{"title":"Geriatric health care in rural India: HR issues and public policy constraints","authors":"Srirang K. Jha, S. Jha, A. Mohapatra","doi":"10.1108/wwop-10-2023-0044","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/wwop-10-2023-0044","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose\u0000The purpose of this paper is to emphasize the need for holistic geriatric health care in rural India. Many older people in Indian villages suffer from chronic ailments without any relief or intervention because of inaccessible and unaffordable health-care services. This paper explores how holistic health care can be assured for older people in Indian villages.\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000This paper is based on reflections of the authors who have had experiences as caregivers to older persons within their respective families rooted in the Indian villages. Besides, they interacted with 30 older persons (18 males and 12 females in the age group of 60–80 years) living in the villages in three states of India, namely, Haryana, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh to develop a comprehensive viewpoint on the need of geriatric health care in rural India. Relevant reports, newspaper articles and research papers were also reviewed while developing viewpoints on such an important topic.\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000Geriatric health-care facilities in rural India are abysmal. The older people in the villages cannot leverage health-care facilities that are generally inaccessible, inadequate and unaffordable. Even the government support for medical treatment is minuscule. Furthermore, there is lack of trained health-care professionals at all levels, namely, doctors, nurses and paramedic personnel. Training opportunities in geriatrics are also negligible. The scenario vis-à-vis geriatric health care in rural India can be upturned by increasing public spending on health-care infrastructure, increasing numbers of health-care professionals and expanding training programmes in geriatrics.\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000This paper is based on the critical reflections of the authors as well as their informal interactions with some of the older people in the Indian villages.\u0000","PeriodicalId":53659,"journal":{"name":"Working with Older People","volume":"10 4p2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141001405","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sara Guerra, Oscar Ribeiro, Rita Carvalho, Liliana Sousa
{"title":"Leaving loneliness alone: a brief research report on the pathways to (digital) solutions involving older adults","authors":"Sara Guerra, Oscar Ribeiro, Rita Carvalho, Liliana Sousa","doi":"10.1108/wwop-03-2024-0014","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/wwop-03-2024-0014","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose\u0000Older adults often experience loneliness as a vicious circle, in which loneliness builds more loneliness. Breaking this cycle is key to minimize the experience of loneliness. MOAI LABS is a European project that adopts a codesign process to develop digital solutions to address loneliness in older adults. This study aims to adopt a solution-based approach to capture solutions that community-dwelling older Portuguese adults who feel loneliness already experience in their lives.\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000Six individuals (aged 64–86 years) answered two solution-based questions: miracle and exceptions. Findings were obtained from one group discussion session that was audio-recorded, transcribed and submitted to qualitative analysis.\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000Main findings suggest that participants feel comfort in imagining their desired scenarios that involve being with their loved ones, better health conditions, adequate housing settings and contact with nature.\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000The findings highlight that leaving loneliness alone seems to be a path that may be facilitated by digital solutions that display solution-based questions, such as online platforms for social connection, virtual care and monitoring, design of smart home devices and the creation of immersive virtual reality experiences to explore nature, complemented by psychosocial support.\u0000","PeriodicalId":53659,"journal":{"name":"Working with Older People","volume":"113 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141003691","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Biophilic designs: a solution for the psychological well-being and quality of life of older people","authors":"Deepika Pandita, Himani Choudhary","doi":"10.1108/wwop-01-2024-0003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/wwop-01-2024-0003","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000The study aims to explore how including biophilic elements in the architectural and interior design of assisted living facilities can improve the well-being and quality of life of older people. This research paper explores the concept of biophilic design and its potential benefits for assisted living facilities.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000A total of 39 peer-reviewed articles were reviewed. The research involved a comprehensive review of databases such as Scopus, EBSCO, Elsevier, JSTOR and Google Scholar using keywords and Boolean operators with reference to the study. The study’s inclusion criteria for articles were restricted to academic articles published between 2013 and 2022. The analysis of the current research will offer insights into the concept of biophilic design research and its impact on the well-being and quality of life of baby boomers in assisted living facilities.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000The research advocates the benefits of biophilic design to enhance the psychological well-being and quality of life of baby boomers dwelling in assisted living facilities. Biophilic design is a strategy that blends natural elements into built environments to improve our connection with nature to enhance the physical and psychological health of older people. In the context of assisted living facilities, where residents commonly experience a variety of physical and psychological health concerns, adopting biophilic design in architecture holds enormous promise.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000The research focuses on applying biophilic design in assisted living facilities and its holistic approach to the overall well-being of older people. The conceptual model proposed in the study has defined the positive aspects of the biophilic design on the psychological and physiological health of older people. Few studies have been done on the impact of biophilic design, specifically on baby boomers.\u0000","PeriodicalId":53659,"journal":{"name":"Working with Older People","volume":"120 19","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140669459","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Self-management of dementia by family carers: a hybrid concept analysis","authors":"A. Shehadeh, Sharyn Hunter, Sarah Jeong","doi":"10.1108/wwop-10-2023-0041","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/wwop-10-2023-0041","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000This study aims to describe the current conceptualisation of self-management of dementia by family carers in the literature and from the views of dementia professionals and family carers, and to establish a more comprehensive concept of self-management of dementia by family carers.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000A hybrid concept analysis included three phases: the theoretical phase reviewed the literature on self-management of dementia by family carers; the fieldwork phase interviewed professionals and family carers; and the analytical phase synthesised and discussed the findings from the previous two phases.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000The findings revealed that self-management of dementia by family carers encompasses four domains: supporting care recipients, self-care, sustaining a positive relationship with care recipients, and personal characteristics and skills.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000The findings highlighted the essential elements of the construct of self-management of dementia by family carers. The findings can be used as a conceptual framework of self-management and are useful in designing and evaluating self-management support interventions for family carers.\u0000","PeriodicalId":53659,"journal":{"name":"Working with Older People","volume":"1 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139958834","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Dorte Wiwe Dürr, Linda Hindsgaul Mikkelsen, Grete Moth
{"title":"Homecare nursing: a survey of citizen experiences with health-care professionals in the time allotted for homecare","authors":"Dorte Wiwe Dürr, Linda Hindsgaul Mikkelsen, Grete Moth","doi":"10.1108/wwop-10-2023-0045","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/wwop-10-2023-0045","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000Research-based knowledge on homecare nursing is scarce and further information is warranted about citizens’ perceptions of receiving home care under existing conditions. The purpose of this study was to investigate citizen experiences with health-care professionals in the time allotted for home care.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000A questionnaire survey was distributed to 348 citizens receiving home care. The questionnaire consisted of questions whether the citizens experienced that enough time was available during the homecare visit and how the conversation and care relationship with the health-care professionals were experienced. The differences in responses were analysed using Fisher’s Exact Tests.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000Overall, 94% of the citizens reported that sufficient time had been available and that care relationship and conversation with the health-care professionals had been positive during the homecare visit. However, the findings indicated that citizens aged more than +76 years and citizens with a high educational level were more prone to report that the nurses did not spend enough time during the home visit.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000The findings offer useful insights for the professionals in delivering appropriate home care. Listening to citizens’ wishes and needs for home care could lead to better individualised care. Especially the youngest and oldest of the citizens seem to have specific experiences that call for further investigation.\u0000","PeriodicalId":53659,"journal":{"name":"Working with Older People","volume":"92 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139596632","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
N. Shawish, Mariam Kawafha, Andaleeb M. Abu Kamel, Dua'a F. Al-Maghaireh, Salam H. Bani Hani
{"title":"Impact of cat-assisted therapy (Ca-AT) among elderly patients with Alzheimer’s disease at home: a case study","authors":"N. Shawish, Mariam Kawafha, Andaleeb M. Abu Kamel, Dua'a F. Al-Maghaireh, Salam H. Bani Hani","doi":"10.1108/wwop-10-2023-0042","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/wwop-10-2023-0042","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000This study aims to explore the effects of cat-assisted therapy (Ca-AT) on a patient in their homes, specifically investigating the effects on patient’s memory, behavioral pathology and ability to perform activities of daily living, independently.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000A case study design was used in patient’s homes using three measuring scales, namely, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Barthel index (BI) and Behavioral Pathology in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) Rating Scale.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000The MMSE and BI mean scores were increased, whereas the Behavioral Pathology mean score was decreased. Patient negative behaviors were improved specifically, aggressiveness, anxieties, phobias, and caregiver burden was decreased.\u0000\u0000\u0000Practical implications\u0000Patients with AD could significantly benefit from Ca-AT in their own homes, and it could decrease caregiving burden.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000Ca-AT is a newly developed type of animal-assisted therapy that uses cats to treat patients, especially elderly people with AD, in their homes.\u0000","PeriodicalId":53659,"journal":{"name":"Working with Older People","volume":"70 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139597002","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sarah Waller, Simon Chester Evans, Jennifer Bray, T. Atkinson
{"title":"Designing for everyone: can the principles of dementia-friendly design inform design for neurodiversity in health-care settings?","authors":"Sarah Waller, Simon Chester Evans, Jennifer Bray, T. Atkinson","doi":"10.1108/wwop-09-2023-0038","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/wwop-09-2023-0038","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000There is increasing interest in the UK in developing environments that support people who are neurodiverse. This paper aims to report on a project to develop a cognitively supportive environmental assessment tool to improve the design of health centres, where the majority of National Health Service consultations take place, for all users, including people living with dementia and those who are neurodiverse.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000A three-stage process was used: a literature review; the development of a matrix of key design features for people living with dementia, autism and other neurodiverse conditions; and the development of an environmental assessment tool and guide for users, which included easy-to-read versions to maximise service user involvement.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000The overarching concepts of dementia-friendly design can be adapted to create designs for everyone, including those who are neurodiverse.\u0000\u0000\u0000Research limitations/implications\u0000There is a paucity of research in environmental design for primary care from the patient’s perspective, and, more generally, further research on design for adults with learning disabilities and autism is needed.\u0000\u0000\u0000Practical implications\u0000The tools are free to download. With adaptation, they have potential applicability across health and care settings.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000This project has confirmed that the principles of dementia-friendly design are applicable, with modifications, to a wider group of neurodiverse people. Critically, each person’s response to sensory stimuli is individual rather than determined by their condition.\u0000","PeriodicalId":53659,"journal":{"name":"Working with Older People","volume":"113 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139596737","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Richard Byrne, D. Patton, Zena Moore, T. O’Connor, L. Nugent, Pinar Avsar
{"title":"What is the impact of seasonal ambient changes on the incidence of falls among older adults?","authors":"Richard Byrne, D. Patton, Zena Moore, T. O’Connor, L. Nugent, Pinar Avsar","doi":"10.1108/wwop-12-2023-0052","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/wwop-12-2023-0052","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000This systematic review paper aims to investigate seasonal ambient change’s impact on the incidence of falls among older adults.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000The population, exposure, outcome (PEO) structured framework was used to frame the research question prior to using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis framework. Three databases were searched, and a total of 12 studies were found for inclusion, and quality appraisal was carried out. Data extraction was performed, and narrative analysis was carried out.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000Of the 12 studies, 2 found no link between seasonality and fall incidence. One study found fall rates increased during warmer months, and 9 of the 12 studies found that winter months and their associated seasonal changes led to an increase in the incidence in falls. The overall result was that cooler temperatures typically seen during winter months carried an increased risk of falling for older adults.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000Additional research is needed, most likely examining the climate one lives in. However, the findings are relevant and can be used to inform health-care providers and older adults of the increased risk of falling during the winter.\u0000","PeriodicalId":53659,"journal":{"name":"Working with Older People","volume":"57 46","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139598892","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Liliana Sousa, Jéssica Fernandes, Pedro Sá-Couto, João Tavares
{"title":"Companion animals and/or social media use among Portuguese community-dwelling older adults: profile and impact on well-being and social interaction","authors":"Liliana Sousa, Jéssica Fernandes, Pedro Sá-Couto, João Tavares","doi":"10.1108/wwop-11-2023-0050","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/wwop-11-2023-0050","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000Companion animals and social media are two important factors of social interaction and well-being among the older population. This study aims to compare social media use and/or having companion animals with respect to sociodemographic variables in conjunction with loneliness, social isolation, depression, satisfaction with life and satisfaction with social support.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000This cross-sectional study involves a sample of 250 older community-dwelling adults. The questionnaire comprised sociodemographic, companion animals and social media questions and scales to assess social isolation, loneliness, satisfaction with life and social support and depression. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000Four groups emerged: “companion animal/s, no social media” (37.6%); “none” (33.6%); “social media and companion animal/s” (14.4%); and “social media, no companion animal/s” (14.4%). Social media users (with or without companion animals) are the youngest and with higher levels of education; caregivers of companion animals (no social media use) are in-between in terms of age and level of education; and those without companion animals and no social media users are the oldest and with less formal education.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000This research examines and compares two key influencers of older adults’ well-being and social interaction (social media and companion animals), that have been researched mostly separately. Findings underlined the cohort effect in the use of social media, suggesting that future older adult cohorts will use more social media whether they have or do not have companion animals.\u0000","PeriodicalId":53659,"journal":{"name":"Working with Older People","volume":"18 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139597691","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Towards inclusiveness in dementia services for black and minoritised communities in the UK","authors":"Anya Ahmed, Lorna Chesterton, Matthew J. Ford","doi":"10.1108/wwop-03-2023-0007","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/wwop-03-2023-0007","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000The purpose of this paper is twofold: to explore the existing evidence around dementia services and interrogate the overarching UK policy development relating to service inclusion of black and minoritised groups. The paper will go on to identify the implications for the dementia wellness pathway and make recommendations regarding how services can be more inclusive.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000This paper examines the policy/practice landscape around dementia care provision and observes if lessons can be learnt to improve health outcomes for people living with dementia from black and minoritised communities.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000A review of dementia policy demonstrates how opportunities to improve the awareness, diagnosis and post-diagnostic support for minoritised communities are being missed. The outcomes of this mean that individuals are denied vital treatment and support, which could enhance quality of life and delay the progression of dementia.\u0000\u0000\u0000Practical implications\u0000The authors’ premise is that not meeting the dementia support needs of less-heard communities has negative financial as well as social and health-related outcomes and has wider resonance and implications for all stages of the dementia wellness pathway. Moreover, there is a legal responsibility for public services to provide culturally sensitive, responsive, appropriate and available care, to all people, without discrimination.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000This paper offers a valuable review of policy and practice around dementia care in the UK and makes recommendations to improve health outcomes for people living with dementia from black and minoritised communities.\u0000","PeriodicalId":53659,"journal":{"name":"Working with Older People","volume":"23 24","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139597429","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}