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- Johansson-Pajala, Rose-Marie, et al.
(författare)
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Anxiety and loneliness among older people living in residential care facilities or receiving home care services in Sweden during the COVID-19 pandemic : a national cross-sectional study
- 2022
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Ingår i: BMC Geriatrics. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1471-2318 .- 1471-2318. ; 22:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Older people were subjected to significant restrictions on physical contacts with others during the COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing impacts older people’s experiences of anxiety and loneliness. Despite a large body of research on the pandemic, there is little research on its effects on older people in residential care facilities (RCF) and in home care services (HCS), who are the frailest of the older population. We aimed to investigate the effect of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in March-May 2020 on experiences of anxiety and loneliness among older people living in RCF or receiving HCS and the impact of the progression of the pandemic on these experiences.Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional design using data from the national user satisfaction survey (March − May 2020) by the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare. Survey responses were retrieved from 27,872 older people in RCF (mean age 87 years) and 82,834 older people receiving HCS (mean age 84 years). Proportional-odds (cumulative logit) model was used to estimate the degree of association between dependent and independent variables.Results: Loneliness and anxiety were more prevalent among the older persons living in RCF (loneliness: 69%, anxiety: 63%) than those receiving HCS (53% and 47%, respectively). Proportional odds models revealed that among the RCF and HCS respondents, the cumulative odds ratio of experiencing higher degree of anxiety increased by 1.06% and 1.04%, respectively, and loneliness by 1.13% and 1.16%, respectively, for 1% increase in the COVID-19 infection rate. Poor self-rated health was the most influential factor for anxiety in both RCF and HCS. Living alone (with HCS) was the most influential factor affecting loneliness. Experiences of disrespect from staff were more strongly associated with anxiety and loneliness in RCF than in HCS.Conclusion: Older people in RCF or receiving HCS experienced increasing levels of anxiety and loneliness as the first wave of the pandemic progressed. Older people’ mental and social wellbeing should be recognized to a greater extent, such as by providing opportunities for social activities. Better preparedness for future similar events is needed, where restrictions on social interaction are balanced against the public health directives.
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| 2. |
- Johansson-Pajala, Rose-Marie, et al.
(författare)
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Trust and easy access to home care staff are associated with older adults' sense of security : a Swedish longitudinal study
- 2024
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Public Health. - 1403-4948 .- 1651-1905. ; , s. 36830-
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- AIM: Older adults are increasingly encouraged to continue living in their own homes with support from home care services. However, few studies have focused on older adults' safety in home care. This study explored associations between the sense of security and factors related to demographic characteristics and home care services.METHODS: The mixed longitudinal design was based on a retrospective national survey. The study population consisted of individuals in Sweden (aged 65+ years) granted home care services at any time between 2016 and 2020 (n=82,834-94,714). Multiple ordinal logistic regression models were fitted using the generalised estimation equation method to assess the strength of relationship between the dependent (sense of security) and independent (demographics, health and care-related factors) variables.RESULTS: The sense of security tended to increase between 2016 and 2020, and was significantly associated with being a woman, living outside big cities, being granted more home care services hours or being diagnosed/treated for depression (cumulative odds ratio 2-9% higher). Anxiety, poor health and living alone were most strongly associated with insecurity (cumulative odds ratio 17-64% lower). Aside from overall satisfaction with home care services, accessibility and confidence in staff influenced the sense of security most.CONCLUSIONS: We stress the need to promote older adults' sense of security for safe ageing in place, as mandated by Swedish law. Home care services profoundly influence older adults' sense of security. Therefore, it is vital to prioritise continuity in care, establish trust and build relationships with older adults. Given the increasing shortage of staff, integrating complementary measures, such as welfare technologies, is crucial to promoting this sense of security.
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| 3. |
- Fritz, Johanna, et al.
(författare)
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Determinants of Implementing an Information and Communication Technology Tool for Social Interaction Among Older People : Qualitative Content Analysis of Social Services Personnel Perspectives
- 2024
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Ingår i: JMIR Aging. - : JMIR Publications Inc.. - 2561-7605. ; 7:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Older people are particularly vulnerable to social isolation and loneliness, which can lead to ill-health, both mentally and physically. Information and communication technology (ICT) can supplement health and social care and improve health among the vulnerable, older adult population. When ICT is used specifically for communication with others, it is associated with reduced loneliness in older populations. Research is sparse on how the implementation of ICT, used specifically for communication among older people in social services, can be performed. It is recommended to consider the determinants of implementation, that is, barriers to and facilitators of implementation. Determinants related to older people using ICT tools are reported in several studies. To the best of our knowledge, studies investigating the determinants related to the social services perspective are lacking. Objective: This study aims to explore the determinants of implementing the Fik@ room, a new, co-designed, and research-based ICT tool for social interaction among older people, from a social services personnel perspective. Methods: This study used an exploratory, qualitative design. An ICT tool called the Fik@ room was tested in an intervention study conducted in 2021 in 2 medium-sized municipalities in Sweden. Informants in this study were municipal social services personnel with experience of implementing this specific ICT tool in social services. We conducted a participatory workshop consisting of 2 parts, with 9 informants divided into 2 groups. We analyzed the data using qualitative content analysis with an inductive approach. Results: The results included 7 categories of determinants for implementing the ICT tool. Being able to introduce the ICT tool in an appropriate manner concerns the personnel’s options for introducing and supporting the ICT tool, including their competencies in using digital equipment. Organizational structure concerns a structure for communication within the organization. Leadership concerns engagement and enthusiasm as driving forces for implementation. The digital maturity of the social services personnel concerns the personnel’s skills and attitudes toward using digital equipment. Resources concern time and money. IT support concerns accessibility, and legal liability concerns possibilities to fulfill legal responsibilities. Conclusions: The results show that implementation involves an entire organization at varying degrees. Regardless of how much each level within the organization comes into direct contact with the ICT tool, all levels need to be involved to create the necessary conditions for successful implementation. The prerequisites for the implementation of an ICT tool will probably change depending on the digital maturity of future generations. As this study only included 9 informants, the results should be handled with care. The study was performed during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has probably affected the results.
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| 4. |
- Gusdal, Annelie K, 1963-, et al.
(författare)
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Older Adults’ Use of a Research-Based Web Platform for Social Interaction
- 2023
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Ingår i: Healthcare. - : MDPI AG. - 2227-9032. ; 11:3
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Loneliness and social isolation are triggers for unfavorable changes in older adults’ health and well-being. Information and communication technology (ICT) can be used by older adults to mitigate the negative effects of loneliness and social isolation. However, ICT needs to be customized to the specific needs and conditions of older adults. The aim of this study was to explore older adults’ use of a new, co-designed and research-based web platform for social interaction from the perspectives of older adults, researchers, and social services personnel. The study is an intervention study with a multimethod approach in which 20 older adults used the web platform for social interaction “the Fik@ room” for eight weeks. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected pretest, during the test, and posttest. The Fik@ room met the expectations of those older adults who completed the study. It enabled them to expand their social network and develop new friendships, but their experiences of loneliness were not reduced. The involvement of social services personnel in recruitment and support was important in facilitating older adults’ use of the Fik@ room. Our study contributes knowledge about a new, co-designed and research-based web platform, customized specifically for older adults, which is valuable in guiding the design and delivery of future web platforms for social interaction among older adults.
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| 5. |
- Gusdal, Annelie K, 1963-, et al.
(författare)
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Prerequisites for a healthy and independent life among older people : a Delphi study
- 2021
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Ingår i: Ageing & Society. - : Cambridge University Press. - 0144-686X .- 1469-1779. ; 41:9, s. 2171-2187
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The number of older people (aged 65+) will more than double by 2050 in Sweden. The ageing population is an increasing concern due to rising health-care costs and a shortage of health professionals. Older people generally prefer ageing in place, as long as they feel confident and comfortable. However, preventive and supportive measures are needed to maintain older people's independence and active participation in society. The aim of this study is to explore the prerequisites for a healthy and independent life among older people in Sweden. A Delphi study was conducted in three rounds. In round 1, seven focus group interviews were performed with older persons aged 65-79, older persons aged >= 80, next of kin of older persons, health professionals in primary and home health care, assistant nurses in home care, care managers and local politicians. The data were analysed using thematic analysis, resulting in 35 statements of the prerequisites needed for a healthy and independent life. These statements were sent to the participants from round 1, who were asked to evaluate the degree to which they agreed with each statement in round 2, and again in round 3. There was an agreement of at least 80 per cent for 31 of the 35 statements. When asked to identify the three prerequisites of most importance for a healthy and independent life, most participants stated: to have a social life, to have freedom of choice and power over one's own situation, and to have the possibility to choose independently one's type of housing. There was an overall high group agreement on the prerequisites needed for a healthy and independent life among older people. The main areas of importance were to have a social life, several dimensions of feeling safe and to retain one's personal control.
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| 6. |
- Gusdal, Annelie K, 1963-, et al.
(författare)
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Preventing Falls and Malnutrition among Older Adults in Municipal Residential Care in Sweden : A Registry Study
- 2021
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Ingår i: Sage Open Nursing. - : SAGE Publications Inc.. - 2377-9608. ; 7
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction: Older adults in municipal residential care are among the most vulnerable and in need of most care. The prevalence of negative events, such as falls and malnutrition, is increased among these older adults. The need for strategies to prevent falls and malnutrition is emphasized in guidelines and systematic, individualized risk assessments are prerequisites for adequate interventions. Objectives: The overall purpose of this study was to investigate the assessed risks of, and risk factors for, falling and malnutrition and the correlations between these assessed risks among older women and men in residential care. Further, the purpose was to investigate the consistency between planned and performed interventions among women and men assessed as at risk. Methods: A cross-sectional registry study based on risk assessment data in the Swedish national quality registry, Senior Alert. Altogether, 5,919 older adults ≥65 in nursing homes and dementia care units in 19 municipalities in Sweden were included. Results: Of the older adults, 77% were at risk of falls, and 59% were at risk of malnutrition. The most prevalent risk factors for falls were previous falls and not being cognitively oriented; and for malnutrition were having mild or severe dementia or depression. A significant positive correlation between the risk of falling and the risk of malnutrition was found. Less than half of the planned interventions for falls and malnutrition were performed. Care staff’s least common interventions to prevent falls were balance, muscular function, and strength training, which contrasts with the recommendations; interventions to prevent malnutrition were only partially adhering to recommendations. Conclusions: This cross-sectional registry study points towards the importance of using an evidence-based approach, based on adherence to recommended guidelines, in the prevention of falling and malnutrition. Further, the implementation of clinical practice guidelines is needed, which requires educational training for care staff and supportive leadership.
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| 7. |
- Hjort-Telhede, Eva, 1968-
(författare)
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Health intervention with weighted blankets for frail older people with insomnia in nursing homes
- 2024
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Insomnia is a common health problem among frail older people in nursing homes. An alternative method of dealing with insomnia has been developed through weighted blankets. The overall aim was to explore and describe how older people with insomnia living in nursing homes are affected in terms of sleep, quality of life, ADL ability, nutritional status and medication after an intervention using a weighted blanket. The study uses a qualitative and quantitative approach to explore the experiences and outcomes of using the weighted blankets. It increases the opportunity to integrate different perspectives and methods to understand the weighted blanket sufficiently. Study I aimed to explore how frail older people insomnia living in nursing homes experience the use of a weighted blanket. Study II aimed to explore nursing staff’s experiences of how a weighted blanket-based intervention influenced nursing home residents’ self-rated health. Study III investigated the effects of weighted blankets on the health of older people nursing home residents in terms of QoL, sleep, nutrition, cognition, ADL, and medication needs. Study IV examined how weighted blankets affect the sleep patterns of frail older people living in nursing homes. The studies suggest that weighted blankets improve the sleep of frail older people living in nursing homes by reducing the number of times they wake during the night. They can also improve overall well-being, emotional state, cognitive function, nutritional status, and daytime activity levels. However, it is essential to consider individual differences, as some users may find the blankets uncomfortable. Study IV revealed that weighted blankets can improve the sleep and quality of life of older people nursing home residents. Their use constitutes a safe and non-pharmacological intervention, but more research is needed to explore the long-term effects.
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| 8. |
- Hoppe, Julia A., et al.
(författare)
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Assistive robots in care : Expectations and pereceptions of older people
- 2020
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Ingår i: Aging between Participation and Simulation. - : De Gruyter Open. ; , s. 139-156
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Bokkapitel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This chapter analyzes older people’s expectations and perceptions about welfare technology and in particular about robots in elderly care. Assistive robots may serve as a means to prolonged autonomy in old age as well as support for nursing staff. Justified by a rapid change in the health care sector, the need to focus on user driven and not technology driven development of assistive robots must be emphasized to ensure an adequate and sustainable orientation process toward assistive robots. This study presents an inventory of the expectations and perceptions of older people regarding assistive robots, by conducting a qualitative approach with focus group discussions. Our findings reveal that seven themes in particular need to be addressed in order to improve older people’s perceptions of robot technology: (1) independence and safety, (2) physical and mental assistance, (3) communication and socialization, (4) relief to nursing staff, (5) individual’s right to decide, (6) data protection, and (7) liability. Additionally, the focus group interviews stress that dissemination of information on how robots can provide assistance may change older people’s attitudes towards technology
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