about equipment and adaptations used for bathing and showering
- Author:
- McLAGGAN Joy
- Journal article citation:
- Research Policy and Planning, 31(2), 2014/15, pp.143-160.
- Publisher:
- Social Services Research Group
Bathing and showering equipment and adaptations are commonly prescribed by Occupational Therapists in Adult Services. Despite this very little is known about what affects whether or not these items are used by individuals. With demands increasing it is essential that the experiences, preferences and needs of users are better understood in order that the equipment and adaptations provided are fully utilised and the need of the user met in a client-centred approach. This article details the research ‘Equipment and adaptations used for bathing and showering: views of individuals on their use’ (McLaggan, 2011) which examined: What equipment and/or adaptations do people use for bathing and showering?; Do people utilise all the equipment and/or adaptations they possess?; What affects whether or not people use equipment and/or adaptations? The article will consider the findings from this research in relation to existing research in this field. (Publisher abstract)
Social engagement in older residents of assisted living facilities
- Authors:
- Janga Yuri, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Aging and Mental Health, 18(5), 2014, pp.642-647.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Objectives: As a core component of successful ageing, social engagement is widely known to play an important role in promoting the health and well-being of older populations. Given the unique nature of assisted living facility (ALF) settings, the present study made a distinction between social engagement within and outside the facility and explored how these two types of social engagement would interact with functional disability in predicting depressive symptoms of older residents in ALFs. The authors hypothesised that the positive impact of social engagement within the facility would be greater among residents with higher levels of functional disability.Method: Using data from 150 ALF residents in Florida (Mage = 82.8, SD = 9.41), the direct and moderating effects of functional disability and the two types of social engagement on depressive symptoms were assessed.Results: Supporting the hypothesis, the interaction between functional disability and social engagement within the facility was found to be significant. The finding demonstrates the particular importance of social engagement within the facility for those with reduced physical function. For them, the limited but available opportunities for social activities and interpersonal contacts within the facility seem to bring substantial psychological benefits.Conclusion: The findings call attention to efforts to promote social activities and interpersonal contacts within ALFs. (Edited publisher abstract)
Well-being of elderly stroke survivors in Chinese communities: mediating effects of meaning in life
- Authors:
- SHAO Jingjin, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Aging and Mental Health, 18,(4) 2014, pp.435-443.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Objectives: This study aims to examine the role of meaning in life as a mediator for the relationship of physical functioning, social support, and optimism with well-being among elderly Chinese stroke survivors.Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 214 community-dwelling older stroke survivors (128 men and 86 women), ranging from 60 to 88 years. The physical functioning, social support, optimism, meaning in life, and subjective well-being of the participants were measured.Results: Structural equation modeling revealed that meaning in life fully mediates the relationship of physical functioning, social support, and optimism with subjective well-being.Conclusion: This study examines the role of meaning in life in stroke experience from an existential perspective. The modifiable features of meaning in life may offer an intervening angle for improving the well-being of elderly stroke survivors. (Publisher abstract)
Why is it important to consider so-called 'invisible' older people in UK healthcare?
- Authors:
- TINKER Anthea, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, 15(4), 2014, pp.187-196.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Design/methodology/approach: Using information obtained from academic literature, government statistics and other publications from relevant organisations, this paper discusses older people who are in groups that are not readily visible to policy makers and practitioners. The authors investigated one 'invisible' group each and comparisons and conclusions were then made collaboratively. The six underserved populations covered were older people with physical disabilities, learning disabilities, those from LGBT communities, older prisoners, older people with chronic long-term mental health problems (in particular depression and dementia) and those who are homeless. The issues of health needs, access to health care and provision of services are discussed. Findings: Many groups of older people seem to be absent from statistics and from policy making. The paper suggests that there needs to be more research to identify the scale of any problems and how they may be solved. Practical implications: There are practical implications for health and social care professionals if they do not recognise that there are groups in society about whom little is known. Lack of knowledge and empathy may affect their approach to these groups. (Edited publisher abstract)
Age-related macular degeneration patients’ awareness of nutritional factors
- Author:
- STEVENS Rebekah
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Visual Impairment, 32(2), 2014, pp.77-93.
- Publisher:
- Sage
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of visual impairment in older adults in the United Kingdom. This study sought to characterise AMD patients who seek the services of the Macular Society, and determine the level and source of their dietary knowledge. A questionnaire was designed, validated, and administered to 158 participants. The questions covered demographic data and knowledge of nutrition and supplementation. The mean age of participants was 79 years; 61% of them were female, and 27% were registered visually impaired. Only 55% of the participants thought diet was important for eye health, 63% felt that they had not received enough information about AMD. The participants reported that their information mainly came from non-professional support groups. Most participants identified healthy food, but could not say why, and were not able to identify carotenoid rich foods. The results of the study will inform design of education and dissemination methods regarding dietary information. (Publisher abstract)
Social services statistics Wales 2012-13
- Author:
- WALES. Welsh Government
- Publisher:
- Welsh Government
- Publication year:
- 2014
- Pagination:
- 73
- Place of publication:
- Cardiff
An annual report collating the social services statistical returns from local authorities in Wales. The report includes information on children, adults receiving services, people with physical, sensory of a learning disability, mental health services and staff directly employed by local authority social services departments. (Edited publisher abstract)