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- Johansson-Pajala, Rose-Marie, et al.
(author)
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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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In: Scandinavian Journal of Public Health. - 1403-4948 .- 1651-1905. ; , s. 36830-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)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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| 2. |
- Fritz, Johanna, et al.
(author)
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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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In: JMIR Aging. - : JMIR Publications Inc.. - 2561-7605. ; 7:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)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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| 3. |
- Hjort-Telhede, Eva, 1968-
(author)
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Health intervention with weighted blankets for frail older people with insomnia in nursing homes
- 2024
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)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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| 4. |
- Johansson-Pajala, Rose-Marie, et al.
(author)
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A codesigned web platform for reducing social isolation and loneliness in older people : a feasibility study
- 2024
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In: Informatics for Health and Social Care. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1753-8157 .- 1753-8165.
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Social isolation and loneliness are associated with negative health outcomes, physical as well as cognitive. Information and communication technology (ICT) can be effective tools for preventing and tackling social isolation and loneliness among older people. Our objective was to evaluate the feasibility of the Fik@ room, a web platform for social interaction designed for older people. A mixed methods design was applied, where both quantitative and qualitative data were collected during a 12-week period (n = 28, Md age 74). Experiences of loneliness were reduced using the Fik@ room. The results highlight the feasibility issues surrounding the recruitment process, adoption, pattern of use, usability, support service, and technical infrastructure. In particular, the importance of offering ICT solutions with few technical issues, and to provide easily accessible and appropriate support. The Fik@ room is a feasible tool for older people to develop new friendships, reduce loneliness, and grow their social networks. However, it is not a communication option that fits all. The results offer a compilation of feasibility issues that can serve as an inspirational guide in the design and implementation of similar technologies.
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