Bakgrund/Syfte*: Olika former av dans erbjuds personer med Parkinsons sjukdom (PS) runt om i världen; fler studier behövs dock för att utforska patienters erfarenheter av hur Dans för Parkinson (DfP) påverkar välmående och hälsa i olika kontexter.

Syftet var att utforska hur deltagare upplever DfP och hur DfP bidrar till upplevd hälsa i Sverige.

Metod/Tillvägagångssätt*: I denna kvalitativa studie samlades data in från fyra fokusgrupper. Samtalen berörde deltagarnas upplevelser av hur dansen påverkade deras fysiska, kognitiva och sociala välmående och deras förmåga att utföra dagliga aktiviteter. Samtalen i fokusgrupperna spelades in och transkriberades. Innehållsanalys användes vid analys av data och meningsbärande enheter kodades och fördes samman till kategorier ur vilka teman abstraherades.

Resultat/Förväntat resultat*: Resultatet visade att DfP gav en mångfacetterad upplevelse relaterad till social samhörighet, den estetiska kontexten, känslan av välmående och den fysiska erfarenheten av att dansa. Huvudtemat innehöll fyra sub-teman: Samhörighet, Njutning och glamour, Välmående i själ och kropp samt Anpassade rörelser.

Slutsats/Praktisk tillämpning*: DfP utgör ett värdefullt bidrag till rehabiliteringsinsatser då den upplevs som en meningsfull aktivitet och möter specifika behov hos personer som lever med PS.

Welfare technology (WT), defined as digital technology enabling individuals to live securely, actively and independently at home, is often viewed as a solution to care resource shortages. This solution discourse has increasingly been problematised, and ethical issues specifically connected to WT have emerged, e.g., regarding quality of care. The existing array of WT is developed with limited user involvement; primary user perspectives are thus inadequately voiced in research. This study aimed to disentangle how older adults and their homecare staff experience and influence WT use in homecare situations. The qualitative approach encompassed individual semi-structured interviews with homecare staff (n = 26) and older adults (n = 26) receiving homecare as well as utilising WT. Interviews were conducted in five Swedish municipalities, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. Three main themes were developed: (1) Lack of agency in WT obtainment, in which a lack of influence in the receiving of WT is illustrated. (2) Contradictory user perspectives regarding WT and agency, in which staffs' perceptions of specific WT are contrasted to older adults', highlighting how WT perceived positively by staff often detract from older adults' agency. (3) Agency and WT use inextricably linked with time, in which it is illustrated how influence over time is intricately connected to experienced agency in WT use. Our findings demonstrate a problematic lack of agency in WT use. Further improvements to current WT, aided by stronger user involvement, as well as certain municipal routines, are necessary if user agency is to be strengthened in relation to WT use.

Welfare technology (WT) use is increasingly advocated to facilitate aging in place. However, it remains unclear how older adults and homecare staff perceive these digital technologies in practice. This qualitative study investigated the ways in which current WT either facilitated or fell short in supporting older adults in their daily lives and homecare staff at work. Four key themes were developed using thematic analysis: 1) Successes and challenges with ease of use (i.e., how simple it is to interact with the WT); 2) Successes and challenges with usefulness (i.e., how effective the WT is in achieving its intended purpose); 3) Challenges with appearance, sounds and physical location; and 4) Challenges with technical maintenance and vulnerabilities. Findings revealed paradoxes in both older adult and homecare staff user perceptions. For instance, some successes with WT's usefulness were highlighted, like GPS safety alarms in supporting older adult independence. However, challenges in usefulness were also exposed, like staff hiding "overused" safety alarms. Except for the medication robot, none of the WT devices clearly alleviated anticipated homecare staff shortages. WT perceived as auditorily or visually inadequate, that required more effort than users could comfortably manage, or that organizations could seamlessly integrate, were generally regarded as challenging. To overcome such challenges, greater involvement from older adults and homecare staff in the design and implementation of WT within homecare contexts is necessary. Refined criteria for prescribing WT to individuals, particularly regarding cognitive status, are additionally recommended by the researchers.

Purpose

To map and summarise the available knowledge regarding older adults’ experiences of team-based home rehabilitation.

Method

The Johanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines for scoping reviews guided the process. Eight databases, eight organisational websites, one registry and Google Scholar were searched. Searches were limited to publications published from 2006 to 2023 in English and Scandinavian languages. Data were extracted from the eligible publications using a data extracting tool developed for this study. Extracted data were condensed and coded into categories.

Results

Seventeen publications, conducted mainly in Scandinavian countries, were included. Older adults’ experiences of team-based home rehabilitation were identified and categorised as: home as a rehabilitation context; staff′s attitudes, approach and collaboration; the intervention process, content and outcome; and impact of the older adults’ own personal conditions.

Conclusions

This scoping review provides insight into older adults’ experiences of team-based home rehabilitation. Although the majority were positive towards receiving rehabilitation in their homes there were also negative experiences that need to be further explored. An identified knowledge gap in team-based home rehabilitation research is the lack of cultural aspects. Moreover, there is a need of consensus among researchers on how to report on population, context and content in team-based home rehabilitation.

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION 

• The home as a context for rehabilitation is experienced as meaningful and valued by older adults
• When the home becomes a workplace, older adults’ sense of at-homeness may decrease
• If rehabilitation staff use the home as an arena for partnership, with respect for personal integrity, a person-centred process can emerge
• The outdoor environment is important to consider in home rehabilitation interventions

Despite the potential of smart home technologies (SHT) to support everyday activities, the implementation rate of such technology in the homes of older adults remains low. The overall aim of this study was to explore factors involved in the decision-making process in adopting SHT among current and future generations of older adults. We also aimed to identify and understand barriers and facilitators that can better support older adults' engagement in everyday activities. Focus group discussions were used to explore the perspectives of people from diverse age groups (30-39, 50-59, and 70-79-year-olds). Three focus groups met twice at a lab designed as a two-room home equipped with SHT. Our findings revealed that the participants' decision-making process for adopting SHT involved designs that must be adapted to the changing physical abilities and diverse needs of users. Some conditions, such as ideas for re-invention, were identified after the integration of SHT. Concerns about reliability, complicated interfaces, and value to the user influenced the decision to adopt SHT, highlighting the importance of these factors for successful implementation. Some participants did not fully understand what SHT is nor perceive its benefits, but they expressed a desire to acquire the skills and knowledge to operate SHT. Furthermore, participants desired SHT that can support an active lifestyle. The perceived advantages of SHT include enhancing the sense of security and safety, which can facilitate engagement in everyday activity. Some participants experienced a positive impact on quality of life, related to comfortable living with the implementation of SHT. Adults across age groups perceive that SHT can enhance engagement in everyday activity and the sense of safety and security. However, it is essential to identify solutions for better usability. More collaborative efforts involving diverse stakeholders are vital to bridge the disconnect between SHT design and users' needs and preferences.

Bakgrund/Syfte*: Välfärdsteknik lyfts ofta fram som en lösning på den globala resursbristen inom äldreomsorgen, inte minst i Sverige. Välfärdsteknik syftar till att bibehålla eller öka trygghet, aktivitet, delaktighet eller självständighet. Utveckling och implementering av välfärdsteknik sker till största del utan inflytande från vare sig hemtjänstpersonalen eller de äldre personer som ska använda den. Detta trots att brukarmedverkan har dokumenterad betydelse för att utveckla användarvänlig och effektiv teknik. Trots att dessa gruppers olika och gemensamma perspektiv har hög relevans, lyfts deras röster alltför sällan i forskning om välfärdsteknik. Studiens syfte är därför att beskriva äldre personers och hemtjänstpersonals erfarenheter av att använda välfärdsteknik.

Metod/Tillvägagångssätt*: Individuella intervjuer (N = 52) genomfördes i fem svenska kommuner med äldre personer (n=26) som har hemtjänst och använder WT, samt hemtjänstpersonal (n=26). Intervjuerna transkriberades ordagrant och analyserades med hjälp av tematisk analys.

Resultat/Förväntat resultat*: Resultaten visade tre teman som på olika sätt belyser äldre personer och hemtjänstpersonals inflytande (eng. agency) i vardagen i samband med välfärdstekniksanvändning (1) illustrerar konsekvenser av bristande inflytande i upphandling och när en äldre personer erhåller välfärdsteknik; (2) där hemtjänstpersonalens positiva uppfattningar om välfärdsteknik kontrasteras mot äldre personers erfarenheter då välfärdsteknik minskar deras handlingsförmågan; och (3) som illustrerar hur inflytande är kopplat över tid till välfärdsteknik och tidsanvändning samt effektivitetssträvande.

Slutsats/Praktisk tillämpning*: Välfärdsteknik fungerar inte isolerat. Äldre personers och hemtjänstpersonalens begränsade inflytande i samband med utvecklings-, införande-, utprovnings- och användningsprocesser av välfärdsteknik begränsar deras aktivitet och delaktighet i vardags- och arbetslivet. Genom ökat inflytande i hela processen kan välfärdsteknik fylla sitt syfte inklusive främja äldre personers aktivitet och delaktighet.

BACKGROUND: Dance classes for people with Parkinson's Disease (PD) are offered worldwide; however, further studies are needed to explore patients' experiences of how dance affects well-being.

PURPOSE: To explore how Dance for Parkinson (Dance for PD) is experienced, and how it contributes to the well-being and health of participants in Sweden.

METHODS: This qualitative study collected data from four focus groups. Participants were asked how dance classes impacted their well-being, and their ability to perform activities of daily life. The focus groups were recorded and transcribed. Data were analysed using content analysis, meaning units were coded, and codes were coalesced into categories from which themes were abstracted.

RESULTS: Dance for PD provided a multifaceted experience related to social relationships, aesthetic context, feelings of wellbeing and the physical experience of dancing. The main theme contained four sub-themes: Connectedness, Pleasure and glamour, Well-being in mind and body and Customized movements.

CONCLUSION: The present study highlights that health and well-being are improved by Dance for PD. It is an enjoyable activity that meets the specific needs of persons living with the consequences of PD and should therefore be promoted by occupational therapists.

The interest of using digital technologies, robots etc in supporting old age care is growing, due to the fact that the technological possibilities are also increasing. The fact that older populations are growing while working populations are decreasing in proportion represents yet a driving force. Implementation of welfare technology for older people and persons with disabilities requires awareness of that necessary evidence and guidance may not always be available, even though it is necessary for a successful implementation of the same.

INTRODUCTION: The importance of holidays, traditions, and family celebrations to human culture and occupational engagement has been neglected. The aim of this study was to explore how older adults experienced holidays and celebrations with social and physical distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS: A secondary analysis was made on data from the At-Risk Study. Seventeen community-living adults (11 women and 6 men) aged 71-87 years, from Sweden participated. They were interviewed remotely four times during the first year of the pandemic. Data were analysed with qualitative content analysis. No consumer/community involvement occurred.

FINDINGS: Three categories on how the participants hoped for, planned, decided, adapted, avoided, and experienced holidays and celebrations with social and physical distancing included expectations and preparations in unpredictable times; the constant need for re-evaluation; and almost everything turned out differently.

CONCLUSIONS: The desire to celebrate despite pandemic restrictions shows the importance and meaning holidays hold for older adults. Celebrations can be disrupted for many reasons, not only as extreme as the ongoing pandemic. For wellbeing in later life health care, social care, and society need to understand the inherent components and acknowledge ways of supporting participation in occasional events such as holidays, traditions, and family celebrations.

COVID-19 has affected the daily activities of people worldwide. Recommendations introduced to reduce the spread of the virus led to increased use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to meet everyday needs. Such rapid digitalization had not been seen previously and not been possible to study before. Hence, this study aimed to identify and describe self-reported changes in usage of and attitudes toward ICT among three generations in Sweden during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, it aimed to identify whether and how belonging to a specific generation was related to these changes. A national cross-sectional survey was conducted in June 2020 with a final sample of N?=?3,000, stratified into three generations (30?39, 50?59, and 70?79-year-old persons). A majority reported using digital technology more often than before the pandemic. Compared to the youngest generation, the oldest and middle-aged generations reported that they used digital technology more often than before the pandemic. Our results show which technologies were considered essential for different generations during the early phase of the pandemic. This information can be used to guide policy makers based on knowledge concerning the needs and demands for digital technologies in everyday life among people of different ages.