Sydney Multisite Intervention Of LaughterBosses And ElderClowns (SMILE): An RCT Of Humour Therapy In Residential Care
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$852,237.00
Summary
Sydney Multisite Intervention of LaughterBosses and ElderClowns (SMILE) is a trial of humour therapy. About 400 residents from 36 hostels and nursing homes will be randomly assigned to receive the SMILE treatment or usual care. ElderClowns will visit weekly, and staff volunteers will be trained to be LaughterBosses and bring humour to daily care routines. SMILE will evaluate whether humour therapy improves resident quality-of-life and mood, and reduces staff burnout and turnover.
Finding meaning in the experience of dementia: The place of spiritual reminiscence work. This project will use spiritual reminiscence work to study the experience of dementia and the spiritual dimension focussing on how people with dementia find meaning and develop coping strategies. Dementia is a significant issue for an ageing society where estimates of prevalence indicate a rise of 254% from 1995-2041. The greatest challenge to people diagnosed with dementia is their search for meaning lead ....Finding meaning in the experience of dementia: The place of spiritual reminiscence work. This project will use spiritual reminiscence work to study the experience of dementia and the spiritual dimension focussing on how people with dementia find meaning and develop coping strategies. Dementia is a significant issue for an ageing society where estimates of prevalence indicate a rise of 254% from 1995-2041. The greatest challenge to people diagnosed with dementia is their search for meaning leading to the development of effective coping strategies as their memory loss and confusion progresses. Outcomes will impact on persons with dementia, staff and carers, with improved quality of life for allRead moreRead less
A Population Based Study Of The Use Of Acute Hospital Services By Elderly People Living In Residential Care.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$127,000.00
Summary
This project will be the first population based Australian study to describe the pattern of utilisation of acute hospital services by elderly people living in residential care. It will provide much needed information on which to base health policy decisions relating to the acute care needs of the most frail elderly members of our community. Within a context of an ageing demographic profile of the Australian population, it is essential that the dynamic interplay between acute care services and th ....This project will be the first population based Australian study to describe the pattern of utilisation of acute hospital services by elderly people living in residential care. It will provide much needed information on which to base health policy decisions relating to the acute care needs of the most frail elderly members of our community. Within a context of an ageing demographic profile of the Australian population, it is essential that the dynamic interplay between acute care services and the residential aged-care sector be elucidated, both for current service provision and for better prediction of future service requirements. This study will make use of existing linked health data sources in WA to achieve the following aims: 1. To provide health service planners with information about the rates, patterns, causes, outcomes and costs of acute emergency department and in-patient hospital services for elderly persons living in residential care in Perth, Western Australia. 2. To develop a population model to determine future acute hospital requirements for elderly persons living in residential care. 3. To estimate the potential impact of alternate modes of integration of acute and long-term care on the utilisation of acute hospital services by hostel and nursing home residents.Read moreRead less
Strengthening leadership capacity in Australia's rapidly changing aged and community care sector. The project supports the priorities of: ageing well and promoting an innovative culture and economy and links to the goal of social inclusion. It will contribute significantly towards improved performance and efficiency in an increasingly important sector which contributes to the national economy and provides both care and employment to many Australians. Rapidly increasing demands and challenges r ....Strengthening leadership capacity in Australia's rapidly changing aged and community care sector. The project supports the priorities of: ageing well and promoting an innovative culture and economy and links to the goal of social inclusion. It will contribute significantly towards improved performance and efficiency in an increasingly important sector which contributes to the national economy and provides both care and employment to many Australians. Rapidly increasing demands and challenges require effective, competent leadership to deal with competing tensions, in turn resulting in a more resilient and sustainable industry. This will contribute to more stability, reduced staff turnover and improved outcomes for residents/clients, including through new and innovative workplace culture and practices.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
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
Consumer Directed Care In Residential Aged Care: Transforming Practice Through The Resident At The Centre Of Care (RCC) Program
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$836,087.00
Summary
The impending introduction of Consumer Directed Care (CDC) into Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs) will require organisations to respond rapidly in both ‘mindset’ and service delivery to radically change the nature of their current care practices. This project will allow our industry partners to implement and evaluate a CDC model of care that, if successful, will lead to a sustainable site specific implementation plan of CDC for RACFs across Australia with better outcomes for residents.
Evaluation of a Training Program for Staff to Recognize Depression Among Aged People Living in Residential and Community Care. Depression is a significant problem among older people, and is likely to increase in prevalence with the aging of the population. A large percentage of depressed older people fail to receive treatment because their depression is not diagnosed. This illness leads to high economic and social costs if it is not diagnosed and treated. This project will evaluate the effective ....Evaluation of a Training Program for Staff to Recognize Depression Among Aged People Living in Residential and Community Care. Depression is a significant problem among older people, and is likely to increase in prevalence with the aging of the population. A large percentage of depressed older people fail to receive treatment because their depression is not diagnosed. This illness leads to high economic and social costs if it is not diagnosed and treated. This project will evaluate the effectiveness of a training program to assist carers to detect depression, and so refer older people for treatment of this condition. 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
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