{"title":"Service Provider Perspectives on Advance Care Planning Use in Rural Dementia Patients and Caregivers: A Qualitative Study.","authors":"Peiyuan Zhang, Ebow Nketsiah, Hyunjin Noh","doi":"10.1080/01634372.2024.2351071","DOIUrl":"10.1080/01634372.2024.2351071","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Advanced care planning (ACP) utilization remains very limited in rural communities compared to urban areas. ACP earlier in the disease trajectory is particularly important for people with dementia (PWD) due to its progressive nature affecting their decision-making ability. Considering the well-documented benefits of ACP in improving the quality of end-of-life (EOL) care, the rural vs. urban disparity may indicate poorer EOL quality for rural PWD. This study aimed to explore barriers and current resources for ACP of PWD from the perspectives of health or social service providers serving rural communities. Using a qualitative approach, semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with 11 health or social service professionals serving older adults and their caregivers in rural Alabama. Thematic analysis revealed three major barriers: (1) lack of knowledge, (2) psychosocial barriers, and (3) limited access to healthcare. Participants also showed misconception that a lawyer or a notary is required for ACP. Two themes arose in the participants' recommendations to address the barriers: (1) providing ACP-relevant information and (2) addressing psychosocial stressors about ACP. This study highlighted an urgent need for social policy in ACP education for caregivers and service providers in rural settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":47579,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Gerontological Social Work","volume":" ","pages":"825-840"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140866927","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Megumi Inoue, Rainier Masa, Lucas Prieto, Dicky Baruah, Kaitlyn Kellermeyer, Emma Booker, Grace Sweeney
{"title":"Prevalence and Correlates of Food Insecurity Among Older Adults in the United States.","authors":"Megumi Inoue, Rainier Masa, Lucas Prieto, Dicky Baruah, Kaitlyn Kellermeyer, Emma Booker, Grace Sweeney","doi":"10.1080/01634372.2024.2339975","DOIUrl":"10.1080/01634372.2024.2339975","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study analyzed the 2021 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) to assess food insecurity among adults aged 65 and older. Among 8,877 older adults, 4 percent (N=287) reported low or very low food security levels. Those who identified as Black or African American and Hispanic or Latino were more likely to experience food insecurity compared to White individuals. The study found that merely surpassing the poverty threshold might not be sufficient to protect against food insecurity. It also underscored socioemotional support's protective role in older adults' food security. Social workers must recognize various factors influencing food security among older adults.</p>","PeriodicalId":47579,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Gerontological Social Work","volume":" ","pages":"738-755"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140913175","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rebecca L Mauldin, Rupal Parekh, Priyanjali Chakraborty, Jill T Messing, Stephen Mattingly
{"title":"Transportation, Routine Activities, and Unmet Travel Needs Among Older Vietnamese Immigrants in the United States.","authors":"Rebecca L Mauldin, Rupal Parekh, Priyanjali Chakraborty, Jill T Messing, Stephen Mattingly","doi":"10.1080/01634372.2024.2375757","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/01634372.2024.2375757","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Transportation barriers can affect travel needs and quality of life.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This survey examined transportation, routine activities, and unmet travel needs among older Vietnamese immigrants, focusing on gender differences.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Women were more likely to ride with others, less likely to drive, had fewer types of routine activities, and went out for activities less than men. Over 1/4 of the sample had at least one unmet travel need in the previous month (the most common was for visiting family and friends).</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Interventions to enhance mobility should address age- and gender-based transportation differences and assess for unmet travel needs.</p>","PeriodicalId":47579,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Gerontological Social Work","volume":" ","pages":"1-18"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-07-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141535663","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Successful Aging Through Financial Empowerment (SAFE): Financial Coaching with Older Adult Victims of Financial Exploitation.","authors":"LaToya Hall, Peter A Lichtenberg","doi":"10.1080/01634372.2024.2373288","DOIUrl":"10.1080/01634372.2024.2373288","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Financial exploitation (FE) of older adults is a growing public health problem. Current estimates of financial exploitation show between 5% and 11% of older adults are victimized each year. This study examined an empowerment-centered financial coaching intervention. Program records and participant baseline and follow-up assessment data were used to detail program dynamics and investigate participant outcomes. Most SAFE participants were very satisfied or satisfied (91%) with the services they received. Participants also reported significantly less stress at the six-month follow-up. These findings demonstrate that empowerment-centered financial coaching interventions can successfully address FE in older adult populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":47579,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Gerontological Social Work","volume":" ","pages":"1-21"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141493864","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A Qualitative Study of Adult Protective Services Practitioners Responding to Allegations of Elder Abuse and Self-Neglect.","authors":"Andie MacNeil, Erin Salvo, David Burnes","doi":"10.1080/01634372.2024.2373289","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/01634372.2024.2373289","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Adult Protective Services (APS) practitioners play an essential role in supporting older adults experiencing elder abuse and self-neglect (EASN), however, very little research has examined their experiences, from their perspectives. The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences of APS practitioners responding to allegations of EASN. Qualitative interviews were conducted with APS practitioners (<i>n</i> = 14) from the state of Maine. A descriptive phenomenological approach involving two independent assessors was used to code transcripts into themes. Two domains, each with various subthemes, were identified: (1) rewarding elements of role and (2) challenging aspects of role. The findings of this study emphasize how APS practitioners are motivated by their capacity to help elicit positive change in the lives of their clients and support the well-being of older adults experiencing EASN. However, APS practitioners must navigate numerous challenges and barriers in their role, including time constraints, high and complex caseloads, limited resources, and broader misconceptions on APS. These findings highlight the importance of addressing these stressors to support the well-being of APS practitioners, which, in turn, can help support the vulnerable older adults they serve.</p>","PeriodicalId":47579,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Gerontological Social Work","volume":" ","pages":"1-17"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141493863","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Incorporating Spirituality into Cognitive Stimulation Therapy Groups for Persons with Dementia: An Exploratory Study.","authors":"Ebow Nketsiah, Max Zubatsky, Marla Berg-Weger","doi":"10.1080/01634372.2024.2372113","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/01634372.2024.2372113","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) is an evidence-based, non-pharmacological intervention for older adults with mild to moderate dementia. While CST has been adapted in various ways, this study explored the impact of adding a spiritual dimension to CST. Participants (N = 34) were divided into spiritual and traditional CST groups based on their residence. After a 14-session intervention involving interactive conversations, the spiritual CST group showed significantly lower depression scores (M = 2.7) compared to traditional CST (M = 6.5). With the global increase in dementia-related disorders, non-pharmacological interventions like CST offer crucial support for addressing memory loss. Social workers are uniquely positioned to deliver CST to diverse populations who value spirituality or faith in their daily lives.</p>","PeriodicalId":47579,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Gerontological Social Work","volume":" ","pages":"1-14"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141471586","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Human-Animal Bond and Older Adults: The Role of a Community-Based Organization's \"Heart to Heart\" Program.","authors":"Nadine Dolby","doi":"10.1080/01634372.2024.2374872","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/01634372.2024.2374872","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In the field of gerontological social work, there is growing interest in further exploring and understanding human-animal bonds and relationships, a trend that accelerated significantly during the early years of the COVID-19 pandemic. Community-based organizations are promising partners as they provide acknowledgment and support for older adults' relationships with their pets and the strengthening of the human-animal bond. This brief report discusses the history, impact, and potential of one community-based organization's annual Valentine's Day event, Heart to Heart. Initiated at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic by Animal Advocates of Greater Lafayette (AAGL), an Indiana-based community organization, Heart to Heart recognizes, celebrates, and supports older adults' bonds with their pets through delivering pet presents directly to older adults' homes. Despite the mounting evidence that pets provide support and comfort for people of all ages, but particularly older adults, social service agencies and programs that serve older adults are often reluctant to recognize the power of the human-animal bond. Heart to Heart allows our community to see and appreciate the strength of these relationships, contributing to new conversations and possibilities for keeping pets and people together through the lifespan.</p>","PeriodicalId":47579,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Gerontological Social Work","volume":" ","pages":"1-8"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141471587","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Keith T Chan, Christina N Marsack-Topolewski, Maggie Ratnayake, Daniel B Kaplan, K Alida Voet, Maddi Riemenschneider, Jillian Graves
{"title":"The Impact of an Intergenerational Service Learning Program on Psychological Distress for Homebound Older Adults.","authors":"Keith T Chan, Christina N Marsack-Topolewski, Maggie Ratnayake, Daniel B Kaplan, K Alida Voet, Maddi Riemenschneider, Jillian Graves","doi":"10.1080/01634372.2024.2373290","DOIUrl":"10.1080/01634372.2024.2373290","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study examined the benefits of an intergenerational home-based service learning program to reduce psychological distress for homebound older adults. Multivariate regression analyses were conducted with a sample of 182 to examine the association of length of service from the program and presence of caregivers with psychological distress. Findings indicated length of service (β = -0.15, <i>p</i> < .05) and having a child as a caregiver (β = -0.14, <i>p</i> < .05) were associated with a reduction in psychological distress. Policies and practice can support a pipeline of geriatric health professionals through innovative service learning models to benefit older adults, caregivers, and students.</p>","PeriodicalId":47579,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Gerontological Social Work","volume":" ","pages":"1-18"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141459919","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ruth Maytles, Lee Greenblatt-Kimron, Sharon Avidor, Yoav S Bergman, Yuval Palgi
{"title":"The Holocaust Experience and Its Role in the Association Between Meaning in Life, Depressive Symptoms and Life Satisfaction.","authors":"Ruth Maytles, Lee Greenblatt-Kimron, Sharon Avidor, Yoav S Bergman, Yuval Palgi","doi":"10.1080/01634372.2024.2351070","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/01634372.2024.2351070","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Holocaust survivors often reveal long-term depressive symptoms, while demonstrating life satisfaction. The present study examined the role of meaning in life (MIL) of Holocaust survivors in this context. Survivors (<i>n</i> = 44) and comparisons (<i>n</i> = 51) provided background information and completed MIL, depressive symptoms, and life satisfaction scales. MIL was associated with lower depressive symptoms and higher life satisfaction. Moreover, the MIL-depressive symptoms/life satisfaction links were stronger among Holocaust survivors. Results provide insight for tailoring treatment interventions for older adults who have been exposed to prolonged traumatic experiences or genocide, that focus on MIL, to enhance mental health.</p>","PeriodicalId":47579,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Gerontological Social Work","volume":" ","pages":"1-14"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2024-05-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140960301","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Monica Bergqvist, Pia Bastholm-Rahmner, Karin Modig, Lars L Gustafsson, Katharina Schmidt-Mende
{"title":"Proud but Powerless: A Qualitative Study of Homecare Workers´ Work Experiences and Their Suggestions for How Care for Homebound Older Adults Can Be Improved.","authors":"Monica Bergqvist, Pia Bastholm-Rahmner, Karin Modig, Lars L Gustafsson, Katharina Schmidt-Mende","doi":"10.1080/01634372.2024.2355154","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/01634372.2024.2355154","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Many older adults with complex care needs live at home due to ageing-in-place policies. This study explored homecare workers' experiences and suggestions for improvements of care. Twelve semi-structured interviews were analyzed thematically, and revealed pride, capability, and satisfaction in their work, yet they feel undervalued and lack support. They advocate for integrated care models, recognition of their competence, flexible work approaches, and committed leadership. This would enhance patient care and address their own working conditions, addressing concerns from being relegated to the bottom of the hierarchy. They emphasize the need for comprehensive approaches, spanning from housekeeping to end-of-life palliative care.</p>","PeriodicalId":47579,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Gerontological Social Work","volume":" ","pages":"1-20"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2024-05-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140960298","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}