The feasibility of measuring social networks among older adults in assisted living and dementia special care units

Abbott, Katherine; Bettger, Janet Prvu; Hampton, Karl; Kohler, Hans‐Peter

doi:10.1177/1471301213494524

Cited by 22 publications

(22 citation statements)

References 49 publications

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“…NHs provide personal care with 24‐hr oversight and a social environment where residents can maintain existing relationships and develop new ones through formal and informal interactions (Roberts & Bowers, ). However, a higher proportion of NH residents experience social isolation compared to community‐dwelling older adults (Abbott, Bettger, Hampton, & Kohler, ). Decreased frequency of family visits, lack of common interests with other residents and social activity programmes that are unmatched to residents’ previous lifestyle or current preferences have been identified as barriers to developing a sense of social engagement and connectedness among NH residents (Buckley & McCarthy, ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Nursing home residents’ perspectives on their social relationships

Kang

Scales

McConnell

et al. 2020

Journal of Clinical Nursing

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Aims and objectives To explore nursing home residents’ perspectives on their relationships with other residents, family members and staff. Background The cultivation of social relationships is central to promoting well‐being in nursing homes, as these relationships allow residents, family members and staff to be valued as unique persons and empowered as partners in care. Few studies have examined how nursing home residents perceive the relationships in their social networks, both within and beyond the facility. Design Qualitative secondary analysis. Methods We analysed individual and group interviews obtained during “stakeholder engagement sessions” with cognitively intact residents (N = 11 sessions; N = 13 participants) from two nursing homes in North Carolina. The interviews were conducted as part of a larger study on person‐directed care planning. We integrated thematic and narrative analytic approaches to guide the analysis of interview data, using a three‐cycle coding approach. The COREQ checklist was followed. Results Four broad themes emerged from this analysis: (a) peer relationships foster a sense of belonging, purpose, achievement and significance; (b) residents’ relationships with family members support a sense of belonging, continuity and significance; (c) mutual respect and reciprocity between residents and nursing home staff promote a sense of belonging and significance; and (d) organisational factors pose barriers to forging meaningful relationships. Each type of relationship—peer, family and staff—made distinctive contributions residents’ psychosocial well‐being. Conclusion Recognising the diverse roles of different actors from residents’ social networks raises questions for future research to optimise the distinctive contributions of network members that promote residents’ psychosocial well‐being. Relevance to clinical practice This study highlights the need for nursing home staff to understand how residents’ social relationships influence residents’ psychosocial outcomes. Staff training programmes are needed to support residents’ rights and to dispel inaccurate interpretations of regulations that threaten sustained meaningful relationships.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Nursing home residents’ perspectives on their social relationships

Kang

Scales

McConnell

et al. 2020

Journal of Clinical Nursing

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“…However, much less has been accomplished from an objective standpoint (Pinquart & Sorensen, 2001). Objective measurements of an individual's social interactions and social networks, both from quantitative and qualitative perspectives, can allow for more meaningful and clinically applicable utilizations of sociability as a tool (Abbott, Bettger, Hampton, & Kohler, 2015). Table 1 reviews subjective and objective measurement methods for quality and quantity of social interactions as well as clinical constructs and the pros and cons related to each method.…”

Section: Measurement Issues In Sociability Researchmentioning

confidence: 99%

A review and preview of developments in the measurement of sociability

Boswell

Cao

Torres

et al. 2020

Bulletin of the Menninger Clinic

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“…Research has been conducted on the experience and outcomes of living in a form of social housing akin to extra care for older people with dementia (Vallelly et al, 2006;Smith, Buckwalter et al, 2008;Brooker et al, 2011;Abbott et al, 2015). Moreover, care partner perspectives on assisted living facilities have been explored (Kelsey et al, 2010).…”

Section: Extra Carementioning

confidence: 99%

“…They include Sheltered Accommodation, Housing with Care, Assisted Living, Retirement Villages and Senior Housing (Howe et al, 2012). Recent government policy has prioritised the design and building of innovative extra care housing solutions for people with dementia across the UK (Department of Health, 2015), leading to heavy investment in such projects (Evans et al, 2007;Barnes et al, 2011;Atkinson et al, 2014 Research has been conducted on the experience and outcomes of living in a form of social housing akin to extra care for older people with dementia (Vallelly et al, 2006;Smith, Buckwalter et al, 2008;Brooker et al, 2011;Abbott et al, 2015). Moreover, care partner perspectives on assisted living facilities have been explored (Kelsey et al, 2010).…”

Section: Extra Carementioning

confidence: 99%

Extra care: viable for couples living with dementia?

Poyner

Innes

Dekker³

2017

HCS

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Purpose The perspectives of people with dementia and their care partners regarding “extra care” housing are currently unknown. The purpose of this paper is to report findings of a consultation study exploring the perceived barriers and facilitators of a relocation to extra care housing, from the perspective of people living with dementia, and their care partners. Design/methodology/approach Fieldwork consisted of paired or 1-1 interviews and small focus groups with potential users of an alternative model of extra care support for people living with dementia in the South of England. The consultation took place between June and August 2013. The interviews and focus groups were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim. The transcripts were analysed thematically. Findings Benefits of extra care were identified as the opportunity for couples to remain living together for longer, creating a supportive, dementia-friendly community, and a reduction in the strain experienced by the care partners. Barriers centred on a sense of loss, stress and uncertainty. Living and caring at home was perceived as preferable to shared care. Research limitations/implications The findings presented here have limited generalisability for two reasons. First, the shared care approach consulted on was very specific. Second, the participants form a purposive sample and as such are not representative of a wider population. Despite best intentions, the voice of people with dementia, are underreported in this consultation. Only one person with early on-set dementia was interviewed and the remaining two people with dementia were interviewed alongside their care partner. Practical implications The findings cast doubt on the viability of extra care facilities, designed for couples living with dementia, if extra care continues to be conceptualised and marketed as a preventative lifestyle choice. The findings indicate the value of consulting with people with dementia, and their care partners, when designing new forms of housing with care specifically for people living with dementia. Social implications The findings of this consultation exemplify the wish of couples living with dementia to remain together, in what they perceive to be “home”, for as long as possible. Couples living with dementia are therefore unlikely to wish to move into an extra care facility as a lifestyle choice option, early into their journey with dementia. This raises questions about the suitability of extra care, as a form of housing with care, for couples living with dementia. Originality/value This paper contributes to the body of literature, exploring the feasibility of new and innovative alternative care and housing options, for people with dementia. This paper is one of the first to explore extra care as a housing and social care option for couples with dementia.

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The feasibility of measuring social networks among older adults in assisted living and dementia special care units

Abstract: The combined egocentric and sociocentric method was feasible and provided a robust indicator of resident social networks highlighting individuals who were socially integrated as well as isolated.

Cited by 22 publications

References 49 publications

Nursing home residents’ perspectives on their social relationships

Nursing home residents’ perspectives on their social relationships

A review and preview of developments in the measurement of sociability

Extra care: viable for couples living with dementia?

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