This research explores the meaning that older persons ascribe to the friendships in which they engage. Previous research mostly focuses on the strain that the older population places on the self-reliant community. The older person is faced by many challenges, such as sickness, loss of social and emotional support and death. Friendships serve as a support for physical and emotional needs which could not always be addressed by the family. The aim of this research is to explore the type of friendships in which older persons prefer to engage and the meanings they assign to it. A qualitative study was identified as the most appropriate method and focus groups and personal interviews were used as methods of data collection. Data was analysed by means of thematic content analysis. Findings indicated that different types of friendships exist and that different meanings were attached to friendships. Meaning in friendships is promoted by trustworthy friends who are able to form a deepened level of connection through the support and the compassion they are able to give each other. The experience of connection in friendships is furthermore enhanced through mobility, proximity and technology that facilitate better emotional as well as physical support for the older individual. Informal friendships with younger people ensure that older people are more mobile and are able to maintain their friendships. It is also a great source of support in cases where family members are not able to provide support, due to whatever reason. Further exploration of the value of friendships is recommended, so as to plan more specific intervention strategies. Some insights have already been gathered in this study concerning the way in which mobility, proximity and modern technology can make it possible to sustain a friendship. Further studies could explore ways to empower older people through providing better mobility, proximity and the use of modem technology. Such studies may also explore the needs which an old age home fulfils, such as improving the residents' access to one another, for mutual support. Proximity might be a solution for the immobility experienced in the older community, and when older people are taught to use modern technology they will be enabled to maintain their friendships better. / Thesis (M.A. (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.

Thesis (M.A. (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.

This research explores the meaning that older persons ascribe to the friendships in which they engage. Previous research mostly focuses on the strain that the older population places on the self-reliant community. The older person is faced by many challenges, such as sickness, loss of social and emotional support and death. Friendships serve as a support for physical and emotional needs which could not always be addressed by the family. The aim of this research is to explore the type of friendships in which older persons prefer to engage and the meanings they assign to it. A qualitative study was identified as the most appropriate method and focus groups and personal interviews were used as methods of data collection. Data was analysed by means of thematic content analysis. Findings indicated that different types of friendships exist and that different meanings were attached to friendships. Meaning in friendships is promoted by trustworthy friends who are able to form a deepened level of connection through the support and the compassion they are able to give each other. The experience of connection in friendships is furthermore enhanced through mobility, proximity and technology that facilitate better emotional as well as physical support for the older individual. Informal friendships with younger people ensure that older people are more mobile and are able to maintain their friendships. It is also a great source of support in cases where family members are not able to provide support, due to whatever reason. Further exploration of the value of friendships is recommended, so as to plan more specific intervention strategies. Some insights have already been gathered in this study concerning the way in which mobility, proximity and modern technology can make it possible to sustain a friendship. Further studies could explore ways to empower older people through providing better mobility, proximity and the use of modem technology. Such studies may also explore the needs which an old age home fulfils, such as improving the residents' access to one another, for mutual support. Proximity might be a solution for the immobility experienced in the older community, and when older people are taught to use modern technology they will be enabled to maintain their friendships better. / Thesis (M.A. (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.

Dado o acelerado processo de envelhecimento populacional vivenciado no Brasil e no mundo, é importante identificar quais as melhores maneiras de avaliar a saúde da pessoa idosa inserida na comunidade ou institucionalizada. Neste sentido, a Organização Mundial de Saúde preconiza a avaliação desta população por meio da condição funcional. Diferentes instrumentos se propõem a este fim, seja evidenciando o desempenho de atividades ou capacidade funcional, por métodos aferido ou referido. No entanto, existe grande diferença entre estas possíveis maneiras de avaliação da pessoa idosa e poucos estudos que abordem este tema. Objetivo: comparar a avaliação de atividades básicas de vida diária (ABVD) por meio do desempenho referido e aferido em pessoas idosas residentes na comunidade. Método: Estudo transversal que avaliou 40 idosos que realizavam tratamento ou acompanhamento médico em dois ambulatórios (clínica médica e ortopedia) no município de Londrina (PR). Esta amostra foi avaliada frente desempenho funcional por meio da Medida de Independência Funcional (MIF) e o desempenho referido foi verificado a partir da utilização de um questionário padronizado. Ao todo, 12 atividades básicas de vida diária foram avaliadas por ambos os métodos. Para possibilitar a comparação entre as respostas obtidas em cada instrumento, houve um processo de categorização no qual cada idoso era classificado como independente; tendo dificuldade ou utilizando adaptação para realizar a atividade; ou necessitando de ajuda. Foi utilizado o teste do coeficiente de Kappa e teste de correlação de Spearman para comparar a concordância entre os métodos de avaliação da condição funcional. Resultados: Os idosos residentes na comunidade apresentavam média etária de 71,6 anos (IC 95% 72,8;79,4) e maior proporção de mulheres (52,5) e a maioria dos participantes não apresenta comprometimento da função cognitiva. Dentre as atividades avaliadas, aquelas relacionadas ao uso e acesso ao vaso sanitário foram as que a presentaram menor concordância. Já locomoção, alimentação, controle de fezes, banho e vestir-se são aquelas mais comparáveis. Pela comparação entre os métodos de avaliação foi possível observar que a avaliação de modo aferido evidencia indivíduos com menor nível funcional frente a avaliação autorreferida das mesmas atividades. As dificuldades aferidas e referidas estiveram relacionadas com a condição de saúde do idoso avaliado, sendo que idosos provindos do ambulatório ortopédico apresentavam maior comprometimento de atividades que comprometiam membros superiores ou inferiores. Foi possível concluir que a avaliação de ABVD utilizando desempenho referido ou aferido apresenta respostas similares para maioria das atividades avaliadas, com grau de concordância substancial. No entanto, as respostas obtidas pelo método de avaliação autorreferido devem ser interpretadas com cautela, principalmente quando da avaliação do uso e acesso ao vaso sanitário. Os métodos de avaliação avaliados são complementares e quando possível ambos devem ser aplicados para avaliação funcional de pessoas idosas. / About the accelerated ageing process experienced in Brazil and the world, it is important to identify the best ways to check the health of the older persons inserted in the community. In this sense, the World Health Organization indicates the assessment of functional condition as good option to evaluate this population. Different instruments are proposed and it can be done by the assessment of capacity or performance, by measured or (self) reported methods. However, these methods are different and there are few studies that address this issue. Objective: To compare the evaluation of activities of daily living (ADL) by reported or measured performance in older adults living in community. Methods: Cross-sectional study that evaluated 40 subjects who were undergoing treatment or medical care at two clinics (generical medicine and orthopedics) in Londrina (PR). This sample was evaluated from the functional performance through the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and reported performance was observed from the use of a standardized questionnaire. Twelve ADL were assessed by both methods. To enable a comparison of obtained responses with each instrument, the subjects were classified as independent; with difficulty or using adaptation to perform the activity; or who needing help. We used the Kappa coefficient test to compare the agreement among the methods to assess functional condition. Results: community-dwelling older adults had a mean age of 71.6 years (95% CI 72.8; 79.4) and higher proportion of women (52.5) and most of the participants does not have impaired cognitive function. Among the activities evaluated, those related to the use and access to the toilet showed the least agreement. Already locomotion, feeding, control stool, bathing and dressing are those more comparable. In the comparison process, it was observed that the older adults had lower functional level when the assessment is made by measured performance against reported assessment of the same activities. The measured and reported difficulties were related to the health condition of the evaluated elderly, and older persons in treatment of orthopedic clinic had greater commitment in activities involving the arms or legs, structures in rehabilitation process. When we evaluated community-dwelling elderly, there was a higher level of agreement between measured functional condition and reported performance. We concluded that the evaluation of ABVD using measured or reported performance shows similar responses to most of the activities evaluated, with substantial degree of agreement. However, the responses obtained by self-reported assessment method should be interpreted with caution, especially when assessing the use of and access to toilet. The methods of this evaluation are complementary and it is a better option when both can be applied for functional assessment of elderly.

Age brings about that physical strength diminishes and in many cases there is also a loss of social contact. Older people possess years of knowledge based on experience which can be applied effectively in a service centre to the advantage of other older people. Amongst others, Section A contains the problem statement, research objectives and procedures that were undertaken. The overarching aim of this investigation was to establish the role of the retired volunteer in the functioning of Potchefstroom Service Centre for Older People. To reach the aim, the following objectives were aimed at: Obiective 1. To establish what the reasons are for retired people to become involved in Potchefstroom Service Centre of Older People as volunteers. Obiective 2. To establish in what area of the service centre retired people are involved as volunteers. Obiective 3. To establish the psychosocial functioning, self-perception, work values and profile of the retired volunteer involved in Potchefstroom Service Centre for Older People. Obiective 4. To determine what volunteers of the service centre for older people expect of the staff regarding, for instance, acknowledgement, responsibilities and remuneration. Section B contains the two articles in which the outcomes of the research were reported. Article 1 pertains to the reasons why older people become involved in service centres as volunteers and in which areas. Article 2 enters into the psychosocial functioning, self-perception, work values, profile and expectations of the retired volunteer. In Section C a synopsis of the most important findings and conclusions regarding the investigation was presented in its entirety. Additionally, recommendations were made and the contribution of the investigation was highlighted. Section D contains addendums to the research report such as the self-compiled questionnaire and the standardised questionnaire. The dissertation was concluded in Section E with a comprehensive reference list. / Thesis (M.A. (MW))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

Age brings about that physical strength diminishes and in many cases there is also a loss of social contact. Older people possess years of knowledge based on experience which can be applied effectively in a service centre to the advantage of other older people. Amongst others, Section A contains the problem statement, research objectives and procedures that were undertaken. The overarching aim of this investigation was to establish the role of the retired volunteer in the functioning of Potchefstroom Service Centre for Older People. To reach the aim, the following objectives were aimed at: Obiective 1. To establish what the reasons are for retired people to become involved in Potchefstroom Service Centre of Older People as volunteers. Obiective 2. To establish in what area of the service centre retired people are involved as volunteers. Obiective 3. To establish the psychosocial functioning, self-perception, work values and profile of the retired volunteer involved in Potchefstroom Service Centre for Older People. Obiective 4. To determine what volunteers of the service centre for older people expect of the staff regarding, for instance, acknowledgement, responsibilities and remuneration. Section B contains the two articles in which the outcomes of the research were reported. Article 1 pertains to the reasons why older people become involved in service centres as volunteers and in which areas. Article 2 enters into the psychosocial functioning, self-perception, work values, profile and expectations of the retired volunteer. In Section C a synopsis of the most important findings and conclusions regarding the investigation was presented in its entirety. Additionally, recommendations were made and the contribution of the investigation was highlighted. Section D contains addendums to the research report such as the self-compiled questionnaire and the standardised questionnaire. The dissertation was concluded in Section E with a comprehensive reference list. / Thesis (M.A. (MW))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

Dado o acelerado processo de envelhecimento populacional vivenciado no Brasil e no mundo, é importante identificar quais as melhores maneiras de avaliar a saúde da pessoa idosa inserida na comunidade ou institucionalizada. Neste sentido, a Organização Mundial de Saúde preconiza a avaliação desta população por meio da condição funcional. Diferentes instrumentos se propõem a este fim, seja evidenciando o desempenho de atividades ou capacidade funcional, por métodos aferido ou referido. No entanto, existe grande diferença entre estas possíveis maneiras de avaliação da pessoa idosa e poucos estudos que abordem este tema. Objetivo: comparar a avaliação de atividades básicas de vida diária (ABVD) por meio do desempenho referido e aferido em pessoas idosas residentes na comunidade. Método: Estudo transversal que avaliou 40 idosos que realizavam tratamento ou acompanhamento médico em dois ambulatórios (clínica médica e ortopedia) no município de Londrina (PR). Esta amostra foi avaliada frente desempenho funcional por meio da Medida de Independência Funcional (MIF) e o desempenho referido foi verificado a partir da utilização de um questionário padronizado. Ao todo, 12 atividades básicas de vida diária foram avaliadas por ambos os métodos. Para possibilitar a comparação entre as respostas obtidas em cada instrumento, houve um processo de categorização no qual cada idoso era classificado como independente; tendo dificuldade ou utilizando adaptação para realizar a atividade; ou necessitando de ajuda. Foi utilizado o teste do coeficiente de Kappa e teste de correlação de Spearman para comparar a concordância entre os métodos de avaliação da condição funcional. Resultados: Os idosos residentes na comunidade apresentavam média etária de 71,6 anos (IC 95% 72,8;79,4) e maior proporção de mulheres (52,5) e a maioria dos participantes não apresenta comprometimento da função cognitiva. Dentre as atividades avaliadas, aquelas relacionadas ao uso e acesso ao vaso sanitário foram as que a presentaram menor concordância. Já locomoção, alimentação, controle de fezes, banho e vestir-se são aquelas mais comparáveis. Pela comparação entre os métodos de avaliação foi possível observar que a avaliação de modo aferido evidencia indivíduos com menor nível funcional frente a avaliação autorreferida das mesmas atividades. As dificuldades aferidas e referidas estiveram relacionadas com a condição de saúde do idoso avaliado, sendo que idosos provindos do ambulatório ortopédico apresentavam maior comprometimento de atividades que comprometiam membros superiores ou inferiores. Foi possível concluir que a avaliação de ABVD utilizando desempenho referido ou aferido apresenta respostas similares para maioria das atividades avaliadas, com grau de concordância substancial. No entanto, as respostas obtidas pelo método de avaliação autorreferido devem ser interpretadas com cautela, principalmente quando da avaliação do uso e acesso ao vaso sanitário. Os métodos de avaliação avaliados são complementares e quando possível ambos devem ser aplicados para avaliação funcional de pessoas idosas. / About the accelerated ageing process experienced in Brazil and the world, it is important to identify the best ways to check the health of the older persons inserted in the community. In this sense, the World Health Organization indicates the assessment of functional condition as good option to evaluate this population. Different instruments are proposed and it can be done by the assessment of capacity or performance, by measured or (self) reported methods. However, these methods are different and there are few studies that address this issue. Objective: To compare the evaluation of activities of daily living (ADL) by reported or measured performance in older adults living in community. Methods: Cross-sectional study that evaluated 40 subjects who were undergoing treatment or medical care at two clinics (generical medicine and orthopedics) in Londrina (PR). This sample was evaluated from the functional performance through the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and reported performance was observed from the use of a standardized questionnaire. Twelve ADL were assessed by both methods. To enable a comparison of obtained responses with each instrument, the subjects were classified as independent; with difficulty or using adaptation to perform the activity; or who needing help. We used the Kappa coefficient test to compare the agreement among the methods to assess functional condition. Results: community-dwelling older adults had a mean age of 71.6 years (95% CI 72.8; 79.4) and higher proportion of women (52.5) and most of the participants does not have impaired cognitive function. Among the activities evaluated, those related to the use and access to the toilet showed the least agreement. Already locomotion, feeding, control stool, bathing and dressing are those more comparable. In the comparison process, it was observed that the older adults had lower functional level when the assessment is made by measured performance against reported assessment of the same activities. The measured and reported difficulties were related to the health condition of the evaluated elderly, and older persons in treatment of orthopedic clinic had greater commitment in activities involving the arms or legs, structures in rehabilitation process. When we evaluated community-dwelling elderly, there was a higher level of agreement between measured functional condition and reported performance. We concluded that the evaluation of ABVD using measured or reported performance shows similar responses to most of the activities evaluated, with substantial degree of agreement. However, the responses obtained by self-reported assessment method should be interpreted with caution, especially when assessing the use of and access to toilet. The methods of this evaluation are complementary and it is a better option when both can be applied for functional assessment of elderly.

Överrapportering mellan vårdpersonal som arbetar skift utförs vanligtvis bakom, stängda dörrar på en expedition. Samhället idag kräver att vårdarbetet ska vara mer förebyggande och personcentrerat från att tidigare varit sjukdomscentrerad. Detta förutsätter en ökad delaktighet hos personen som vårdas där bland annat personberättelsen är en viktig del i informationsutbytet.  Bedsiderapportering har införts för att öka den äldres deltagande och innebär att den dagliga rapporteringen sker tillsammans med den äldre personen vid hens sängkant. Syftet med studien var att beskriva sjuksköterskornas erfarenheter av bedsiderapport vid vård av äldre. En fokusgruppsstudie genomfördes där sjuksköterskor på en medicinavdelning i södra Sverige medverkade. Totalt genomfördes tre fokusintervjuer med totalt tio sjuksköterskor, som analyserades med kvalitativ induktiv innehållsanalys. Resultatet visar att sjuksköterskorna uppskattar grundtanken med överrapportering med bedside, men att det har förekommit problem med brist på förståelse från ledningen samt avsaknad av rutiner för vissa moment under bedsiderapporteringen. Fördelar som har setts är att patienter har varit mer delaktiga och flera sjuksköterskor har upplevt att det har varit skönt att möta personerna med dåligt allmäntillstånd redan under rapporteringen. Problem som uppkommit vid bedsiderapportering har varit när patienten har varit nedsatt kognitivt eller kommunikationsproblem uppstått. Vidare studier bör göras hur de äldre upplever bedsiderapportering. / Over-reporting between healthcare personnel has previously been carried out behind closed doors at an expedition.  Society today requires that health work should be more preventative and person-centred from previously disease-centered. This calls for an increased participation of the person being cared for, where they’re personal story is an vital part in the exchange of information.  Bedside reporting has been introduced to increase the participation of older people and means that the daily reporting takes place together with the elderly person at his/her bedside. The aim of the study was to describe the nurse’s experiences of bedside reporting in the care of elderly. A focus group study was conducted where ten nurses on a medical department in southern Sweden participated. In total three interviews were conducted which were analyzed with qualitative inductive content analysis. The results shows that the nurses appreciate the basic idea of over-reporting of bedside, but that there have been problems during the implementation. Benefits that have been seen is that patients have been more involved and several nurses have experienced that it is good to meet the patients with poor general condition already during bedside reporting. Problems that arose while conducting bedside reporting where when the patient had impaired cognition or communications problem occurred. Further studies should be made on how older people experience bedside reporting.

Orientador: Nanci Soares / Resumo: A referida pesquisa objetiva analisar as vivências de isolamento social do envelhecer e velhice da classe trabalhadora em relação à desproteção social da sociedade capitalista sob o olhar dos técnicos e usuários do Serviço de Convivência e Fortalecimento de Vínculos (SCFV) para Pessoas Idosas. O trabalho busca debater o isolamento social enquanto uma das expressões das refrações da questão social que acompanha o envelhecer e a velhice do(a) trabalhador(a), elucidar a trajetória histórica da proteção social pública da Política de Assistência Social direcionada à pessoa idosa no Brasil, em especial ao SCFV para pessoas idosas, e compreender o olhar dos usuários e técnicos de referência do referido Serviço sobre as vivências de isolamento social dos(as) velhos(as) trabalhadores(as). Compõem o universo da pesquisa os CRAS – Centro, Sul, Norte e Leste – do Município de Franca, tendo como amostra do universo os SCFVs para pessoas idosas dos respectivos territórios, sendo os técnicos de referência, assistentes sociais, e os usuários desse Serviço os sujeitos participantes. O estudo, de caráter exploratório e de abordagem qualitativa e quantitativa, fundamentou-se sob o referencial teórico-metodológico materialista histórico-dialético. O material empírico do trabalho foi apreendido por meio da técnica de entrevista individual semiestruturada realizada com os três técnicos de referência e da técnica de grupo focal realizada com usuários do SCFV para Pessoas Idosas da cidade de Franca ... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: This research aims to analyze the experiences of social isolation of aging and old age of the working class in relation to the social lack of protection of the capitalist society according to technicians and users of theServiço de Convivência e Fortalecimento de Vínculos (SCFV) para PessoasIdosas (Service of Coexistence and Strengthening of Bonds for Older People).The paper seeks to discuss social isolation as one of the expressions of the refractions of the social issue that accompanies the aging and old age of the worker,elucidate the historical trajectory of the public social protection of the Social Assistance Policy directed to older people in Brazil, in particular the SCFV for Older People, as well as to understand the view of the users and technicians of the aforementioned service on the experiences of the social isolation of old workers.The universe of the research comprises the CRAS –Downtown, South, North and East – of the Municipality of Franca, having the SCFVs for Older Peopleof each territory as samples of this universe.The research participants are the technicians, social workes, and the users of the Service. This is an exploratory research with a qualitative and quantitative approach and its theoretical-methodological framework was based on the historical-dialectical materialism.Theempirical material of the study was obtained by means of a semi-structured individual interview performed with three technicians and through the focus group technique performed with... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor

Befolkningen i världen blir allt äldre och fler personer över 60 år drabbas av akuta sjukdomar och riskerar att utveckla skörhet. Den äldre har ofta mer komplexa och större omvårdnadsbehov vilket leder till fler vårdbesök med längre vänte- och vistelsetid. Därutöver har den äldre ofta minskade fysiologiska funktioner, reservkapaciteter samt högre risk att drabbas av komplikationer, varför omhändertagandet av denna patientgrupp kräver ökad kunskap. Då tidigare forskning främst har fokuserat på den äldre personens patientupplevelse inom slutenvården behövs mer kunskap inom akutvården. Syftet med detta arbete var att undersöka den äldre personens upplevelse av vården på akutmottagningen. Studien hade en induktiv ansats med en allmän litteraturöversikt som design. Sökningarna utfördes i PubMed och Cinahl med hjälp av MeSH-termer och CINAHL Subject Headings samt fritextsökningar. Inklusionskriterierna var kvalitativa artiklar samt personer över 60 år som hade besökt akutmottagningen. Exklusionskriterierna var artiklar som saknade etiska överväganden, översiktsartiklar och artiklar som berörde andra perspektiv. Resultatet presenterades med tre kategorier och sex underkategorier. Kategorierna var; Att vara på akutmottagningen, Att vårdas på akutmottagningen och Att bli utskriven från akutmottagningen. I de 15 artiklar som inkluderades i studien framkom bland annat att den äldre personen kände sig sårbar och bortglömd på akutmottagningen. Hälso- och sjukvårdspersonal som lät den äldre personen vara delaktig i det akuta omhändertagandet kunde generera en positiv upplevelse. Kommunikation och information ansågs vara nyckelkomponenter för att mötet skulle bli så bra som möjligt. En hektisk vårdmiljö med långa väntetider upplevdes negativt samtidigt som upplevelsen blev mer positiv ju mer den äldre blev delaktig i utskrivningsprocessen. Studien identifierade faktorer som kunde påverka den äldres upplevelse av akutmottagningen. Detta innefattade hälso- och sjukvårdspersonalens bemötande, kommunikation och information, delaktighet och en anpassad vårdmiljö. Dessa faktorer bör tas i beaktande vid omvårdnaden och omhändertagandet av den äldre personen på akutmottagningen. / The global population is getting older, with an increasing number of individuals over 60 years are facing acute illnesses and the risk of developing frailty. Elderly individuals often exhibit more complex care needs, leading to extended healthcare visits and longer waiting time. Due to diminished physiological functions and higher complication risks, providing care for this demographic demands enhanced knowledge. While prior research primarily focused on inpatient experiences, there's a crucial need for more insights into emergency care. The aim of this study was to investigate the older person's experience of care in the emergency department. This study has an inductive approach with a literature review design. The searches were performed in PubMed and Cinahl utilized MeSH terms and CINAHL Subject Headings, alongside free-text searches. Inclusion criteria involved individuals over 60 who visited emergency departments and qualitative articles. Exclusion criteria encompassed articles lacking ethical considerations, review articles and other perspectives than the older person. Results were categorized into three categories and six subcategories: The categories are; To be in the emergency department, To be treated in the emergency department and To be discharged from the emergency department. Among the 15 articles included, findings revealed that older people often felt vulnerable and overlooked in emergency departments. Positive experiences were generated when healthcare professionals involved them in acute care decisions. Effective communication and information sharing were deemed critical components for a positive encounter. A bustling care environment with prolonged waiting times was perceived negatively, whereas increased involvement in the discharge process improved the overall experience. The study identified key factors influencing the older people’s experience in emergency departments, emphasizing the significance of healthcare professionals' approach, communication, involvement, and an adapted care environment. These factors should be considered in providing optimal care for older individuals in emergency settings.