scholarly journals Assisted Living Administrators' Views of Palliative Care

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 906-906
Author(s):  
Elise Abken ◽  
Molly Perkins ◽  
Alexis Bender
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Assisted Living ◽  
Spiritual Needs ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Age In Place ◽  
Care Access ◽  
Access And Quality ◽  
Using Data

Abstract As many older adults with progressive chronic conditions choose to age-in-place in assisted living (AL) communities, external healthcare workers (e.g., those who provide palliative care) increasingly support AL staff in caring for residents with complex health needs. Palliative care is a branch of healthcare dedicated to preserving quality of life by attending to the physical, mental, and spiritual needs of individuals with chronic, life-threatening diseases and is well suited to manage AL residents’ progressive medical conditions. However, AL residents and their care partners often face barriers to accessing palliative care. Using data from a larger 5-year NIA-funded study, we examined AL administrator knowledge and use of palliative care in seven AL communities around the Atlanta metropolitan area that were racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically diverse. Findings from thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with 16 administrators indicated that 15 of 16 administrators were familiar with palliative care. A minority of administrators clearly distinguished palliative care from hospice services and conceptualized it as a “bridge” to hospice services. Administrators emphasized how palliative care assists communities in caring for health concerns in-house rather than having to send residents to the hospital. Despite their positive view of palliative care, administrators described infrequent use of palliative services in their communities. Findings show that although none of the AL communities integrate palliative care with their service offerings, AL administrators see value in palliative care for their residents. We provide recommendations for improving palliative care access and quality of life for AL residents at end of life.

scholarly journals MEANINGFUL ENGAGEMENT AND QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG ASSISTED LIVING RESIDENTS WITH DEMENTIA: EMERGENT FINDINGS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S943-S944
Author(s):  
Joy Ciofi ◽  
Candace L Kemp ◽  
Alexis A Bender ◽  
Elisabeth O Burgess ◽  
Jennifer C Morgan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Assisted Living ◽  
Personal Characteristics ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Care Partners ◽  
Meaningful Engagement ◽  
Physical Abilities ◽  
Community Staff

Abstract This poster provides an overview of the aims, methods, and emergent findings from an ongoing five-year NIA-funded project (R01AG062310) examining meaningful engagement and quality of life among assisted living (AL) residents with dementia. The overall goal of this project is to determine how opportunities for meaningful engagement can best be recognized, created, and maintained for individuals with different dementia types and varying levels of functional ability. Guided by grounded theory, this qualitative study will involve 12 diverse AL communities in and around Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Presently, our interdisciplinary team is collecting data in four communities using ethnographic observations, semi-structured interviews, and resident record review. We are studying daily life in each community, following 30 resident participants, and actively recruiting and interviewing their formal and informal care partners. Based on ongoing analysis, we offer key emergent findings. First, meaningful engagement is highly individualized and dynamic. Differing personal interests, along with wide variations in cognitive and physical abilities, can present challenges for AL community staff and other care partners when trying to recognize what constitutes meaningful engagement for residents. Second, multiple complex factors interplay to shape the experience of meaningful engagement among persons living with dementia, such as personal characteristics, care partner background and training, AL community design and philosophy, and state/corporate regulations. Finally, flexibility and ‘meeting the resident where they are at’ appear to be critical to identifying and fostering meaningful engagement for persons living with dementia. We discuss the implications of these preliminary findings for translation, dissemination, and future research.

On the road again: Patient perspectives on commuting for palliative care

2010 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 187-195 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Pesut ◽  
Carole A. Robinson ◽  
Joan L. Bottorff ◽  
Gillian Fyles ◽  
Sandra Broughton
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
On The Road

AbstractObjective:The aim of this research project was to gain an understanding of the experiences of rural cancer patients who commute to an urban cancer center for palliative care.Method:The study utilized a mixed method design. Fifteen individuals with a palliative designation participated in semi-structured interviews and filled out the Problems and Needs in Palliative Care Questionnaire.Results:Qualitative findings included three major themes: cultures of rural life and care, strategies for commuting, and the effects of commuting. Participants valued their rural lifestyles and gained significant support from their communities. Strategies included preparing for the trip with particular attention to pain management, making the most of time, and maintaining significant relationships. Establishing a routine helped to offset the anxiety of commuting. Commuting was costly but the quality of life and supportive relationships obtained through treatment were significant benefits. Questionnaire data suggested that participants were experiencing a number of problems but few indicated they desired more professional attention to those problems.Significance of Results:Rural lifestyles are often an important part of overall well-being and commuting for care is both costly and complex. Health care providers should assist individuals to weigh the relative contributions of staying in their rural locale versus commuting for care to their overall quality of life. Palliative-care individuals in this study indicated a number of ongoing problems but were not inclined to seek further assistance from health care providers in addressing those problems. Clinicians should actively inquire about problems and further research is needed to understand why patients are reluctant to seek help.

scholarly journals Influence of Physical Activity on Pain, Depression and Quality of Life of Patients in Palliative Care: A Proof-of-Concept Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 1012
Author(s):  
Dariusz Myrcik ◽  
Wojciech Statowski ◽  
Magdalena Trzepizur ◽  
Antonella Paladini ◽  
Oscar Corli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Subjective Assessment ◽  
Daily Activities ◽  
Spiritual Needs ◽  
Motor Abilities ◽  
Total Pain ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: Palliative care not only focuses on physical ailments associated with the disease, but also considers the psychological, social and spiritual needs of the patients. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of physical activity on palliative care patients, with special regard to the subjective assessment of severity of total pain and quality of life. Materials and methods: The study was conducted on 92 palliative care patients either in a hospice or at home. The tool used to assess the patients was an original questionnaire focusing on the area of their independence and motor abilities. The study attempted to understand whether an appropriate physical activity and the instruction of palliative care patients and their families in the field of independence would improve the quality of life and reduce the intensity of total pain in the patients. Results: All of the patients were at an advanced stage of cancer. The survey at time “0”, conducted before the start of the instructions for patients and their relatives, showed that a majority of patients (47, 51.09%) often experienced limitations during the performance of daily activities. In the fourth visit, conducted one week after the fourth educational session, there was a significant increase in patients who did not experience any limitations in performing their daily activities or experienced them just sometimes. Conclusions: The ultimate effect of the proposed educational program on physical activity was an increase in the quality of life, a reduction in pain and a mood improvement. These results would need confirmation with more extensive studies.

“It’s Going to be Different for Everyone”: Negotiating Quality of Life and Care Priorities Within Care Convoys

2021 ◽  
pp. 089826432110523
Author(s):  
Elisabeth O. Burgess ◽  
Candace L. Kemp ◽  
Alexis A. Bender
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Assisted Living ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Quality Care ◽  
Theory Analysis ◽  
Multiple Viewpoints ◽  
Age In Place ◽  
Care Partners ◽  
Working Out

Objective: The overall goal of this analysis was to learn about residents’ quality of life and quality of care in assisted living over time and from multiple viewpoints within support networks. Method: This grounded theory analysis examined qualitative data collected from 50 residents and 169 of their care network members followed over two consecutive 2-year periods in 8 diverse settings. Results: Quality involved a dynamic process of “negotiating priorities,” which refers to working out what is most important for residents’ quality of life and care. Resident and care partner priorities were not always consistent or shared, in part because quality is personal, subjective, dynamic, and situational. Discussion: Communication and collaboration among formal and informal care partners are vital to residents’ ability to age in place with a high quality of life and quality care.

O Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo Emergente de Médicos em Relação a Cuidados Paliativos/ The Collective Subject Discourse Emerging Physicians Regarding palliative Care

1970 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 25-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katrine de Freitas Valeriano ◽  
Thais de Paiva Guimarães Barreiro ◽  
José Vitor Da Silva ◽  
Jorge Leonardo Narcy ◽  
Maria Tereza de Jesus Pereira
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Social Representations ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Relieve Pain ◽  
Positive Feelings ◽  
Negative Feelings

Objetivos: conhecer os significados e os sentimentos emergentes dos médicos em relação aos cuidados paliativos, bem como identificar a atuação desses profissionais frente aos pacientes com necessidades de cuidados paliativos numa instituição hospitalar da cidade de Pouso Alegre-MG. Materiais e métodos: o presente trabalho foi de abordagem qualitativa, do tipo exploratório e transversal.  A amostra foi de 25 médicos atuantes no Hospital Universitário Samuel Libânio, Pouso Alegre, MG. A amostragem foi do tipo intencional ou teórica. A coleta de dados ocorreu por meio de entrevista semiestruturada e usaram-se as estratégias metodológicas do Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo (DSC) para a análise e tratamento dos dados. Resultados e discussão: do tema “significado de cuidados paliativos”, emergiram-se as ideias de cuidados diversificados, aliviar a dor e o sofrimento e proporcionar conforto. Do tema “sentimento ao prestar assistência”, as representações sociais dos médicos foram diversos sentimentos negativos, diversos sentimentos positivos e sentimentos ambivalentes. Sobre o “atendimento aos pacientes”, os médicos mencionaram as ideias de oferecer conforto e qualidade de vida, atendendo o paciente normalmente e dando atenção. Conclusão: A atuação profissional dos médicos abordados, em paliação, visa a oferecer conforto e qualidade de vida, mas se verifica que há uma diversidade de significados e sentimentos em relação aos cuidados paliativos na percepção destes profissionais.  Palavras chave: Cuidados paliativos; Medicina; Terminalidade.   ABSTRACT Objectives: To know the meanings and feelings emerging of physicians in relation to palliative care, and to identify the role of these professionals against patients in need of palliative care in a hospital in the city of Pouso Alegre-MG. Materials and methods: This study was a qualitative, exploratory and cross. The sample consisted of 25 doctors working at the University Hospital Samuel Libânio, Pouso Alegre, MG. Sampling was the intentional or theoretical. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews and used up the methodological strategies of the Collective Subject Discourse (CSD) for the analysis and processing of data. Results and discussion: theme "meaning of palliative care," sprang up ideas diversified care, relieve pain and suffering and provide comfort. Theme "feeling to assist" the social representations of the doctors were many negative feelings, many positive feelings and ambivalent feelings. On the "patient care" physicians mentioned the ideas of comfort and quality of life, given the patient normally and paying attention. Conclusion: The role of physicians addressed in palliation, aims to offer comfort and quality of life, but it turns out that there is a diversity of meanings and feelings in relation to the perception of palliative care professionals.  Keywords: Palliative care; Medicine; Terminality.

A Quality end of Life from A Palliative Care Patient's Perspective

2009 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iris Gourdji ◽  
Lynne Mcvey ◽  
Margaret Purden
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
End Of Life ◽  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Life Experience ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Illness Trajectory ◽  
Quality Life ◽  
Sphere Of Influence

This qualitative study explored the meaning of quality of life (QOL) from the perspective of palliative care patients by examining their lived experiences and their perceptions of what contributes to their QOL. Ten in-patients — five women and five men — took part in in-depth, semi-structured interviews. When asked about their QOL, they spoke about three distinct aspects: the meaning of a quality life at this stage in their illness trajectory, the experience of living with the illness, and factors that contributed to their QOL. Patients’ approach to life, illness life, and ideal quality life were found to create a sphere of influence that shaped their end-of-life experience. At the heart of living a quality end of life for these patients was their ability to “do the things that I usually do,” “be helpful to others,” and “live in a caring environment,” The findings highlight the importance of understanding each of these factors: patients’ approach to life, illness life, and ideal quality of life, and what they mean to patients in order to tailor interventions to enhance their QOL.

DISTANCE EDUCATION IN THE CONTEXT OF GLOBALIZATION: PROBLEMS, SEARCH FOR A SOLUTION// Social Sciences: Achievements and Prospects Journal 4(12), 2019/ OEAPS Inc.(Open European Academy of Public Sciences); Chief Editor Mark Freeman - Barcelona, Spain. 16.05.2019: OEAPS Inc., 2019. - pp. 29-33.

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhanna Borisovna Erzhanova ◽  
Olga Alexandrovna Manankova
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Distance Education ◽  
Chief Editor ◽  
Learning System ◽  
Spiritual Needs ◽  
European Academy ◽  
Distance Learning System ◽  
Teachers And Students

The article deals with the analysis of distance education in the modern globalization, as well as the problems and difficulties faced by teachers and students in the process of this form of training. Distance learning system provides an excellent opportunity for higher education to those who did not have or want to get a second education with the aim of improving the quality of life, as well as their material and spiritual needs. This article, highlighting some of the difficulties and problems of training in modern globalization, can help teachers to allow and overcome some of these new problems.

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