Tijdschrift voor gerontologie en geriatrie最新文献

Background: Practical information about the usability of activity trackers specifically for geriatric rehabilitation is often lacking but is important for a choice of use in daily clinical practice. The aim of this study is to evaluate the usability of activity trackers for orthopaedic patients in geriatric rehabilitation.

Method: In a practice-based study from two healthcare organizations, patients (n=36) and therapists (n=12) evaluated three different activity trackers (Hipper, Yamax and Pedometer). For this evaluation, the System Usability Scale (SUS) and open questions were used.

Results: In general, the use of activity trackers was seen as useful, because it can encourage movement and provide insight into the rehabilitation progress. Patients and therapists rated the usability of the three activity trackers as moderate to good. Important aspects for this rating were the capabilities/limitations of the pecific population (such as dexterity and possession of a smartphone for Pedometer), the SUS scores (moderate-poor for Yamax) and the registration/measurement accuracy (Yamax inaccurate when shuffling; reading display can be difficult with the Hipper).

Conclusion: The usability of activity trackers varied among these orthopaedic patients. For successful use, it is important that the choice is tailored to the individual needs of the patient.

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is known as a form of dementia that generally occurs at a relatively young age. Diagnosing FTD is often complex, particularly due to various clinical symptoms. Often, cognitive impairments and behavioral problems in elderly are attributed to other, more common causes. However, although rare, FTD can also occur in older adults. This article presents two FTD cases in older individuals, raising awareness. Timely and accurate FTD diagnosis can deliver appropriate care and support for both patients and their families.

Geriatric Rehabilitation (GR), in which the Elderly Care Specialist coordinates multidisciplinary treatment for frail patients with functional decline, was previously absent from the healthcare landscape on Curacao. In April 2022, GR was introduced at nursing home Betèsda, despite the lack of appropriate funding. This retrospective cohort study aims to gain insight into patient characteristics and outcomes of this new form of care on Curaçao. The cohort includes all patients admitted for a first episode of rehabilitation between April 2022 and December 2023. It comprises 105 patients with a median age of 73 years, of whom 49.5% were female and 30.5% had an indication for chronic nursing home care. At admission, the majority of the study population functioned at a very low level; 80% was unable to transfer independently, and 48.6% had no walking function. The median length of stay was 43.0 days. Significant improvements were observed in activities of daily living, trunk balance, transfers and walking function. Of the rehabilitants without a nursing home care indication at admission, 78.7% were discharged home. Of those with a nursing home care indication, 31.3% were discharged home and 28.1% remained permanently in the nursing home. These positive outcomes may contribute to recognition of GRZ by policymakers on Curaçao, along with appropriate funding.

Dehydration in patients in the final stage of life requires a multidimensional approach.The appropriateness of a particular intervention depends not only on clinical factors and medical-technical possibilities, but also on ethical, spiritual, and psychosocial considerations. These aspects all contribute to the decision whether or not to initiate diagnostic procedures or treatment for an individual patient.This clinical lesson presents a fictional case to illustrate the key considerations involved in decision-making, as outlined in the new guideline Dehydration in the Palliative Phase.

Physical activity is beneficial, yet older adults living in nursing homes often move too little. Compared to the general population of older adults, less is known about nursing home residents regarding their motivation to engage in physical activity. This study focuses on gaining insight into the drivers and barriers to movement among nursing home residents, based on sub-questions addressing the meaning of physical activity, obstacles, motivations, and responsibility. Eight residents from one nursing home participated in semi-structured interviews. The concept of physical activity can be divided into physical exercise, available activity programs, and the ability to lead an independent life. The theme of 'leading an independent life' appears to be a motivation specific to nursing home residents. An important barrier identified is the presence of unhelpful (and sometimes factually incorrect) beliefs, such as the notion that increasing physical activity would no longer have any benefit. Other motivations and obstacles aligned with findings from previous studies on independently living older adults. Residents primarily place the responsibility for physical activity on themselves. Some also see a role for family, the organization, and (local) government. The identified helpful and obstructive factors can serve as input for developing exercise programs.

Moving to a nursing home has a major impact on the lives of residents and their relatives. The relationship with healthcare workers is often intensive and offers plenty of opportunities to pay attention to the spiritual dimension. Until now, it is unclear whether healthcare professionals pay attention to the spiritual dimension and how they apply it in daily contact. To provide insight into how residents and relatives experience attention for spirituality in the nursing home, semi-structured interviews were conducted with four residents and four relatives. Transcripts were analyzed according to the principles of reflexive, inductive thematic analysis. We identified three themes and seven sub-themes that contribute to attention for meaning in life and which we have named 'spiritual skills/meaning in life skills': Alignment (being present with attention and acknowledging individuality), connecting (aligning approach, aligning communication and building a care relationship) and deepening (deepening contact and acknowledging life-questions). Our study shows that healthcare professionals apply skills in their daily contact with residents that help them align and connect. However, it was not apparent from the interviews if they also deepened their contact. A combination of training, intervision-meetings and on-the-job coaching, as was also part of the broader study, is in line with the way care workers learn and what they need to further deepen their spiritual skills in practice.

One in six couples is confronted with intimate partner violence (IPV). Throughout the lifespan the nature of IPV may change, and in late life emotional or financial violence become more prevalent. In this paper we discuss factors that have an impact on IPV in older couples. Changing life circumstances may alter an existing balance. We elaborate on the role of attachment, power and control. Finally, guidelines for the healthcare professional are summarized.