| 1. |
- Sjölund, Britt-Marie, et al.
(author)
-
Incidence of ADL Disability in Older Persons, Physical Activities as a Protective Factor and the Need for Informal and Formal Care : Results from the SNAC-N Project
- 2015
-
In: PLOS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 10:9
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to examine 1) the incidence of disability in Activities of Daily Living (ADL), in persons 78 years and older 2) explore whether being physical active earlier is a significant predictor of being disability free at follow-up and 3) describe the amount of informal and formal care in relation to ADL-disability.METHODS: Data were used from a longitudinal community-based study in Nordanstig (SNAC-N), a part of the Swedish National Study on Aging and Care (SNAC). To study objectives 1) and 2) all ADL-independent participants at baseline (N = 307) were included; for objective 3) all participants 78 years and older were included (N = 316). Data were collected at baseline and at 3- and 6-year follow-ups. ADL-disability was defined as a need for assistance in one or more activities. Informal and formal care were measured using the Resource utilization in Dementia (RUD)-instrument.RESULTS: The incidence rates for men were similar in the age groups 78-81and 84 years and older, 42.3 vs. 42.5/1000 person-years. For women the incidence rate for ADL-disability increased significantly from the age group 78-81 to the age group 84 years and older, 20.8 vs.118.3/1000 person-years. In the age group 78-81 years, being physically active earlier (aOR 6.2) and during the past 12 month (aOR 2.9) were both significant preventive factors for ADL-disability. Both informal and formal care increased with ADL-disability and the amount of informal care was greater than formal care. The incidence rate for ADL-disability increases with age for women and being physically active is a protective factor for ADL-disability.CONCLUSION: The incidence rate for ADL-disability increases with age for women, and being physical active is a protective factor for ADL-disability.
|
|
| 2. |
- Mamhidir, Anna-Greta, et al.
(author)
-
Weight increase in patients with dementia, and alteration in meal routines and meal environment after integrity promoting care.
- 2007
-
In: Journal of Clinical Nursing. - : Wiley-Blackwell. - 0962-1067 .- 1365-2702. ; 16:5, s. 987-96
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aims. To follow weight changes in patients with moderate and severe dementia and analyse how these changes related to biological and psychological parameters after staff education and support in integrity promoting care. A further aim was to describe meal environment and routines relative to the intervention.Background. Weight loss in patients with dementia and in particular Alzheimer's disease is common. The aetiology appears multifactorial with the meal environment and a decreased independence while eating among the factors.Method. Over a three-month intervention period, an integrity-promoting care training programme was conducted with the staff of a long-term ward. Alzheimer's disease patients, 18 from an intervention ward and 15 from a control ward were included and possible effects were evaluated. Weighing was conducted at the start and after completion of the intervention. Weight changes were analysed in relation to psychological and biochemical parameters. In addition, the staff wrote diaries about, for example changes made in the environment and in their work.Results. The most prominent difference observed was weight increases in 13 of 18 patients compared with two of 15 patients in the control ward. No weight changes were related to the type of dementia. The individual weight changes correlated significantly to changes in the intellectual functions. Relationships between weight change, increased motor function and increased appetite were non-significant. There was no significant relationship between weight changes and changes in biochemical parameters. According to the staff, increased contact with the patients and a more pleasant atmosphere resulted when the meal environment and routines were changed.Relevance to clinical practice. Weight gain in patients with moderate and severe dementia was achieved by adjusting the meal environment to the individual's needs. Staff education was profitable, as increased competence seemed to promote individually adapted feeding situations. Ensuring good meal situations need to be given high priority.
|
|
| 3. |
- Olsson, Annakarin, 1969-, et al.
(author)
-
Effects of tracking technology on daily life of persons with dementia : three experimental single-case studies
- 2015
-
In: American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementia. - : SAGE Publications. - 1533-3175 .- 1938-2731. ; 30:1, s. 29-40
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: To investigate the effects of using tracking technology on independent outdoor activities and psychological well-being in 3 persons with dementia (PwDs) and their spouses.Methods: Three experimental single-case studies with an A1B1A2B2 design. The intervention entailed access to a passive positioning alarm and technical support. Continual daily measures of independent outdoor activities among PwDs' and spouses' worries about these activities were made during all phases.Results: Access to a tracking technology consistently increased the independent outdoor activities of 2 PwDs. One of the spouses consistently reported decreased worry during B phases, another's worry decreased only in B2, and the third showed little variability in worrying across all phases.Conclusion: Tracking technology may support PwDs to engage in independent outdoor activities and decrease spouses' worries; however, randomized controlled group studies are needed to investigate whether these results can be replicated on a group level.
|
|
| 4. |
- Sidenvall, Birgitta, et al.
(author)
-
Elderly patients' meal patterns : A retrospective study
- 1996
-
In: Journal of human nutrition and dietetics (Print). - 0952-3871 .- 1365-277X. ; 9:4, s. 263-272
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The aim of this study was to examine possible causes of malnutrition in geriatric patients on admission to hospital by evaluation and comparison of their meal pattern between periods of working, retirement and hospitalization, respectively. Forty-five consecutive patients aged 60 years or older participated. By use of modified dietary history interviews, a retrospective assessment of food intake was carried out. A qualitative system for meal classification was then applied. In the retirement period there was a strong reduction in daily eating frequency when compared to working and hospital periods. Thus, the daily intake and also distribution of energy and nutrients seem to be reduced during retirement, which might lead to nutritional deficiency.
|
|
| 5. |
- Welmer, Anna-Karin, et al.
(author)
-
Study protocol for the 'preventing functional decline in acutely hospitalised older patients (PREV_FUNC)' study : effects of two multicomponent exercise programmes on physical function - a three-armed randomised controlled trial
- 2023
-
In: BMJ Open. - : BMJ Publishing Group Ltd. - 2044-6055. ; 13:8
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Introduction: Acutely hospitalised older patients often live with frailty and have an increased risk of impaired physical function. Previous studies suggest that exercise might mitigate the risk of physical impairment; however, further research is needed to compare the effect of different types of exercise interventions. In this paper, we report a protocol for a trial that aims to examine (1) if multicomponent exercise interventions (interventions that include both mobility and strengthening exercises) have effects on physical function compared with usual care in older adults and (2) if a comprehensive multicomponent exercise programme is more effective than a simple multicomponent exercise programme that only include walking and sit-to-stand exercises.Methods and analysis: This is a three-armed randomised controlled trial, with two intervention groups (comprehensive and simple exercise programme) and a control group receiving usual care. We will include 320 participants aged >= 75 years from geriatric medical departments of four hospitals in Stockholm, Sweden. Assessments will be conducted at hospital admission, discharge and 3 months thereafter concerning physical function (primary outcome), activities of daily living, health-related quality of life, sarcopenia and falls. The number of readmissions will be registered up to 1 year after discharge. Data will be analysed with linear mixed effects models, according to the intention-to-treat approach.Ethics and dissemination: Ethical approval for this trial has been granted by the Swedish Ethical Review Authority (approval number 2022-03032-01). Data collection will consider the information requirement, the requirement of consent, confidentiality obligations and the utilisation requirement. Trial findings will be disseminated through multiple channels, including scientific publications and conferences, and workshops with healthcare professionals and the public.
|
|
| 6. |
- Dahlkvist, Eva, et al.
(author)
-
Residents’ use and perceptions of residential care facility gardens: a behavior mapping and conversation study
- 2020
-
In: International Journal of Older People Nursing. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1748-3735 .- 1748-3743. ; 15:1
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- AimTo describe the gardens and their use by individuals living at residential care facilities (RCFs) with high ratings on restorative values.BackgroundBeing outdoors has been described as important to older people's well‐being. Use of outdoor gardens may increase residents’ well‐being through experiences of restorative qualities such as being away and fascination. Thus far, there has been little research on restorative experiences of gardens in the care of older people.DesignA descriptive design using behaviour mapping observations integrated with qualitative field notes and recorded conversations.MethodsA criterion sampling of two gardens (out of a total of 87) was made based on residents’ ratings of restorative values; the two with the highest values were chosen. Eleven residents at the two RCFs took part. Data were collected through behaviour mapping observations, field notes and conversations on five occasions in the respective facilities during residents’ visits to the garden.ResultsThe observations revealed that the main uses of the gardens were to socialise and relax. The conversations also showed that the garden stimulated residents’ senses and evoked memories from the past. These restorative values were interpreted as a sense of being away and fascination. Not having opportunities for outdoor visits was reported to result in disappointment and reduced well‐being.ConclusionsThe findings showed that two basic gardens with different characteristics and views could stimulate residents’ senses and evoke memories from the past; this supports the call for residents to be able to spend time in gardens to promote their well‐being.Implications for practiceFirst‐line managers, nurses and healthcare staff in the care of older people should consider that regular opportunities to spend time outdoors may promote older people's well‐being through feelings of being away and fascination.
|
|
| 7. |
- Tuvesson, Hanna, et al.
(author)
-
Life weariness and suicidal thoughts in late life : a national study in Sweden
- 2018
-
In: Aging & Mental Health. - : Taylor & Francis. - 1360-7863 .- 1364-6915. ; 22:10, s. 1365-1371
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: This study aimed at investigating the point prevalence of life weariness and suicidal thoughts and their relationship with socio-demographic characteristics in a population of older adults in Sweden. Method: Data from 7913 individuals aged 60 years and older were drawn from the Swedish National Study on Aging and Care, a collaborative study in Sweden. Life weariness and suicidal thoughts were measured by one item derived from the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale. A multinomial regression model was used to investigate the relationships of socio-demographic characteristics with life weariness and suicidal thoughts. Results: Living in urban and semi-urban areas, being of advanced age, being divorced and having lower educational levels were related to life weariness. Living in a residential care facility, being widowed or unmarried, being born in a non-Nordic European country and experiencing financial difficulties were related to both life weariness and suicidal thoughts. Sex was found to be unrelated to either life weariness or suicidal thoughts. Conclusion: This study found that several socio-demographic variables were associated with life weariness and suicidal thoughts among older adults. Specific attention to older individuals with these characteristics may be warranted as they might be more vulnerable to life weariness and suicidal thoughts.
|
|
| 8. |
- Blomqvist, Sven, Universitetslektor, 1964-, et al.
(author)
-
Using augmented reality technology for balance training in the older adults : a feasibility pilot study
- 2021
-
In: BMC Geriatrics. - : BioMed Central. - 1471-2318. ; 21
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Impaired balance leading to falls is common in the older adults, and there is strong evidence that balance training reduces falls and increases independence. Reduced resources in health care will result in fewer people getting help with rehabilitation training. In this regard, the new technology augmented reality (AR) could be helpful. With AR, the older adults can receive help with instructions and get feedback on their progression in balance training. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the feasibility of using AR-based visual-interactive tools in balance training of the older adults.; Methods: Seven older adults (66-88 years old) with impaired balance trained under supervision of a physiotherapist twice a week for six weeks using AR-based visual-interactive guidance, which was facilitated through a Microsoft HoloLens holographic display. Afterwards, participants and physiotherapists were interviewed about the new technology and their experience of the training. Also, fear of falling and balance ability were measured before and after training.; Results: Five participants experienced the new technology as positive in terms of increased motivation and feedback. Experiences were mixed regarding the physical and technical aspects of the HoloLens and the design of the HoloLens application. Participants also described issues that needed to be further improved, for example, the training program was difficult and monotonous. Further, the HoloLens hardware was felt to be heavy, the application's menu was difficult to control with different hand manoeuvres, and the calibration took a long time. Suggestions for improvements were described. Results of the balance tests and self-assessment instruments indicated no improvements in balance performance after AR training.; Conclusions: The study showed that training with the new technology is, to some extent, feasible for the older adults, but needs further development. Also, the technology seemed to stimulate increased motivation, which is a prerequisite for adherence to training. However, the new technology and training requires further development and testing in a larger context.
|
|
| 9. |
- Olsson, Annakarin, et al.
(author)
-
Persons with early-stage dementia reflect on being outdoors : a repeated interview study
- 2013
-
In: Aging & Mental Health. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1360-7863 .- 1364-6915. ; 17:7, s. 793-800
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe how persons with early-stage dementia reflect on being outdoors. Method: Data were collected through repeated interviews with a purposive sample of 11 persons with early-stage dementia in Sweden during the period 2009-2010 and were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results: Informants described being outdoors as a confirmation of the self. Confirmation of their ability to maintain desired activities, despite the dementia disease, was important to the informants. However, some confirmations were not positive; the realisation that one could no longer perform certain activities could be devastating. Two sub-themes emerged: shifting between still being part of it all' and a sense of grief and loss and striving to keep on despite perceived barriers. Past, but no longer possible, outdoor activities were greatly missed and the informants longed to be able to perform these activities once again. To resolve possible difficulties associated with being outdoors, the informants used various adaptation strategies. Despite the described barriers, being outdoors was of great value to them. Conclusion: Independent outdoor activities seem to contribute to the well-being and feelings of self-worth among persons with early-stage dementia who want to be and are able to be outdoors. If a person with dementia, despite cognitive limitations, wants and is able to engage in outdoor activities, it is important for relatives and health-care staff to encourage and facilitate this, for example, by discussing adaptation strategies to deal with orientation problems.
|
|
| 10. |
- Sjölund, Britt-Marie, 1958-, et al.
(author)
-
Factors associated with improvement in depressive symptoms among older persons after hospitalisation - a prospective design with two follow-ups
- 2021
-
In: Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 0283-9318 .- 1471-6712. ; 35:3, s. 923-928
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Depression is a common disorder in old age and increases with hospitalisation. The aim was to investigate whether improvement in depressive symptoms after hospitalisation is associated with education level, age, gender, living situation, self-efficacy, activities in daily living and quality of life by (1) examining the prevalence of depressive symptoms at baseline and at 1st and 2nd follow-up (2) examining different factors' association with depressive symptoms at baseline and (3) examining different factors' association with improvement in depressive symptoms at baseline and at 1st and 2nd follow-up. Methods The study consisted of 145 patients, 65 years and older. Data were collected between February 2015 and September 2016 through interviews conducted using structured protocols. The instrument used was Katz index of ADL, Geriatric Depression Scale-20, Life Satisfaction Questionnaire and the General Self-Efficacy Scale. The participants were interviewed before discharge from hospital, after 1.5 month and after 3 months. Results The prevalence of depressive symptoms in older persons was high after hospitalisation. Factors associated with improvement of depressive symptoms after hospitalisation were higher educational level, improvement in activities in daily living and quality of life. Non-significant results were found for improvement of depressive symptoms and gender, age, living situation or self-efficacy. Conclusions Depression is a common health problem in older persons, especially after hospitalisation. It is therefore important that healthcare staff screen older persons for depression during hospitalisation, as this allows identification of those in need and a possibility to help them in an appropriate manner. Persons with lower educational level and depressive symptoms need special attention.
|
|
