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Schepens Niemiec SL, Lee E, Saunders R, Wagas R, Wu S. Technology for activity participation in older people with mild cognitive impairment or dementia: expert perspectives and a scoping review. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2023; 18:1555-1576. [PMID: 36067094 PMCID: PMC9986344 DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2022.2116114] [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: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This two-phased study aimed to collate, summarize and characterize - through the lens of an occupation-based, person-centred framework - ongoing research and practice featuring activity participation-supportive digital health technology (DHT) for direct use by older persons with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (PwMCI/ADRD). MATERIALS AND METHODS Phase 1: Using scoping review procedures, PubMed, MEDLINE and PsycInfo were searched to identify primary research studies. Phase 2: Semi-structured interviews were completed with MCI/ADRD expert stakeholders identified through publicly available biographies and snowball referral. Thematic analysis was used to identify, synthesize and cross-compare emergent themes from both data sources that were subsequently organized into core facets of the Human Activity Assistive Technology (HAAT) model. RESULTS The scoping review resulted in 28 studies, which were primarily feasibility work with small sample sizes. Interviewed experts (N = 17) had 4+ years of MCI/ADRD experience, came from a variety of settings, and held myriad roles. Real world and research-based use of DHTs held some commonalities, particularly around support for social participation and instrumental activities of daily engagement. No DHT for sleep or work/volunteerism were noted in either phase. People with milder MCI/ADRD conditions were most often targeted users. Soft technology strategies facilitating implementation centred on product design (e.g., prompting software, customisability, multimedia/multisensory experiences), instructional methods and technology partner involvement. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that although DHT supportive of activity participation is being studied and integrated into the lives of PwMCI/ADRD, there are still key opportunities for growth to meet the needs of diverse MCI/ADRD end users.Implications for rehabilitationMainstream digital health technologies (DHTs) are being utilized by persons with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (PwMCI/ADRD) in everyday life, in limited capacities, to support social participation, leisure, health management and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL).Innovative research-based technologies to be used directly by PwMCI/ADRD are under development, particularly to facilitate management of ADL, social participation and IADL in persons with mild-to-moderate forms of cognitive impairment.Soft technology strategies to support technology implementation with MCI/ADRD target users include close attention to design of the technology (e.g., customisability, sensory stimulators and prompting features), instructional strategies that promote learning and motivation and involvement of technology partners to facilitate engagement with the technology.Future studies will require more robust research designs with transparent reports of participant characteristics and facilitative instructional methods to expand DHT's potential to account for and better meet the needs of diverse MCI/ADRD communities in real-world contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey L. Schepens Niemiec
- Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Elissa Lee
- Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Raquel Saunders
- Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Rafael Wagas
- Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Shinyi Wu
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Daniel J. Epstein Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Zhu X, Dong Z, Wu Y, Xu DW. A review of different types of volunteer programs for older adults with and without cognitive impairment. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1164952. [PMID: 37397711 PMCID: PMC10311508 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1164952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Theoretical models and empirical evidence suggest an association between volunteering and health outcomes in older adults. However, less is known about existing programs that involve older adults engaging in formal volunteering, especially programs for older volunteers with cognitive impairment. In this review, we summarized and evaluated different types of volunteering-based programs involving older volunteers with and without cognitive impairment. After a non-systematic literature search, we presented eight example volunteer programs. Older volunteers participate in the programs in person or remotely. In five of the programs, older volunteers without cognitive impairment participate in intergenerational engagement, support and referral, home visiting, and dementia care services. The other three programs specifically recruit older volunteers with cognitive impairment and provide intergenerational engagement and individualized volunteer activities. Both strengths and challenges identified in the programs were discussed. Different types of volunteering-based programs are available for engaging older volunteers. For volunteers to remain active during the pandemic or for volunteers who live with cognitive impairment, remote programs can be a valuable alternative. Program effects on older volunteers need to be tested in more rigorously designed studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianghe Zhu
- Department of Psychology, School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Aging, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Affiliated Kangning Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zhiwei Dong
- College of Management, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Yili Wu
- Department of Psychology, School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Aging, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Affiliated Kangning Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Dong-Wu Xu
- Department of Psychology, School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Aging, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Affiliated Kangning Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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Sutherland SC, Shannon HS, Ayuku D, Streiner DL, Saarela O, Atwoli L, Braitstein P. The relationships between resilience, care environment, and social-psychological factors in orphaned and separated adolescents in western Kenya. VULNERABLE CHILDREN AND YOUTH STUDIES 2022; 17:165-179. [PMID: 35874427 PMCID: PMC9302592 DOI: 10.1080/17450128.2022.2067381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The relationships between care environment, resilience, and social factors in orphaned and separated adolescents and youths (OSAY) in western Kenya are complex and under-studied. This study examines these relationships through the analysis of survey responses from OSAY living in Charitable Children's Institutes (CCI) and family-based care settings (FBS) in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. The associations between 1) care environment and resilience (measured using the 14-item Resilience Scale); 2) care environment and factors thought to promote resilience (e.g. social, family, and peer support); and 3) resilience and these same resilience-promoting factors, were examined using multivariable linear and logistic regressions. This cross-sectional study included 1202 OSAY (50.4% female) aged 10-26 (mean=16; SD=3.5). The mean resilience score in CCIs was 71 (95%CI=69-73) vs. 64 (95%CI=62-66) in FBS. OSAY in CCIs had higher resilience (β=7.67; 95%CI=5.26-10.09), social support (β=0.26; 95%CI=0.14-0.37), and peer support (β=0.90; 95%CI=0.64-1.17) than those in FBS. OSAY in CCIs were more likely to volunteer than those in FBS (OR=3.72; 95%CI=1.80-7.68), except in the male subgroup. Family (β=0.42; 95%CI=0.24-0.60), social (β=4.19; 95%CI=2.53-5.85), and peer (β=2.13; 95%CI=1.44-2.83) relationships were positively associated with resilience in all analyses. Volunteering was positively associated with resilience (β=5.85; 95%CI=1.51-10.19). The factor most strongly related to resilience in both fully adjusted models was peer support. This study found a strong relationship between care environment and resilience. Care environment and resilience each independently demonstrated strong relationships with peer support, social support, and participating in volunteer activities. Resilience also had a strong relationship with familial support. These data suggest that resilience can be developed through strategic supports to this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C. Sutherland
- Division of Epidemiology, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, M5T 3M7, Toronto, Canada
| | - Harry S. Shannon
- Division of Epidemiology, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, M5T 3M7, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, Faculty of Health Science, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, L8S 4L8, Hamilton, Canada
| | - David Ayuku
- Department of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Moi University, Nandi Road, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - David L. Streiner
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, 100 West 5, L8N 3K7, Hamilton, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, 250 College Street, 8 floor, M5T 1R8, Toronto, Canada
| | - Olli Saarela
- Division of Biostatistics, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, M5T 3M7, Toronto, Canada
| | - Lukoye Atwoli
- Department of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Moi University, Nandi Road, Eldoret, Kenya
- Brain and Mind Institute and the Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University Medical College, East Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Paula Braitstein
- Division of Epidemiology, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, M5T 3M7, Toronto, Canada
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Nandi Road, Eldoret, Kenya
- Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Moi University, Nandi Road, Eldoret, Kenya
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Kamalpour M, Rezaei Aghdam A, Watson J, Tariq A, Buys L, Eden R, Rehan S. Online health communities, contributions to caregivers and resilience of older adults. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2021; 29:328-343. [PMID: 33278312 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this paper is twofold. Firstly, to investigate the potential benefits of online health communities (OHCs) for informal caregivers by conducting a systematic literature review. Secondly, to identify the relationship between the potential benefits of OHCs and resilience factors of older adults. Performing a thematic analysis, we identified the potential benefits of OHCs for informal caregivers of older adults, including two salient themes: (a) caregivers sharing and receiving social support and (b) self and moral empowerment of caregivers. Then, we uncovered how these potential benefits can support resilience of older adults. Our findings show that sharing and receiving of social support by informal caregivers, and self and moral empowerment of informal caregivers in OHCs, can support four resilience factors among older adults, including self-care, independence, altruism and external connections. This review enables a better understanding of OHCs and Gerontology, and our outcomes also challenge the way healthcare and aged-care service providers view caregivers and older adults. Furthermore, the identified gap and opportunities would provide avenues for further research in OHCs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jason Watson
- Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Amina Tariq
- Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Laurie Buys
- University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Rebekah Eden
- Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Syed Rehan
- Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
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Klinedinst NJ, Resnick B. The Volunteering-in-Place (VIP) Program: Providing meaningful volunteer activity to residents in assisted living with mild cognitive impairment. Geriatr Nurs 2016; 37:221-7. [PMID: 26975836 DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2016.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Revised: 02/03/2016] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The Volunteering-in-Place (VIP) Program was developed to provide individualized meaningful volunteer activities matched to interests and capabilities for older adults with MCI in assisted living. The purposes of this single-site pre-test/post-test pilot study were to (1) establish feasibility of the VIP Program based on treatment fidelity (design, treatment, delivery, enactment); and (2) evaluate preliminary efficacy via improvement in psychological health (depressive symptoms, usefulness, purpose, resilience, and life satisfaction) and decreased sedentary activity (survey and Fitbit) at 3 and 6 months. Ten residents participated. The majority was white, female and educated, and on average 88 years old. The VIP Program was feasible and most participants continued to volunteer at 6 months. There were non-significant improvements in depressive symptoms, usefulness, purpose, resilience and recreational physical activity. The results of this study provide support for the feasibility of the VIP Program. Further study is necessary to examine efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Jennifer Klinedinst
- University of Maryland School of Nursing, 655 West Lombard Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
| | - Barbara Resnick
- University of Maryland School of Nursing, 655 West Lombard Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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