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1.
J Intellect Disabil Res ; 68(6): 620-638, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38504557

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Sleep-wake problems and depressive symptoms are common in people with intellectual disabilities (IDs) and are thought to be related to the unstable sleep-wake rhythm in this population. Previously, we showed that after increasing environmental light exposure, mid-sleep and sleep onset advanced, and mood improved over a period of 14 weeks after installing environmental dynamic light installations in the living room of people with IDs. We invited participants of that short-term study to take part in the current study on sleep-wake rhythm, mood and behaviour in older adults with IDs 1 year after installing environmental dynamic light installations in the common living rooms of six group homes. METHODS: A pre-post study was performed from October 2017 to February 2019. We included 45 participants (63.5 ± 8.5 years, 67% female) from six group home facilities who provided data at baseline (9, 4 and 1 weeks prior to installing light installations), short term (3, 7 and 14 weeks after installing light installations) and 1 year (54 weeks after installing light installations). Wrist activity was measured with actigraphy (GENEActiv) to derive the primary outcome of interdaily stability of sleep-wake rhythms as well as sleep estimates. Mood was measured with the Anxiety, Depression and Mood Scale. Behaviour was measured with the Aberrant Behaviour Checklist. RESULTS: One year after installing dynamic lighting, we did not find a change in interdaily stability. Total sleep time decreased (ß = -25.40 min; confidence interval: -10.99, -39.82), and sleep onset time was delayed (ß = 25.63 min; confidence interval: 11.18, 40.08). No effect on mood or behaviour was found. CONCLUSIONS: We did not find a change in sleep-wake rhythm, mood or behaviour in older persons with IDs living in care facilities 1 year after installing the light. We did find evidence for a long-term effect on sleep duration and sleep timing. The results have to be interpreted with care as the current study had a limited number of participants. The need for more research on the long-term effects of enhancing environmental light in ID settings is evident.


Subject(s)
Affect , Intellectual Disability , Lighting , Humans , Female , Male , Middle Aged , Intellectual Disability/physiopathology , Aged , Affect/physiology , Actigraphy , Circadian Rhythm/physiology , Group Homes , Sleep/physiology
2.
Attach Hum Dev ; 26(1): 41-65, 2024 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38551380

ABSTRACT

This study examines the association between attachment story-completions, as evaluated by a representational attachment measure, and theory of mind (ToM) among 204 socioeconomically disadvantaged children aged four to six years living in three distinct Turkish contexts: Seasonal migrant agricultural worker (SMAW) communities, residential group homes (RGHs), and rural villages. Attachment story-completions and ToM were found to be related to the distinct contexts children were living in. In the SMAW communities, higher number of children showed insecure dominant attachment, with only one in four having secure dominant attachment. About half of the children in the RGHs had insecure dominant attachment. However, the majority of village children exhibited secure dominant attachment. Furthermore, irrespective of the context, secure dominant attachment was found to have a substantial positive influence on children's ToM. Findings suggest that early intervention programs tailored to address emotional needs and support cognitive skills may be the most effective in helping children in these contexts.


Subject(s)
Farmers , Object Attachment , Rural Population , Theory of Mind , Transients and Migrants , Humans , Turkey , Female , Transients and Migrants/psychology , Male , Child, Preschool , Child , Farmers/psychology , Group Homes , Agriculture , Socioeconomic Factors
3.
Epilepsy Behav ; 152: 109639, 2024 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38295506

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the differences in ASMs prescription, seizure characteristics and predictors of polypharmacy in patients with epilepsy and Intellectual disabilities (IDs) residing in group homes versus family homes. METHODS: This nine-year retrospective study analyzed patients with epilepsy and IDs who were admitted to the EMU, epilepsy clinics at LHSC and rehabilitation clinics for patients with IDs at Parkwood Institution. The study included individuals aged 16 years and older residing in either group homes or family homes. Data on demographics, epilepsy characteristics, and ASMs use were collected and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. The study utilized binary logistic regression to identify predictors of polypharmacy in patients with epilepsy and IDs. RESULTS: The study enrolled a total of 81 patients, of which 59.3 % resided in family homes. Group home residents were significantly older (41 vs. 24.5 years; p = 0.0001) and were prescribed more ASMs (3 vs. 2; p = 0.002). Specific ASMs were more common in group homes, including valproic acid (54.5 % vs. 25.0 %), lacosamide (54.5 % vs. 22.9 %), topiramate (33.3 % vs. 14.6 %), and phenytoin (30.3 % vs. 6.2 %). Admission to the EMU was more prevalent in group homes (93.9 % vs. 52.1 %; p = 0.0001). Living in a group home increased the risk of polypharmacy (OR = 10.293, p = 0.005), as did older epilepsy onset age (OR = 1.135, p = 0.031) and generalized or focal & generalized epilepsy (OR = 7.153, p = 0.032 and OR = 10.442, p = 0.025, respectively). SIGNIFICANCE: Our study identified notable differences in the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with epilepsy and IDs living in group homes versus family homes. Age of epilepsy onset, EMU admissions, epilepsy types, and residency setting were significant predictors of polypharmacy. These findings highlight the need for personalized care strategies and increased awareness of the potential risks associated with polypharmacy.


Subject(s)
Epilepsies, Partial , Epilepsy , Intellectual Disability , Humans , Polypharmacy , Group Homes , Nursing Homes , Retrospective Studies , Epilepsy/drug therapy , Epilepsy/epidemiology , Epilepsies, Partial/drug therapy , Seizures
4.
Adm Policy Ment Health ; 51(1): 60-68, 2024 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37938475

ABSTRACT

This study examined COVID-19 infection and hospitalizations among people with serious mental illness who resided in residential care group homes in Massachusetts during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors analyzed data on 2261 group home residents and COVID-19 data from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Outcomes included positive COVID-19 tests and COVID-19 hospitalizations March 1, 2020-June 30, 2020 (wave 1) and July 1, 2020-March 31, 2021 (wave 2). Associations between hazard of outcomes and resident and group home characteristics were estimated using multi-level Cox frailty models including home- and city-level frailties. Between March 2020 and March 2021, 182 (8%) residents tested positive for COVID-19, and 51 (2%) had a COVID-19 hospitalization. Compared with the Massachusetts population, group home residents had age-adjusted rate ratios of 3.0 (4.86 vs. 1.60 per 100) for COVID infection and 13.5 (1.99 vs. 0.15 per 100) for COVID hospitalizations during wave 1; during wave 2, the rate ratios were 0.5 (4.55 vs. 8.48 per 100) and 1.7 (0.69 vs. 0.40 per 100). In Cox models, residents in homes with more beds, higher staff-to-resident ratios, recent infections among staff and other residents, and in cities with high community transmission risk had greater hazard of COVID-19 infection. Policies and interventions that target group home-specific risks are needed to mitigate adverse communicable disease outcomes in this population.Clinical Trial Registration Number This study provides baseline (i.e., pre-randomization) data from a clinical trial study NCT04726371.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Mental Disorders , Humans , COVID-19/epidemiology , Group Homes , Massachusetts/epidemiology , Mental Disorders/epidemiology , Nursing Homes , Pandemics , Clinical Trials as Topic
5.
J Appl Res Intellect Disabil ; 37(1): e13167, 2024 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37837347

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: People with intellectual disabilities have the right to live in the community. As social workers have an important role in decisions regarding residential settings, this study examined their recommendations regarding residential living arrangements of individuals with intellectual disabilities. METHOD: Using a factorial survey approach 174 social workers were presented with true-to-life vignettes and asked to provide their recommendations regarding housing in community apartments, hostels (large group homes) and meonot (large institutions). RESULTS: Higher likelihood of recommending housing in a community apartment was associated with mild intellectual disability, lack of daily support needs, no sexual abuse history, and stated preference for a community apartment. Social workers' experience in working in a specific residential setting was associated with recommending it. CONCLUSIONS: Ongoing training on rights-based ethics and the importance of community inclusion should be provided to social workers. Further, community alternatives should be made available to all individuals with disabilities.


Subject(s)
Disabled Persons , Intellectual Disability , Humans , Social Workers , Israel , Group Homes
6.
J Intellect Disabil Res ; 67(8): 770-781, 2023 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37218112

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a 14-week resistance training programme implemented with high levels of effort to improve physical fitness in people with intellectual disabilities (IDs) living in group homes. METHODS: Fifty-two individuals with mild to moderate IDs participated in the experimental (n = 27; 15 men) or control groups (n = 25; 14 men). Participants performed 2 familiarisation sessions, 1 pretest, 42 training sessions (14 weeks × 3 sessions; only the experimental group) and 1 posttest. The testing sessions comprised the evaluation of body composition, static balance and muscle strength. The training sessions included four blocks: (1) dynamic bodyweight exercises, (2) dynamic exercises performed against external loads, (3) ballistic exercises and (4) static exercises. RESULTS: The main findings revealed that all variables related to body composition and muscle strength improved more after the intervention period in the experimental group than the control group, whereas the improvements in static balance for the experimental groups were lower than for the remaining variables used as markers of physical fitness. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the importance of prescribing specific moderate-intensity to high-intensity resistance training programmes to improve body composition and muscle strength for people with IDs living in group homes.


Subject(s)
Intellectual Disability , Resistance Training , Male , Humans , Group Homes , Physical Fitness , Exercise Therapy , Muscle Strength/physiology
7.
JAMA Health Forum ; 4(4): e230445, 2023 04 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37027164

ABSTRACT

Importance: Direct reports of the experiences of staff working in group homes for people with serious mental illness (SMI) and/or intellectual or developmental disabilities (ID/DD) are rarely reported. Hearing from workers about their experiences in the COVID-19 pandemic may inform future workforce and public policy. Objective: To gather baseline data on worker experience with the perceived effects of COVID-19 on health and work in the pandemic prior to initiating an intervention to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and to measure differences in worker experience by gender, race, ethnicity, education, and resident population served (persons with SMI and/or IDD/DD). Design, Setting, and Participants: This mixed-mode, cross-sectional survey study was conducted using online then paper-based self-administration from May to September 2021 at the end of the first year of the pandemic. Staff working in 415 group homes that provided care within 6 Massachusetts organizations serving adults aged 18 years or older with SMI and/or ID/DD were surveyed. The eligible survey population included a census of staff who were currently employed in participating group homes during the study period. A total of 1468 staff completed or partially completed surveys. The overall survey response rate was 44% (range by organization, 20% to 52%). Main Outcomes and Measures: Self-reported experiential outcomes were measured in work, health, and vaccine completion. Bivariate and multivariate analyses explore experiences by gender, race, ethnicity, education, trust in experts and employers, and population served. Results: The study population included 1468 group home staff (864 [58.9%] women; 818 [55.7%] non-Hispanic Black; 98 [6.7%] Hispanic or Latino). A total of 331 (22.5%) group home staff members reported very serious perceived effects on health; 438 (29.8%) reported very serious perceived effects on mental health; 471 (32.1%) reported very serious perceived effects on health of family and friends; and 414 reported very serious perceived effects (28.2%) on access to health services, with statistically significant differences observed by race and ethnicity. Vaccine acceptance was higher among persons with higher educational attainment and trust in scientific expertise and lower among persons who self-reported as Black or Hispanic/Latino. A total of 392 (26.7%) respondents reported needing support for health needs, and 290 (19.8%) respondents reported needing support for loneliness or isolation. Conclusions and Relevance: In this survey study, approximately one-third of group home workers reported serious personal health and access to health care barriers during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in Massachusetts. Addressing unmet health needs and access to health and mental health services, including inequities and disparities by race, ethnicity, and education, should benefit staff health and safety, as well as that of the individuals with disabilities who rely on them for support and care.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Adult , Humans , Female , Male , COVID-19/epidemiology , Pandemics , Group Homes , Cross-Sectional Studies , Massachusetts/epidemiology
8.
BMC Public Health ; 23(1): 585, 2023 03 29.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36991379

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The global extant literature acknowledge that housing serves as a key social determinant of health. Housing interventions that involve group homes have been found to support the recovery of persons with mental illness and those with addiction issues. The current study explored the views of homeowners in relation to a supportive housing program called Community Homes for Opportunity (CHO) that modernised a provincial group home program (Homes for Special Care [HSC]) and provided recommendations for improving the program implementation in other geographical areas of Ontario. METHODS: We applied ethnographic qualitative techniques to purposefully recruit 36 homeowner participants from 28 group homes in Southwest Ontario, Ontario Canada. Focus group discussions were conducted at two time points, during CHO program implementation (Fall 2018, and post implementation phases (Winter 2019) respectively. RESULTS: Data analysis yielded 5 major themes. These include: (1) general impressions about the modernization process, (2) perceived social, economic and health outcomes, (3) enablers of the modernization program, (4) challenges to implementation of the modernization program, and (5) suggestions for implementation of the CHO in future. CONCLUSIONS: A more effective and expanded CHO program will need the effective collaboration of all stakeholders including homeowners for successful implementation.


Subject(s)
Group Homes , Home Care Services , Humans , Ontario , Housing , Qualitative Research
9.
J Appl Gerontol ; 42(7): 1456-1465, 2023 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36732945

ABSTRACT

Physical activity (PA) reduces with older age, ill health, and disability. For these groups, guidance recognizes the benefit of small increases in PA and low-intensity PA. This study evaluated a low-threshold intervention that addressed known barriers to older people's participation in PA in residential care and sheltered housing. Ten, competitive sport sessions were delivered by coaches at 49 sites with the aim that they be sustained in-house. Using quasi-experimental methods, participants reported reduced sitting time, increased moderate/vigorous PA, increased participation in sports and improved scores for both health quality of life and fear of falling at 6 months. The program engaged 29% of residents and was sustained at 50% of sites at 8 months. The findings suggest that low-threshold sports programs that overcome known barriers to older people's participation in PA have the potential to provide a gateway to increased PA in group homes and to be sustained in-house.


Subject(s)
Group Homes , Quality of Life , Humans , Aged , Fear , Exercise
10.
BMC Public Health ; 23(1): 287, 2023 02 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36755251

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Recovery-oriented programs provide individuals with opportunities for well-being through community integration processes that enhance the degree to which individuals could live, work, and recreate in their community. The current evaluation assessed how tenants experience their home environment after the modernization of Homes for Special Care (HSC) to Community Homes for Opportunity (CHO) in Southwest Ontario, Canada. Our study identifies existing policies and practices that could interfere with or promote the modernization process. METHODS: We applied ethnographic qualitative techniques to purposefully recruit 188 participants with severe mental illness from 28 group homes. Focus groups were conducted at three time points, i.e., at pre-implementation/Baseline/Time I - spring 2018; Transition/Time II - fall 2018, and Final/Time III - winter 2019. RESULTS: Study findings suggest that the transition of HSC to CHO supports activities that empower tenants towards personal growth and development. Participants were largely satisfied with the support they were getting in relation to the program-related services. Tenants disclosed that their quality of life and well-being had been enhanced through participating in the program, and that their social interaction and support for each other had also improved. Most tenants demonstrated autonomy in terms of personal and financial independence. The enhanced financial support for tenants did not only improve their quality of life, but also helped to raise their purchasing power, decision making, sense of responsibility and accountability towards healthy spending of their resources. Despite tenants' good impression about the CHO, some still encountered problems and provided suggestions to further improve the program. CONCLUSION: It is expected that a more effective and expanded CHO will lead to tenant empowerment and successful social integration.


Subject(s)
Mental Disorders , Quality of Life , Humans , Ontario , Group Homes , Health Status
11.
J Intellect Disabil ; 27(4): 944-963, 2023 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35695211

ABSTRACT

This study focuses on the subjective experience of the living conditions of adults with intellectual disabilities as related to the Uppsala Quality of Life model (UQoL2). Eleven semi-structured interviews were conducted to study issues raised by people with intellectual disabilities. Study participants had their own home, either in an ordinary dwelling or group home. The findings show that the dependence on support in daily life infringes on the sense of adult social status and control of life. Staff and family had a mandate to define Quality of Life, which countered the possibilities of a life based on the preferences of those with intellectual disabilities. Knowledge about factors that affect living conditions, one of the social determinants of health, has implications for public health in general and the development of society's efforts for people who are in lifelong dependence on support and service from others.


Subject(s)
Intellectual Disability , Adult , Humans , Quality of Life , Social Conditions , Group Homes
12.
Adapt Phys Activ Q ; 40(2): 347-377, 2023 Apr 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36543174

ABSTRACT

This systematic review of literature aimed to synthesize the multilevel factors related to physical activity (PA) among adults (age 18-65) with intellectual disability living in group homes. Keyword searches were used to identify articles from electronic databases, resulting in the inclusion of 10 articles for full-text review. Data were extracted relating to study and sample characteristics and study findings. Methodological quality of the studies was also evaluated. Factors related to PA in group homes were identified at all levels of the social-ecological model. Intrapersonal factors (e.g., health and functional status, attitude to PA), interpersonal factors (e.g., staff attitude, encouragement for PA, and coparticipation in PA), and organizational factors (e.g., program offerings, staff education, and staff-client ratios) were prominent findings in the reviewed studies. The findings support a social-ecological approach for PA promotion in group homes that target intrapersonal, interpersonal, and organizational factors.


Subject(s)
Intellectual Disability , Humans , Adult , Adolescent , Young Adult , Middle Aged , Aged , Group Homes , Exercise , Attitude , Social Environment
13.
Contemp Clin Trials ; 125: 107053, 2023 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36539061

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: People with serious mental illness (SMI) and intellectual disabilities and/or developmental disabilities (ID/DD) living in group homes (GHs) and residential staff are at higher risk for COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, and death compared with the general population. METHODS: We describe a hybrid type 1 effectiveness-implementation cluster randomized trial to assess evidence-based infection prevention practices to prevent COVID-19 for residents with SMI or ID/DD and the staff in GHs. The trial will use a cluster randomized design in 400 state-funded GHs in Massachusetts for adults with SMI or ID/DD to compare effectiveness and implementation of "Tailored Best Practices" (TBP) consisting of evidence-based COVID-19 infection prevention practices adapted for residents with SMI and ID/DD and GH staff; to "General Best Practices" (GBP), consisting of required standard of care reflecting state and federal standard general guidelines for COVID-19 prevention in GHs. External (i.e., community-based research staff) and internal (i.e., GH staff leadership) personnel will facilitate implementation of TBP. The primary effectiveness outcome is incident SARS-CoV-2 infection and secondary effectiveness outcomes include COVID-19-related hospitalizations and mortality in GHs. The primary implementation outcomes are fidelity to TBP and rates of COVID-19 vaccination. Secondary implementation outcomes are adoption, adaptation, reach, and maintenance. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 3-, 6-, 9-, 12-, and 15-months post-randomization. CONCLUSIONS: This study will advance knowledge on comparative effectiveness and implementation of two different strategies to prevent COVID-19-related infection, morbidity, and mortality and promote fidelity and adoption of these interventions in high-risk GHs for residents with SMI or ID/DD and staff. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04726371.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Adult , Child , Humans , COVID-19/prevention & control , SARS-CoV-2 , Group Homes , COVID-19 Vaccines , Developmental Disabilities , Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
14.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35897348

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study explored the perspectives of being in a youth group home during the COVID-19 pandemic from youth residents, staff, and caregivers. METHODS: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 9 youth residents, 8 group home staff members, and 13 caregivers of residents. All participants were connected to the group home before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thematic analysis was used to identify lived experience themes. RESULTS: Two overarching themes were identified among the youth residents-Safety response to COVID-19 and Socialization changes due to COVID-along with three subthemes: Structure leading to separation, Support and belonging amid a pandemic, and Competency. Three overarching themes were identified among the group home staff: Safety response to COVID-19, Increased responsibility, and Mental health changes because of a pandemic. Finally, three overarching themes were identified among the guardians of youth residents: Safety response to COVID-19, Belief in a mental health impact on the child, and Communication during a pandemic. Conclusions: The findings provide the experiences among three group home stakeholders. Overall, they demonstrated resilience in a setting and time when resilience was essential. Finally, the findings offer insight on the basis of which group homes/organizations can prepare for crises of a great magnitude, including vital communication elements.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Adolescent , COVID-19/epidemiology , Caregivers/psychology , Child , Group Homes , Humans , Nursing Homes , Pandemics
15.
J UOEH ; 44(2): 167-176, 2022.
Article in Japanese | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35660682

ABSTRACT

The users of Group Homes (GH) for elderly people with dementia have increasing medical needs, and the number of GH that employ nurses is increasing. Due to the variety of employment patterns of nurses, we feel that it is necessary to conduct a cross-sectional survey of the practical situation of nurses and their practices. The purpose of this study was to interview eight GH nurses and prepare a questionnaire in which "Internal nurses" are defined as nurses employed by GH, regardless of whether they are full-time or part-time, and "external nurses" are defined as nurses who belong to home-visit nursing stations and visit by contract with GH. The results of a qualitatively descriptive analysis of the data obtained from the interviews revealed that 44 items were common to both the internal and the external nurses, and 2 items were added to the external nurses only, for a total of 46 items. In the future, a cross-sectional survey using this questionnaire with a large number of participants will clarify the actual, practical situation of GH nurses, and will also clarify whether there are differences between internal nurses and external nurses in practice due to differences in employment patterns.


Subject(s)
Dementia , Aged , Cross-Sectional Studies , Employment , Group Homes , Humans , Surveys and Questionnaires
17.
J Appl Gerontol ; 41(9): 1992-2001, 2022 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35623344

ABSTRACT

Sexuality is an integral part of being human throughout life. This does not change when moving into long-term care (LTC). However, the sexual health of persons living in LTC is often overlooked. This paper presents an analysis of the recently released health organizational policy: Supporting Sexual Health and Intimacy in Long-Term Care, Assisted Living, Group Homes & Supported Housing. The Intersectionality-Based Policy Analysis Framework is used to outline the policy problem, examine how this policy was developed, and evaluate its potential to address the problem. Key findings are that both the development process and the policy constructs align with principles of intersectionality, such as equity, reflexivity, and diverse knowledges. In conclusion, this analysis suggests this policy is feasible, equitable and could effectively address sexual health for persons living in LTC, while leading to an improved workplace for staff. We recommend that this policy be more widely adopted across Canada.


Subject(s)
Long-Term Care , Sexual Health , Group Homes , Health Policy , Housing , Humans , Intersectional Framework , Policy Making
18.
Front Public Health ; 10: 747919, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35570906

ABSTRACT

In the US and beyond, a paradigm shift is underway toward community-based care, motivated by changes in policies, payment models and social norms. A significant aspect of this shift for disability activists and policy makers is ensuring participation in community life for individuals with disabilities living in residential homes. Despite a U.S. government ruling that encourages community participation and provides federal and state funding to realize it, little progress has been made. This study builds on and integrates the expanded model of value creation with relational coordination theory by investigating how the resources and relationships between care providers, adults with disabilities, family members, and community members can be leveraged to create value for residents through meaningful community participation. The purpose of our community case study was to assess and improve the quality of relationships between stakeholder groups, including direct care staff and managers, residents, family members, and the community through an action research intervention. This study took place in a residential group home in a Northeastern US community serving adults with disabilities from acquired brain injury. A pre-test post-test design was used and quantitative assessments of relational coordination were collected through electronic surveys, administered at baseline, and post-intervention. Direct care staff, supervisors, the house manager, and nursing staff completed the survey. Qualitative data were collected through focus groups, change team meetings, and key informant interviews. Direct care staff formed a change team to reflect on their baseline relational coordination data and identified the weak ties between direct care staff, family members, and the community as an area of concern. Staff chose to hold a community-wide open house to provide an opportunity to foster greater understanding among staff, residents, family, and community members. The change team and other staff members coordinated with local schools, business owners, town officials, churches, and neighbors. The event was attended by 50 people, about two-thirds from the community. Following the intervention, there was an increase in staff relational coordination with the community. While statistical significance could not be assessed, the change in staff RC with the community was considered qualitatively significant in that real connections were made with members of the community both directly and afterwards. Despite a small sample size, a residential setting where management was favorable to initiating staff-led interventions, and no comparison or control group, our small pilot study provides tentative evidence that engaging direct care staff in efforts to improve relational coordination with community members may succeed in building relationships that are essential to realizing the goal of greater participation in community life.


Subject(s)
Disabled Persons , Group Homes , Adult , Community Participation , Health Services Research , Humans , Pilot Projects
19.
Disabil Rehabil ; 44(7): 1141-1155, 2022 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32645274

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Worldwide, disability systems are moving away from congregated living towards individualized models of housing. Individualized housing aims to provide choice regarding living arrangements and the option to live in houses in the community, just like people without disability. The purpose of this scoping review was to determine what is currently known about outcomes associated with individualized housing for adults with disability and complex needs. METHODS: Five databases were systematically searched to find studies that reported on outcomes associated with individualized housing for adults (aged 18-65 years) with disability and complex needs. RESULTS: Individualized housing was positively associated with human rights (i.e., self-determination, choice and autonomy) outcomes. Individualized housing also demonstrated favourable outcomes in regards to domestic tasks, social relationships, challenging behaviour and mood. However, outcomes regarding adaptive behaviour, self-care, scheduled activities and safety showed no difference, or less favourable results, when compared to group homes. CONCLUSIONS: The literature indicates that individualized housing has favourable outcomes for people with disability, particularly for human rights. Quality formal and informal supports were identified as important for positive outcomes in individualized housing. Future research should use clear and consistent terminology and longitudinal research methods to investigate individualized housing outcomes for people with disability.Implications for rehabilitationIndividualized housing models can foster self-determination, choice and autonomy for adults with disability and complex needs.Having alignment between paid and informal support is important for positive outcomes of individualized housing arrangements.A more substantial evidence base regarding individualized housing outcomes, in particular long-term outcomes, and outcomes for people with an acquired disability, is required.


Subject(s)
Disabled Persons , Housing , Adult , Group Homes , Humans , Residence Characteristics
20.
J Prev Interv Community ; 50(2): 205-216, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34126040

ABSTRACT

This study reports results of a measure of a Romanian community's attitudes toward addiction and the hypothetical creation of self-run substance abuse recovery homes called Oxford Houses in Iași, Romania. We list five factors needed to sustain an Oxford House: affordable housing, residents following OH principles, resident income, institutional support, and community support. Because individual Oxford Houses are located in ordinary residential neighborhoods, they rely in part on community support. Descriptive data analyses provided information on four groups based on participants' status: (1) no contact with someone with alcohol misuse; (2) having a potentially alcohol addicted person(s) in their family; (3) definitely having alcohol addicted person(s) in their family; and (4) having an addicted alcohol in recovery person(s) in their family. Results indicated Romanian's favorable attitude toward alcohol addiction as a treatable condition, benefits of being part of an Oxford House, Oxford House rules and principles, and willingness to organize or to participate in events for integrating Oxford House residents into the community. These findings suggest that Oxford House could potentially be accepted by neighborhood residents in Iași, Romania, and this research could inform future efforts to create Oxford Houses in Romania.


Subject(s)
Substance Abuse Treatment Centers , Substance-Related Disorders , Attitude , Group Homes , Housing , Humans , Romania
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