Introducing computer-based documentation to Residential Aged Care: a multi-method evaluation of success. Improvements to quality and use of evidence-based methods in residential aged-care are restricted due to the very slow adoption of electronic information systems. This research will provide key investors, government, aged care providers and IT vendors, with tools to measure success in introducing IT into this sector. The project will create a platform with the national peak body, to dissemina ....Introducing computer-based documentation to Residential Aged Care: a multi-method evaluation of success. Improvements to quality and use of evidence-based methods in residential aged-care are restricted due to the very slow adoption of electronic information systems. This research will provide key investors, government, aged care providers and IT vendors, with tools to measure success in introducing IT into this sector. The project will create a platform with the national peak body, to disseminate lessons in successful implementation of computerised systems in residential aged-care, based on studies in two states. The studies will also benefit the international community researching technology adoption, by extending its boundary condition to a novel setting.Read moreRead less
Enhancing moral care and quality of life in people with dementia. This research explores largely unknown quality of life experiences of persons living with dementia in residential aged care, and therefore factors that may promote well being, longevity, meaning, family and social coherence. The research will result in new knowledge for a model of care that is truly person-centred and will inform health, ageing and education policy, as well as an enlarged and clearer role function for caregivers. ....Enhancing moral care and quality of life in people with dementia. This research explores largely unknown quality of life experiences of persons living with dementia in residential aged care, and therefore factors that may promote well being, longevity, meaning, family and social coherence. The research will result in new knowledge for a model of care that is truly person-centred and will inform health, ageing and education policy, as well as an enlarged and clearer role function for caregivers. The solution focused model of dementia care is likely to also have positive effects on staff satisfaction and result in improved recruitment and retention. Read moreRead less
A compartive study of an education intervention to promote family involvement in residential dementia care. This study aims to test a collaborative model of care for nursing home residents with irreversible dementias. The Family involvement in care (FIC) model aims for family caregiver(s) and nurses to participate in ongoing negotiation and establishment of a partnership of cooperative role relationships. The intervention aims to reduce stressors for family and staff caregivers along the course ....A compartive study of an education intervention to promote family involvement in residential dementia care. This study aims to test a collaborative model of care for nursing home residents with irreversible dementias. The Family involvement in care (FIC) model aims for family caregiver(s) and nurses to participate in ongoing negotiation and establishment of a partnership of cooperative role relationships. The intervention aims to reduce stressors for family and staff caregivers along the course of the deteriorating dementing illness, and to illuminate nursing interventions that relieve stress and increase positive attitudes. The research has the potential to inform evidence-based dementia care and to improve staff retention.Read moreRead less
Accommodating the Needs of People with Lifelong Intellectual Disability in Residential Aged Care. Unique challenges face the residential aged care system because of the increased life expectancy of people with life-long intellectual disability and the likelihood of their premature ageing. Although this group is recognised by Federal and State governments as requiring specific and special service arrangements, little is known about adapting disability and aged care services to their needs, thus p ....Accommodating the Needs of People with Lifelong Intellectual Disability in Residential Aged Care. Unique challenges face the residential aged care system because of the increased life expectancy of people with life-long intellectual disability and the likelihood of their premature ageing. Although this group is recognised by Federal and State governments as requiring specific and special service arrangements, little is known about adapting disability and aged care services to their needs, thus program development is in its early stages. This research will inform the development of policy and programs in the Aged Care, Disability and Health sectors with the aim of improving the quality of life for people with intellectual disability as they age.Read moreRead less
An Efficacy Study Of A Cognitive-communicative Intervention To Improve Transition To Residential Care In Dementia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$681,083.00
Summary
The transition from home to a residential aged care facility (RACF) is a potentially traumatic process that has a negative impact on the health and well-being of both people with dementia and their caregivers. This project will develop an intervention program for people with dementia that maximizes their ability to learn and retain functional skills and that enhances the communicative competence of both people with dementia and their carergivers. This will serve to minimize the stress and disori ....The transition from home to a residential aged care facility (RACF) is a potentially traumatic process that has a negative impact on the health and well-being of both people with dementia and their caregivers. This project will develop an intervention program for people with dementia that maximizes their ability to learn and retain functional skills and that enhances the communicative competence of both people with dementia and their carergivers. This will serve to minimize the stress and disorientation, as well as accompanying increased risk of illness, of entering residential care. We will investigate whether this intervention program has good outcomes both for the people with dementia as well as their caregivers. The research will develop guidelines for the development of best-practice policies for service providers and the government, which will assist both health workers and homebased caregivers to better manage the transition of people with dementia from home to the RACF environment.Read moreRead less
3D Printed Food for People with Swallowing Disability. This project aims to identify ways that 3D food printing (additive manufacturing using real food in a device like a ink-jet printer) could be used to improve the visual appeal of puree meals for people with swallowing difficulty, who make up ~8% of the world's population. This study will be the first to include people with swallowing disability (e.g., related to cerebral palsy, stroke, older age) and their supporters in examining the views a ....3D Printed Food for People with Swallowing Disability. This project aims to identify ways that 3D food printing (additive manufacturing using real food in a device like a ink-jet printer) could be used to improve the visual appeal of puree meals for people with swallowing difficulty, who make up ~8% of the world's population. This study will be the first to include people with swallowing disability (e.g., related to cerebral palsy, stroke, older age) and their supporters in examining the views and experiences of stakeholders on the impact of 3D food printing on quality of life, enjoyment, participation, and safety. Outcomes include new knowledge on factors affecting the implementation of 3D food printing in disability and aged care services, to inform policy, practice, and future research.Read moreRead less
Successful ageing: Design of residential care facilities for better health delivery. Australia population is ageing. Residential aged care will need to meet expanding demands for services and respond to more discerning residents with higher service expectations. Helping Hand Aged Care Inc, Delfin Lend Lease and Spotless Services Limited are collaborating to improve the capacity of the physical environment to be progressively adapted to changing resident care needs and support the efficient and ....Successful ageing: Design of residential care facilities for better health delivery. Australia population is ageing. Residential aged care will need to meet expanding demands for services and respond to more discerning residents with higher service expectations. Helping Hand Aged Care Inc, Delfin Lend Lease and Spotless Services Limited are collaborating to improve the capacity of the physical environment to be progressively adapted to changing resident care needs and support the efficient and effective provision of quality care by all service providers, including outsourced services. The outcomes of the research will provide economic benefits as worker productivity can be improved and a reduction in post occupancy changes to the built environment.Read moreRead less
Transforming the experiences of ageing: The ABC of building socially inclusive communities. This project addresses the national goal: ageing well, ageing productively. Serious problems with community and residential care services for older Australians are well documented. This project will determine the best way to find out what older people want now and for the future, in terms of housing, supports and services.
Improving Health and Quality of Life with Improved Nutrition in Residential Care Establishments. Inadequate nutrition is a serious issue in residential care establishments. Poor intake of vitamins and minerals is associated with impaired healing, reduced immune function, and reduction in physical and mental capacity. Lack of food choice and access to suitable nutrient-dense foods all contribute to inadequate energy and protein, leading to weight loss and malnutrition. Our industry partners will ....Improving Health and Quality of Life with Improved Nutrition in Residential Care Establishments. Inadequate nutrition is a serious issue in residential care establishments. Poor intake of vitamins and minerals is associated with impaired healing, reduced immune function, and reduction in physical and mental capacity. Lack of food choice and access to suitable nutrient-dense foods all contribute to inadequate energy and protein, leading to weight loss and malnutrition. Our industry partners will work with us to enhance the nutrient density of suitable foods. We will establish the efficacy of foods and supplements and develop strategies to implement a sustainable nutrition-enhancing program that can be introduced to improve health in residential care establishments throughout Australia.Read moreRead less
New Methods Of Pain Assessment In Demented Older Persons
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$306,000.00
Summary
There are substantial risks of inadequate pain assessment and management in persons with cognitive impairment and particularly in those with communication problems. Undetected or under-treated pain can have serious adverse effects on frail older adults including poorer cognitive performance, increased levels of depression, anxiety and disruptive behaviours, a reduced quality of life and higher levels of functional disability. These adverse effects contribute to greater demands for daily nursing ....There are substantial risks of inadequate pain assessment and management in persons with cognitive impairment and particularly in those with communication problems. Undetected or under-treated pain can have serious adverse effects on frail older adults including poorer cognitive performance, increased levels of depression, anxiety and disruptive behaviours, a reduced quality of life and higher levels of functional disability. These adverse effects contribute to greater demands for daily nursing care and a corresponding increase in health care costs. The present proposal aims to develop more sensitive, reliable and valid questionnaire and non-verbal measures of pain in older adults with cognitive impairment and particularly in those with verbal communication problems. By completion, the present studies should provide much needed information on the reliability and validity of several different types of verbal and non-verbal indicators of possible pain. This research should lead to improved pain assessment and management for the growing segment of the population who suffer from pain and impaired cognitive function.Read moreRead less