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Robinson E, Dickins M, Lad L, Beard S, McGill D, Hayes J, Fabri AM, Wade H, Meyer C, Lowthian JA. Adaptation and Implementation of a Volunteer-Delivered, Telephone-Based, Social Support Program HOW-R-U? During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Pragmatic Study. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2024; 64:gnae034. [PMID: 38656333 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnae034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Public health concerns surrounding social isolation and loneliness heightened during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, as infection prevention measures led to increased feelings of loneliness and depression. Our objective was to evaluate the implementation of the HOW-R-U? program, during the pandemic (March 2020-December 2021). HOW-R-U? is a weekly volunteer-delivered telephone program designed to facilitate social connection and ease feelings of social isolation, loneliness, and depression in older people. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS This pragmatic study used the Implementation Framework for Aged Care to adapt and implement HOW-R-U? in an Australian aged and community care organization and a tertiary health service in Melbourne. The evaluation involved analysis of program data, semistructured interviews, and surveys with program recipients, volunteers, and referrers. A process evaluation was conducted alongside an assessment of outcomes including pre- and post-symptoms of isolation, depression, and loneliness. RESULTS The implementation evaluation indicated that codesigned systems and processes effectively supported the ongoing implementation of HOW-R-U? with transition into business as usual across both organizations. Recipients reported that telephone calls had a positive impact on their lives, whereas volunteers reported enjoyment of supporting others. Several challenges were identified, namely in program reach and fidelity. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS HOW-R-U? was well regarded by all involved, and evaluation learnings have informed implementation into business as usual by both organizations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marissa Dickins
- Bolton Clarke Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, Southern Synergy, Monash Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lina Lad
- Bolton Clarke, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | - Henni Wade
- Northern Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Claudia Meyer
- Bolton Clarke Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Rehabilitation, Ageing and Independent Living Research Centre, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Judy A Lowthian
- Bolton Clarke Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Li L, Shen Q, Wu J. The experiences and needs of older adults receiving voluntary services in Chinese nursing home organizations: a qualitative study. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:547. [PMID: 38685043 PMCID: PMC11059588 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-11045-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Older adults living in nursing home organizations are eager to get voluntary help, however, their past experiences with voluntary services are not satisfactory enough. To better carry out voluntary services and improve the effectiveness of services, it is necessary to have a deeper understanding of the experiences and needs of older adults for voluntary services. METHODS The purposive sampling method was used to select 14 older adults from two nursing home organizations in Hangzhou and conduct semi-structured interviews, Collaizzi's seven-step method was used to analyze the data. RESULTS Older adults in nursing home organizations have both beneficial experiences and unpleasant service experiences in the process of receiving voluntary services; Beneficial experiences include solving problems meeting needs and feeling warmth and care, while unpleasant service experiences include the formality that makes it difficult to benefit truly, lack of organization, regularity, sustainability, and the mismatch between service provision and actual demands. The needs for voluntary services mainly focuses on emotional comfort, Cultural and recreational, and knowledge acquisition. CONCLUSION Older adults in nursing home organizations have varied voluntary experiences, and their voluntary service needs are diversified. Voluntary service needs of older adults should be accurately assessed, and voluntary service activities should be focused upon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Li
- School of Nursing, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 548 Binwen Road, Binjiang District, Hangzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qin Shen
- School of Nursing, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 548 Binwen Road, Binjiang District, Hangzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Junxian Wu
- School of Nursing, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 548 Binwen Road, Binjiang District, Hangzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China
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Sen K, Laheji N, Ramamonjiarivelo Z, Renick C, Osborne R, Beauvais B. Examining the Effect of Contactless Intergenerational Befriending Intervention on Social Isolation Among Older Adults and Students' Attitude Toward Companionship: Content Analysis. JMIR Aging 2024; 7:e47908. [PMID: 38175944 PMCID: PMC10865196 DOI: 10.2196/47908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intergenerational friendship, a mechanism of social support, is an effective intervention to reduce the increasing risk of social isolation (SI) and develop companionship in the older adult population. The COVID-19 pandemic provided a unique opportunity to examine the psychosocial intervention of befriending via technology use as a primary form of contactless socialization. OBJECTIVE The study aims to explore the effectiveness of the befriending intervention through a contactless, intergenerational service-learning project on older adult emotions, especially boredom and loneliness as the key attributes of SI, and on students' attitude toward companionship. METHODS During the months of January to April 2022 , undergraduate students enrolled in a health administration course with a special focus on culture were asked to be involved in a contactless, intergenerational service-learning project (n=46). In this study, contactless intervention meant communication using the telephone and apps such as FaceTime and Zoom. Students were paired with older adults to have at least a 30-minute weekly conversation, for 8 weeks, via telephone or an internet-based app such as FaceTime. Students were asked to write a half-page diary after each interaction and a 1-page reflection at the end of the fourth week and at the end of the service-learning project. At the completion of the project, the researchers also surveyed the older adults to assess the impact of the project using a 5-item open-ended questionnaire. Following a heuristic approach and content analysis, student artifacts (110,970 words; 118-page, single-spaced Microsoft Word document) and the older adult surveys were analyzed using MAXQDA, (VERBI GmbH). Qualitative data were extracted to assess the impact of service learning on SI by measuring the attributes of boredom and loneliness among 46 older adults. Students' attitudes toward companionship were also assessed using data from their diaries and reflections. RESULTS Overall, three major constructs were identified: (1) meaningful engagement, defined as feeling safe, having increased confidence, and having reduced boredom; (2) internal motivation to participate in the weekly interaction, defined as discussion about daily life experience, level of happiness, and ability to exert personal control over the situation; and (3) intergenerational befriending, defined as perceived benefits from the friendly nature of the interaction, ability to comfortably connect with students, and positive feeling and attitude toward the student. CONCLUSIONS The contactless, intergenerational befriending intervention reduced boredom and loneliness among older adults and enhanced positive attitude and confidence among university students. Students helped older adults to develop digital skills for the use of apps and social media. Older adults showed interest in the intervention and shared their daily life experiences with the students, which helped to reduce the gap between generations. Findings indicate the effectiveness of an intergenerational service-learning intervention on SI reduction and increased positive attitude among college students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keya Sen
- School of Health Administration, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, United States
| | - Nida Laheji
- School of Health Administration, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, United States
| | - Zo Ramamonjiarivelo
- School of Health Administration, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, United States
| | - Cecil Renick
- School of Health Administration, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, United States
| | - Randall Osborne
- Department of Psychology, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, United States
| | - Brad Beauvais
- School of Health Administration, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, United States
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Ling K, Langlois D, Preusse H, Rheman JM, Parson D, Kuballa S, Simecek M, Tsui KM, Fraune MR. "If you weren't connected to the Internet, you were not alive": experience of using social technology during COVID-19 in adults 50. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1177683. [PMID: 37876716 PMCID: PMC10590895 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1177683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Loneliness and social isolation reduce physical and mental wellbeing. Older adults are particularly prone to social isolation due to decreased connection with previous social networks such as at workplaces. Social technology can decrease loneliness and improve wellbeing. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted quarantine and social distancing for many people, creating a context of widespread social isolation. Method In the current study, we interviewed middle-aged and older adults' (n = 20) about their use of social technology when social isolation was common: during the early part of the pandemic while social isolation and masking were still required in the United States, between August 2020 and June 2021.We analyzed the data using three-phase coding. We compare our results against the model of the bidirectional and dynamic relationship between social internet use and loneliness. Results We found that during the COVID-19 pandemic, our participants experienced decreased social interaction and moved toward online interaction. Participant use of social technology supported the stimulation hypothesis - that is, they used it to maintain existing relationships and social connection. The findings also add novel evidence that the stimulation hypothesis endures for older adults during enforced isolation (in this case due to the COVID- 19 pandemic). Discussion Based on our data, we also propose adding the presence or realism of connection via social technology as a main factor to the model and engaging with construal level theory of social presence to fill in critical variables of this relationship. We further find that digital exclusion acts as a barrier to obtaining benefits from stimulation via social technology and recommend that further research examined digital exclusion in relation to the bidirectional and dynamic model. Finally, we discuss recommendations for improving social technology to benefit middle-aged and older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina Ling
- Intergroup Human-Robot Interaction Lab, Department of Psychology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, United States
| | | | - Harrison Preusse
- Intergroup Human-Robot Interaction Lab, Department of Psychology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, United States
| | - Jennifer M. Rheman
- Intergroup Human-Robot Interaction Lab, Department of Psychology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, United States
| | - Danya Parson
- Intergroup Human-Robot Interaction Lab, Department of Psychology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, United States
| | - Sarah Kuballa
- Intergroup Human-Robot Interaction Lab, Department of Psychology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, United States
| | - Martin Simecek
- Intergroup Human-Robot Interaction Lab, Department of Psychology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, United States
| | | | - Marlena R. Fraune
- Intergroup Human-Robot Interaction Lab, Department of Psychology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, United States
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de Sandes-Guimarães LV, Dos Santos PC, Alves CPGP, Cervato CJ, Silva APA, Leão ER. The effect of volunteer-led activities on the quality of life of volunteers, residents, and employees of a long-term care institution: a cohort study. BMC Geriatr 2023; 23:151. [PMID: 36941534 PMCID: PMC10025785 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-03898-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic primarily impacted long-term care facilities by restricting visiting and circulation of visitors, affecting the quality of life (QoL) of older adults living in these institutions. Volunteer activities, essential for older adults' daily life, were also interrupted and potentially negatively impacted the QoL of older adults, volunteers themselves, and also employees in these institutions. In this context, this study aims to evaluate the impact of the return of volunteer-led activities in a long-term care institution on the QoL of older adult residents, employees, and volunteers. METHODS This study used a pre-test and post-test design within the same group. The first round of data collection was conducted before volunteer-led activities returned and the second round after 1 month of return. The instrument used to assess QoL was the EUROHIS-QoL-8 scale. This study was conducted within a nursing home in São Paulo, Brazil, created in 1937 by members of the Israeli community living in Brazil. Volunteer-led activities were part of residents' daily life before the COVID-19 pandemic, when these activities were interrupted for about 20 months. A total of 79 individuals participated in both rounds (pre and post), of which: 29 residents, 27 volunteers, and 23 employees of the long-term care institution. RESULTS Using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test, the analyses indicated improvements after the 1 month return in different QoL aspects for the three groups. Volunteers improved their personal relationships (Z - 2.332, p < .05), residents their overall health (Z - 2.409, p < .05) and employees in their overall QoL perception (Z - 2.714, p < .05). Influencing factors for residents were the number of activities (3 or more), gender (male), and education (undergraduate/graduate). For employees, those who assumed additional activities due to the volunteer-led activities interruption had a significant impact on their overall QoL. CONCLUSIONS Evidence from this study suggests that volunteers' return positively impacted different QoL aspects for volunteers, residents, and employees.
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Fraune MR, Komatsu T, Preusse HR, Langlois DK, Au RHY, Ling K, Suda S, Nakamura K, Tsui KM. Socially facilitative robots for older adults to alleviate social isolation: A participatory design workshop approach in the US and Japan. Front Psychol 2022; 13:904019. [PMID: 36337527 PMCID: PMC9629871 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.904019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Social technology can improve the quality of older adults' social lives and mitigate negative mental and physical health outcomes associated with loneliness, but it should be designed collaboratively with this population. In this paper, we used participatory design (PD) methods to investigate how robots might be used as social facilitators for middle-aged and older adults (age 50+) in both the US and Japan. We conducted PD workshops in the US and Japan because both countries are concerned about the social isolation of these older adults due to their rapidly aging populations. We developed a novel approach to participatory design of future technologies that spends 2/3 of the PD session asking participants about their own life experiences as a foundation. This grounds the conversation in reality, creates rapport among the participants, and engages them in creative critical thinking. Then, we build upon this foundation, pose an abstract topic, and ask participants to brainstorm on the topic based on their previous discussion. In both countries, participants were eager to actively discuss design ideas for socially facilitative robots and imagine how they might improve their social lives. US participants suggested design ideas for telepresence robots, social distancing robots, and social skills artificial intelligence programs, while Japanese participants suggested ideas for pet robots, robots for sharing experiences, and easy-to-operate instructor robots. Comparing these two countries, we found that US participants saw robots as tools to help facilitate their social connections, while Japanese participants envisioned robots to function as surrogate companions for their parents and distract them from loneliness when they were unavailable. With this paper, we contribute to the literature in two main ways, presenting: (1) A novel approach to participatory design of future technologies that grounds participants in their everyday experience, and (2) Results of the study indicating how middle-aged and older adults from the US and Japan wanted technologies to improve their social lives. Although we conducted the workshops during the COVID-19 pandemic, many findings generalized to other situations related to social isolation, such as older adults living alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlena R. Fraune
- Department of Psychology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, United States
| | - Takanori Komatsu
- Department of Frontier Media Science, Meiji University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Harrison R. Preusse
- Department of Psychology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, United States
| | - Danielle K. Langlois
- Department of Psychology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, United States
| | - Rachel H. Y. Au
- Department of Psychology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, United States
| | - Katrina Ling
- Department of Psychology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, United States
| | - Shogo Suda
- Department of Frontier Media Science, Meiji University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kiko Nakamura
- Department of Frontier Media Science, Meiji University, Tokyo, Japan
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Quintiens B, D'Eer L, Deliens L, Van den Block L, Chambaere K, De Donder L, Cohen J, Smets T. Area-Based Compassionate Communities: A systematic integrative review of existing initiatives worldwide. Palliat Med 2022; 36:422-442. [PMID: 35354413 DOI: 10.1177/02692163211067363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Area-Based Compassionate Communities are community public health interventions which focus on the role of the community in palliative care provision. They apply a set of actions based on the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion which aims to increase people's control over their health. AIM To review and compare Area-Based Compassionate Communities with respect to their contextual characteristics, development processes and evaluations. DESIGN A systematic integrative review with narrative synthesis. Registered in Prospero: CRD42020173406. DATA SOURCES Five databases (Pubmed, Web of Science, PsycInfo, Embase and Scopus) were consulted, consisting of publications from 1999 onwards. This was supplemented with grey literature and author-provided documentation. RESULTS Twenty articles were drawn from the peer reviewed search, three from grey literature and two from author-provided documentation. Notwithstanding the substantial variation in what is reported, all Area-Based Compassionate Community initiatives focus on multiple action areas of the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion. Variability in their contextual and developmental characteristics is high. Only a minority of initiatives have been evaluated and although conclusions are generally positive, what is evaluated often does not match their aims. Attaining support from policy makers can help in obtaining funding early in the project. Strengthening people's social networks was a recurring community engagement strategy. CONCLUSIONS While the concept of Area-Based Compassionate Communities is gaining momentum as a new paradigm for the creation of palliative care capacity across society, only a handful of initiatives have been described. The lack of formal evaluations of their envisaged health benefits indicates a pressing need for rigorous research about ongoing and future initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bert Quintiens
- End-of Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium.,Compassionate Community Centre of Expertise (COCO), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Louise D'Eer
- End-of Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium.,Compassionate Community Centre of Expertise (COCO), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Luc Deliens
- End-of Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium.,Compassionate Community Centre of Expertise (COCO), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lieve Van den Block
- End-of Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kenneth Chambaere
- End-of Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium.,Compassionate Community Centre of Expertise (COCO), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Liesbeth De Donder
- Compassionate Community Centre of Expertise (COCO), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Adult Educational Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Joachim Cohen
- End-of Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium.,Compassionate Community Centre of Expertise (COCO), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Tinne Smets
- End-of Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium.,Compassionate Community Centre of Expertise (COCO), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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Zhang H, Chen Z, Zhang J, Zhou X, Li S, Ren H. Effects of Developmental Bibliotherapy on Subjective Well-Being of Older Adults Living in Nursing Homes: A Quasi-Experimental Study. J Psychosoc Nurs Ment Health Serv 2022; 60:15-22. [PMID: 35191766 DOI: 10.3928/02793695-20220215-03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The current study sought to create a developmental bibliotherapy material database (DBMD) and examine the effectiveness of developmental bibliotherapy on subjective well-being of older adults living in nursing homes. Based on the reading needs of older adults, we developed a DBMD, which included 327 materials with five themes: Health Care, Current Affairs and Politics, Historical Biographies, Geriatric Culture, and Psychological Adjustment. Fifty-four single materials were randomly selected from the DBMD to perform the intervention. This study used a quasi-experimental, single-group pre-/post-survey approach. Sixty-four older adults participated in the study for 6 weeks. Immediately before and after the intervention, older adults completed the Optimism-Pessimism Scale and Memorial University of Newfoundland Scale of Happiness. There were significant improvements in older adults' optimistic tendency and subjective well-being (p < 0.05). Reading materials in the DBMD promoted older adults' optimistic attitude toward life, reduced negative emotions, and improved subjective well-being. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, xx(xx), xx-xx.].
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Knippenberg IAH, Leontjevas R, Nijsten JMH, Bakker C, Koopmans RTCM, Gerritsen DL. Stimuli changes and challenging behavior in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Geriatr 2022; 22:142. [PMID: 35183123 PMCID: PMC8857739 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-022-02824-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background COVID-19 restrictions in nursing homes resulted in a reduction in stimuli for residents. This study aimed to explore observed effects of changes in stimuli, both targeted (e.g., planned recreational activities) and untargeted (e.g., spontaneous noise), on challenging behavior in nursing home residents during COVID-19 anti-pandemic measures. Methods In an online survey, nursing home healthcare professionals in the Netherlands provided their perspectives on the effects of the reduction in untargeted stimuli on residents with mild, advanced, or no dementia, and on different types of challenging behavior (i.e., psychotic, depressed, anxious, agitated, or apathetic behavior). Additionally, we asked participants’ opinions about strategies for limiting untargeted stimuli and for adjusting targeted stimuli for optimal management of challenging behaviors. Results In total, 199 professionals completed the survey. Residents with advanced dementia and those with psychotic and agitated behavior seemed to benefit from the reductions in stimuli not specifically targeted at the resident. In contrast, residents without dementia and those with depressive and apathetic behavior seemed to be negatively affected by reductions in untargeted stimuli. Participants would like to continue reducing untargeted stimuli in the future (e.g., limiting the use of corridors adjacent to residents' rooms) and to adapt existing or introduce new initiatives involving targeted stimuli (e.g., small-scale, individually tailored activities). Responses to open-ended questions revealed additional initiatives that could be useful in nursing home care. Conclusions This study provided lessons to learn from the COVID-19 measures in nursing homes. While many residents may have been negatively affected by the restrictions imposed during the pandemic, specific resident groups may have benefitted from the reduction in untargeted stimuli and from the adjustments made to daily activities. Various strategies and initiatives used in nursing homes during the pandemic seem promising for meeting individual needs in managing challenging behavior. These findings suggest that certain stimuli may affect specific resident groups differently. This underlines the importance of finding the right balance between stimuli and tranquility, tailored to the needs of individual residents. It is important to consider the stimuli present in nursing homes, whether targeted or untargeted, when analyzing and treating challenging behavior.
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Brydon A, Bhar S, Doyle C, Batchelor F, Lovelock H, Almond H, Mitchell L, Nedeljkovic M, Savvas S, Wuthrich V. National Survey on the Impact of COVID-19 on the Mental Health of Australian Residential Aged Care Residents and Staff. Clin Gerontol 2022; 45:58-70. [PMID: 34634217 DOI: 10.1080/07317115.2021.1985671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study is the first to obtain data on the prevalence of, contributors to, and supports required for, pandemic-related distress within the residential aged care sector in Australia. A nested mixed-methods approach was used to examine aged care leaders' opinions about the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of aged care residents and staff. METHODS A total of 288 senior staff of Australian residential aged care facilities (care managers, clinical care coordinators, and lifestyle team leaders; mean age = 52.7 years, SD = 10.3) completed an online survey between 10th September and 31st October 2020. RESULTS On average, nearly half of their residents experienced loneliness (41%) and a third experienced anxiety in response to COVID-19 (33%). The most frequently noted contributors to poor mental health among residents were restrictions to recreational outings and watching news coverage relating to COVID-19. Participants emphasized the need for increased access to counseling services and improved mental health training amongst staff. Residential care staff were similarly impacted by the pandemic. More than a third of staff were reported as anxious (36%) and 20% depressed, in response to COVID-19. Staff were worried about introducing COVID-19 into their facility and were impacted by news coverage of COVID-19. Staff would feel supported by financial assistance and by increased staff-resident ratios. CONCLUSIONS Senior staff perceive that the mental health of Australian aged care residents and staff was negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The most noted contributors were identified, as was the mental health support for aged care communities. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS This study provides government and policymakers with clear intervention targets for supporting the sector. Clinicians can support residential aged care communities by providing on-site or telehealth counseling, and upskill and train residential aged care staff on how to respond to the emotional needs of residents in response to COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aida Brydon
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sunil Bhar
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Colleen Doyle
- National Ageing Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | | | - Helen Almond
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Leander Mitchell
- School of Psychology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Maja Nedeljkovic
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Steven Savvas
- National Ageing Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Viviana Wuthrich
- Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
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Kennedy-Behr A, Rosso E, McMullen-Roach S, Berndt A, Hauschild A, Bakewell H, Boshoff K, Antonello D, Jeizan B, Murray CM. Intergenerational Virtual Program: Promoting Meaningful Connections Across the Lifespan During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Front Public Health 2021; 9:768778. [PMID: 34988050 PMCID: PMC8720747 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.768778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Intergenerational programs have long been identified as a way of promoting health and well-being for participants. Continuing such programs during pandemic restrictions is challenging and requires a novel approach. This community case study describes the use of co-design to create a high-level intergenerational program model, adapt it to specific community needs, and deliver it virtually with the aid of modern communication technology. Interviews conducted after the program had finished indicated that despite the challenges and limitations of the virtual environment, meaningful connections were achieved across three generations. The high-level program model may serve as a basis for other programs wanting to explore this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Kennedy-Behr
- Occupational Therapy, UniSA Allied Health & Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- *Correspondence: Ann Kennedy-Behr
| | | | - Sarah McMullen-Roach
- Occupational Therapy, UniSA Allied Health & Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Angela Berndt
- Occupational Therapy, UniSA Allied Health & Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Ashleigh Hauschild
- Occupational Therapy, UniSA Allied Health & Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Hannah Bakewell
- Occupational Therapy, UniSA Allied Health & Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Kobie Boshoff
- Occupational Therapy, UniSA Allied Health & Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- International Centre for Allied Health Evidence, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | | | - Badakhsh Jeizan
- Child Care Network and Creche Services, TAFE SA, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Carolyn M. Murray
- Occupational Therapy, UniSA Allied Health & Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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Bruce P, Pesut B, Dunlop R, Puurveen G, Duggleby W. (Dis)Connecting Through COVID-19: Experiences of Older Persons in the Context of a Volunteer-Client Relationship. Can J Aging 2021; 40:1-11. [PMID: 34666866 DOI: 10.1017/s0714980821000404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and mandated physical distancing requirements significantly impacted volunteer programs for older persons with many long-standing programs either ceasing altogether or pivoting to connecting through virtual technologies. In this study, we collected qualitative interview data from 23 clients and 33 volunteers to investigate their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and the effects on the volunteer-client relationship. Three themes were identified: pandemic emotions, negotiating social interactions, and growing through the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings provide important insights into the experiences of hospice organizations and their volunteers and clients during the COVID 19 pandemic, further highlighting the importance of acknowledging both older persons' vulnerability and their resilience, of building in compassionate community approaches to care, and of finding innovative ways to foster volunteer-client relationships during times when physical visiting is not possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paxton Bruce
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies, University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Barbara Pesut
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Rowena Dunlop
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Gloria Puurveen
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Wendy Duggleby
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Palacios-Ceña D, Fernández-Peña R, Ortega-López A, Fernández-Feito A, Bautista-Villaécija O, Rodrigo-Pedrosa O, Arnau-Sánchez J, Lizcano-Álvarez Á. Long-Term Care Facilities and Nursing Homes during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review of the Perspectives of Professionals, Families and Residents. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:10099. [PMID: 34639401 PMCID: PMC8508277 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph181910099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had significant repercussions for nursing home residents, their families, and professionals. The objective was to describe the perspectives of residents, their families, and nursing home employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. A scoping review was carried out using the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews. The inclusion criteria were: qualitative and/or mixed methods studies in English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish. The review covers studies published from 11 March 2020 to 15 February 2021. CINAHL, PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Scopus, British Nursing Index, Proquest, PsycInfo, and Google Scholar databases were used. We conducted a systematic narrative synthesis, presenting the results narratively and showing descriptive statistics on the studies reviewed. Sixteen documents were obtained from 175 results. Two studies focused on residents and one on their families. The remaining studies looked at professionals. Nursing homes had great difficulty managing resources, which was exacerbated by emotional exhaustion among residents, employees, and family members. In nursing homes, creative initiatives and new forms of leadership appeared to meet emerging needs during the pandemic. The results of the study show the impact of the pandemic on nursing homes and the response capacity present among residents, family members, and professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domingo Palacios-Ceña
- Humanities and Qualitative Research in Health Science Research Group, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (Hum&QRinHS), 28922 Alcorcón, Spain;
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Medicine, and Rehabilitation, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain
| | - Rosario Fernández-Peña
- Faculty of Nursing, Universidad de Cantabria, 39008 Santander, Spain;
- Nursing Research Group, IDIVAL, 39011 Santander, Spain
- SALBIS Research Group, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Angela Ortega-López
- Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria de Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga-IBIMA, 29010 Málaga, Spain
| | - Ana Fernández-Feito
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- Nursing Research Group, Health Research Institute of Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | | | | | - José Arnau-Sánchez
- Directorate General of Health Planning, Research, Pharmacy and Citizen Services, Murcia Region Health Counseling, 30071 Murcia, Spain;
| | - Ángel Lizcano-Álvarez
- Department of Nursing and Stomatology, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain;
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Pachana NA, Wuthrich VM. Social Inclusion and Isolation: Research for the Post-COVID Era and Beyond. Clin Gerontol 2021; 44:355-358. [PMID: 34196601 DOI: 10.1080/07317115.2021.1934283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nancy A Pachana
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Viviana M Wuthrich
- Centre for Ageing, Cognition & Wellbeing, Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
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Holton E, Fitzpatrick R, Maguire R, Commins S, Scharf T, Lawlor B, Johnson N, Hannigan C, McHugh Power J. Older Users of a Befriending Service in Ireland and the Maintenance of Personal Autonomy during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:2788. [PMID: 33801822 PMCID: PMC7998817 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18062788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In the Republic of Ireland (RoI), COVID-19 public health guidelines have been most restrictive for people aged 70 and over. Such individuals are most likely to avail of befriending services offered by a network of Irish organisations. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of COVID-19 guidelines on befriending service users, and to develop recommended adaptations to befriending services compatible with such guidelines. A qualitative constructivist grounded theory approach was taken to the study design and analysis, using semi-structured interviews to collect data from 11 participants by telephone between May 2020 and January 2021. Results show a grounded theory describing how older users of a befriending service maintained their personal autonomy in the face of strict government guidelines. Participants described living life as usual, often contravening guidelines, and how they chose to adapt to the situation, yielding both positive and negative outcomes. Some potential adaptations were discussed to the befriending service (including a preserved focus on the social and emotional functions of the befriending relationship, and the accommodation of collaborative decision making about communicative alternatives), but ultimately it was made clear that participants would tailor the services to their own preferences. Results have implications for befriending service design and delivery, and for public health officials who wish to support the health of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eimile Holton
- School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2 Dublin, Ireland; (E.H.); (B.L.); (C.H.)
| | - Rachel Fitzpatrick
- Department of Psychology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland; (R.F.); (R.M.); (S.C.)
| | - Rebecca Maguire
- Department of Psychology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland; (R.F.); (R.M.); (S.C.)
| | - Seán Commins
- Department of Psychology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland; (R.F.); (R.M.); (S.C.)
| | - Thomas Scharf
- Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle NE1 7RU, UK;
| | - Brian Lawlor
- School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2 Dublin, Ireland; (E.H.); (B.L.); (C.H.)
| | | | - Caoimhe Hannigan
- School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2 Dublin, Ireland; (E.H.); (B.L.); (C.H.)
- National College, Ireland School of Business, Dublin 1 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Joanna McHugh Power
- Department of Psychology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland; (R.F.); (R.M.); (S.C.)
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