Long-term care in developed countries and recommendations for Slovak Republic

Independence and Caregiver Preferences Among Community-Dwelling Older People in Slovenia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Although Slovenia is becoming an aging society, very little is known about the abilities and needs of home-dwelling older people or their preferences regarding assistance. The aim of the study was to explore the need for assistance in daily activities among older Slovenian people living at home. Older adults aged between 65 and 97 years (N = 358) participated in the cross-sectional survey study. A questionnaire that assessed independence in daily activities and assistance in the home environment was developed. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, a nonparametric test (Wilcoxon signed rank test), and the chi-square test. The results showed that older Slovenians were more independent in activities of daily living (ADLs) than instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). Independence was the highest for using the toilet, feeding, and mobility transfers, and the lowest for bathing. With IADLs, assistance was most often required with shopping and housework; this assistance was usually provided by family members. The provider of assistance was generally compatible with older people’s preferences concerning assistance at home. We found no differences in care preferences between urban and rural settings. Assistance in the home environment was predominantly provided by unpaid helpers, which reflects recent developments in health and social services that put an emphasis on a person’s social network. Due to demographic changes and the decrease in the number of adult children, reliance on close relatives might soon become a challenge. These findings can help policy makers understand older people’s choices and preferences better when planning long-term care.

PREVALENCE OF FALLS AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS AMONG AGED POPULATION: COMMUNITY BASED CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY FROM TURKEY

AIM

The aim of the study was to examine the prevalence and risk factors of falls among persons aged 65 years and older in Qanakkale, Turkey.

METHODS

A community based cross-sectional study was conducted between May-September 2013. A total of 1,001 elderly living in Çanakkale city centre were included into our study. The research was carried out with face-to-face interviews and survey forms. The survey form consists of seven sections: demographic characteristics, significance of ageing, daily activities, quality of life and social network in old age, use of health services and health problems, bad habits, and the European Health Impact Scale. Data analysis was performed using the SPSS software version 19.0. For data investigation the chi-square and logistic regression analyses were used.

RESULTS

The prevalence of falls at home or outside was 32.1% among elderly in the last six months period. The prevalence of falling for women at home as well as outside was statistically significantly higher than for men (p < 0.05). According to multivariate analysis results the risk of falling at home or outside was increased by 2.7 times in women (95% CI: 1.90-3.75), by. 2.1 times in those who cannot take care of themselves (95% Cl: 1.33-3.29), and by 1.7 times in those who have low quality of life (95% Cl: 1.24-2.43).

CONCLUSIONS

This community based cross-sectional study showed that prevalence of falling was high in aged persons living in centre of Çanakkale located in the western part of Turkey. Moreover, the risk was increased in women, those who cannot take care for themselves, and those with low standard of living.

Is age associated with self-rated health among older people in Spain?

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association of age and other factors with self-rated health (SRH) in the population aged 65 years or more in the context of action for health promotion in older adults.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The data used come from the household and adults questionnaires of the National Health Survey of Spain for 2006. SRH was categorized as positive (very positive or positive) and negative (fair, poor or very poor). Odds ratios for positive SRH compared to negative SRH were calculated using logistic regression models for complex samples. The determinants of the Positive SRH were obtained for the elderly population.

RESULTS

Among the population aged 65 years and older 39.7% report positive SRH. In this age group, those of 83 or more years have a better SRH. Other factors specific to this age group that improve the SRH are living alone, not having any functional dependence and high monthly family income.

CONCLUSIONS

The association between several factors (particularly age) and positive SHR in people aged 65 and older differs from the one found in the rest of the population. Understanding the factors positively associated with the positive SRH in this population is of great importance for the design of specific programmes aimed at improving the health of older people.

Analysis of long term care in the context of social and health services in social institutional facilities in Slovakia

OBJECTIVES

Long-term care for people with chronic illnesses and disabilities present an urgent challenge around the world. Existing systems of care, which typically rely on unpaid family members, are not by themselves enough to meet growing demands. This analysis includes survey on the structure of services provided in selected social facilities in Slovakia.

METHODS

The survey on structure of provided services includes social facilities providing services to the target groups involved in this analysis: Elderly people in retirement age; Disabled and chronically ill citizens in working age. For data collection from social facilities we used questionnaire method. The data were obtained from the managements of these facilities (n=405).

RESULTS

In social facilities, the age range of clients was 76-85 years (31%); the length of stay of a patient in a social facility was in 36% patients 11 years and longer. The most frequently performed activities in employees were related to services and activities (31%) and social care (30%). For 52% social facilities is waiting time 1 year and longer. The length of stay of patient in social facilities is affected in 83% by combination of health and social problems and as to the diagnosis structure the most prevalent conditions are ischemic heart diseases, heart attack, hypertension (39%), locomotor disease (36%). In 2006 the budget resources of social facilities were in 72% contributions from the state budget.

CONCLUSION

Long-term care is closely interlinked with other programmes and systems, which can reduce the need for long-term care or which complement it.