1.
Malmgren Fänge, Agneta, et al.
(författare)
The TECH@HOME study, a technological intervention to reduce caregiver burden for informal caregivers of people with dementia: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
2017
Ingår i: Trials. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1745-6215. ; 18:63
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat) abstract
Background: It is estimated that global dementia rates will more than triple by 2050 and result in a staggering economic burden on families and societies. Dementia carries significant physical, psychological and social challenges for individuals and caregivers. Informal caregiving is common and increasing as more people with dementia are being cared for at home instead of in nursing homes. Caregiver burden is associated with lower perceived health, lower social coherence, and increased risk of morbidity and mortality. The aim of this trial is to evaluate the effects of information and communication technology (ICT) on caregiver burden among informal caregivers of people with dementia by reducing the need for supervision. Methods/design: This randomized controlled trial aims to recruit 320 dyads composed of people with dementia living in community settings and their primary informal caregivers. In the intervention group, people with dementia will have a home monitoring kit installed in their home while dyads in the control group will receive usual care. The ICT kit includes home-leaving sensors, smoke and water leak sensors, bed sensors, and automatic lights that monitor the individual's behavior. Alerts (text message and/or phone call) will be sent to the caregiver if anything unusual occurs. All study dyads will receive three home visits by project administrators who have received project-specific training in order to harmonize data collection. Home visits will take place at enrollment and 3 and 12 months following installation of the ICT kit. At every home visit, a standardized questionnaire will be administered to all dyads to assess their health, quality of life and resource utilization. The primary outcome of this trial is the amount of informal care support provided by primary informal caregivers to people with dementia. Discussion: This is the first randomized controlled trial exploring the implementation of ICT for people with dementia in a large sample in Sweden and one of the first at the international level. Results hold the potential to inform regional and national policy-makers in Sweden and beyond about the cost-effectiveness of ICT and its impact on caregiver burden.
2.
Fänge, Agneta Malmgren, et al.
(författare)
Care Home and Home Care Staff’s Learning during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beliefs about Subsequent Changes in the Future : A Survey Study in Sweden, Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom
2022
Ingår i: Healthcare. - Basel : MDPI. - 2227-9032. ; 10:2, s. 1-13
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat) abstract
The aim of this study was to compare perceptions of learning from the COVID-19 pandemic and beliefs in subsequent changes for the future, among care home and home care staff, in four European countries. A 29-item on-line questionnaire was designed in English and later translated into Swedish, Italian, and German on the impact of the pandemic on stress and anxiety. Anonymous data from care staff respondents was collected in four countries between 07.10.2020 and the 17.12.2020: Sweden (n = 212), Italy (n = 103), Germany (n = 120), and the United Kingdom (n = 167). While care staff in all countries reported learning in multiple areas of care practice, Italy reported the highest levels of learning and the most agreement that changes will occur in the future due to the pandemic. Conversely, care staff in Germany reported low levels of learning and reported the least agreement for change in the future. While the pandemic has strained care home and home care staff practices, our study indicates that much learning of new skills and knowledge has taken place within the workforce. Our study has demonstrated the potential of cross-border collaborations and experiences for enhancing knowledge acquisition in relation to societal challenges and needs. The results could be built upon to improve future health care and care service practices.
3.
Lamura, Giovanni, et al.
(författare)
Current LTC challenges in Italy
2013
Ingår i: The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging. - 1279-7707 .- 1760-4788. ; 17:Supplement 1, June/july, s. S227-S227
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat) abstract
Introduction: The rapid ageing of the Italian population is reflected by a growing demand for LTC services. As families are facing increasing difficulties in providing everyday elder care, the pressure on formal services is growing. At the same time, the current financial crisis is making the public response less and less able to provide the needed resources. As a consequence, the current approach of indirect public support to the private employment of migrant care workers (MCWs) through cash-for-care schemes is likely to continue.Method: The presentation is based on a detailed analysis of empirical findings and policy documents, outlining the crucial features characterising the Italian LTC system and describing also some of the main differences existing between different regional care approaches.Results: After adecade of increasing availability of publicly funded LTC services for older people, in some sectors, such as integrated home care, the audience of recipients has started receiving a lower number of hours of care. The mainly monetary focus of the Italian care regime has a clear incentivizing effect to employ foreign migrant care workers, often on an undeclared basis, to provide everyday elder care in Italian homes. Another crucial characteristic is the strong heterogeneity of Italian regions, according to which today different clusters of regions can beidentified, with strong inequalities in LTC provision.Conclusion : Thelack of a coherent national LTC policy has been recently accompaniedby an increasing focus on cash-for-care payments, which in the future will require a stronger attention to care quality issues.
4.
Chiatti, Carlos, et al.
(författare)
Utilization of Formal and Informal Care by Community-Living People with Dementia : A Comparative Study between Sweden and Italy
2018
Ingår i: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. - : MDPI AG. - 1660-4601. ; 15:12
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat) abstract
Background: Dementia is a public health priority with a dramatic social and economic impact on people with dementia (PwD), their caregivers and societies. The aim of this study was to contribute to the knowledge on how utilization of formal and informal care varies between Sweden and Italy. Methods: Data were retrieved from two trials: TECH@HOME (Sweden) and UP-TECH (Italy). The sample consisted of 89 Swedish and 317 Italian dyads (PwD and caregivers). Using bivariate analysis, we compared demographic characteristics and informal resource utilization. Multiple linear regression was performed to analyze factors associated with time spent on care by the informal caregivers. Results: Swedish participants utilized more frequently health care and social services. Informal caregivers in Italy spent more time in caregiving than the Swedish ones (6.3 and 3.7 h per day, respectively). Factors associated with an increased time were country of origin, PwD level of dependency, living situation, use of formal care services and occupation. Conclusions: Care and service utilization significantly varies between Sweden and Italy. The level of formal care support received by the caregivers has a significant impact on time spent on informal care. Knowledge on the factors triggering formal care resources utilization by PwD and their caregivers might further support care services planning and delivery across different countries.
5.
Barbabella, Francesco, 1984-, et al.
(författare)
Alcuni profili dell’assistenza nelle regioni
2013
Ingår i: L'assistenza agli anziani non autosufficienti in Italia. - Rimini : Maggioli Editore. - 8838735646 ; , s. 29-43
Bokkapitel (refereegranskat)
6.
7.
Barbabella, Francesco, 1984-, et al.
(författare)
La bussola di NNA : lo stato dell'arte basato sui dati
2015
Ingår i: L'assistenza agli anziani non autosufficienti in Italia. - Rimini : Maggioli Editore. - 8891614068 - 9788891614063 ; , s. 15-33
Bokkapitel (refereegranskat)
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