The work maps the adaptative process of the clients of the Home for Seniors Hvízdal in České Budějovice. Arrival and adaptation of a senior in an institution present one of the most dangerous life events. Then the systematic work with a client is becoming a very important factor of the quality of life of seniors living in an institution. The rhythm of life in the institution should reflect the individual rhythm of every person in her/his home environment and in her/his previous life. At present, the adaptative process in one of the basic indicators of quality of life in an institution. Concidering the change of act and the newly set up conditions, this appears even to future. The basic indicator of the quality of life in an institution will be the competence of communication with the family of a client, social workers and doctors. The cooperation of these sections will ensure trouble-free adaptation to a new way of life in elderly age. Institutions which will manage this difficult task will be even in future, concidering the quality of service, found adequate.

M Family Medicine research report - Faculty of Health Sciences / Residents of old age homes are at increased risk for the complications of influenza. Studies in developed countries have consistently shown that influenza vaccination of old age home residents and staff can significantly decrease morbidity and mortality rates and that influenza vaccination is one of the most cost effective interventions possible in this population. No studies have been done on the cost benefit of using influenza vaccine in old age home residents in South Africa. The aim of this study was to evaluate the costs of treating influenza and influenza-like illnesses in old age home residents, and to compare the costs in people who had received the influenza vaccine to those who had not. The study population comprised 151 people residing in two old age homes in Johannesburg, namely Sandringham Gardens and Nazareth House. The study population was divided into two groups- those who received influenza vaccine and those who had not been vaccinated. The residents of Nazareth House who gave consent had all been vaccinated. The subjects at Sandringham Gardens were sub- divided into two groups, namely: “Residents” and “Frail care / wards” section. The general health of the “Frail care” people was poorer than that of the “residents”. Medical records were reviewed, and details of the number of doctor consultations, medication and physiotherapy prescribed, special investigations performed and hospital referrals related to influenza and influenza-like infections were recorded. The costs were then calculated using “medical aid rates”. There were no significant differences in the treatment costs, comparing those who had been vaccinated to those who had not been vaccinated. There are a number of possible explanations for this. These include, most importantly, a low to moderate epidemic activity of influenza in the season that the study was conducted. Other explanations are low patient numbers, the use of symptoms for diagnosis and the use of over the counter therapy. Despite the findings in the present study, the international literature supports the view that influenza vaccination is a cost-effective intervention in the older adult population, particularly those at higher risk. These findings have been implemented in the official guidelines of many countries, including the South African Adult Influenza Vaccination Guideline.

The thesis discusses the seniors living in their own homes. Specifically, it is the elderly who use social care services. Thanks to these services, some may remain in home care. The text of the thesis is divided into two parts. Theoretical and practical. In the theoretical part, the author describes concepts such as old age, quality of life, home, living in old age, social services and other essential concepts. The practical part contains the research, which was compiled from interviews with seniors. The aim of this thesis is to find contentment in the life of seniors living in their own homes who use social care services.

The theme of this diploma thesis, as the title suggests, is the use of music therapy in gerontological practice. More specifically the thesis is focused on the use of appropriate music therapy techniques with clients of the Seniors' Home Panorama in Tachov. The theoretical part characterizes the field of music therapy, its history and presentsituation in the Czech Republic. Furthermore, the reader is informed about the forms, methods and techniques of music therapy. Another part of the thesis briefly introduces the issue of old age. It deals with manifestations of old age, demographic issues or the senior care in the Czech Republic. The empirical part of the thesis is already devoted to the practical use of music therapy during work with the elderly. In the introduction, the objectives of the work are defined in relation to the target group of clients. By using the method of unstructured observation, it is determined whether the music therapy techniques fulfil predetermined goals. At the end of the work there is the evaluation of contribution of music therapy to this field.

The perpetration of theft by employees in a nursing home is the subject of this study. The investigation focuses mainly on the theft of clients’/residents’ possessions by those people who are supposed to care for them. Previous research indicated a relationship between ethical climate and the behavioural outputs of employees in an organization. This research, which is mainly qualitative in nature, endeavours to study the assumed relation between ethical climate and theft by employees in a specific location, namely at Vergenoeg vir Seniors, an old age home in Pretoria. With the aid of a standardized questionnaire the nature of the ethical climate in the home is clarified. Thereafter the results are evaluated and investigated by utilizing (i) a focus group interview and (ii) six in- depth individual interviews. Certain substantial and formal tendencies which present themselves, are discussed fully. For example, it is detected that “rules and regulations” play a paramount role as regards ethical climate, whereas “friendship and team work” rate very low. Ethical climate however does affect employee theft. Therefore it is recommended that this aspect should be managed with care and should also enhance the climate type of “social responsibility”. Other recommendations involve the need for team building and proper job descriptions, as well as dealing with the perception of most older people that theft practices differ according to race. Finally, some suggestions for further study are made. / Dissertation (MCom (Human Resources Management))--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Human Resource Management / unrestricted