Care of older people is a major issue in the UK, crossing the boundaries between emotion, practical issues and economics. Yet many current concerns, and much conventional planning, are based on outdated assumptions or misunderstandings about the nature of ageing. Woodward and Kartupelis work to shatter these myths to create new and more useful models for our society. Drawing on recent research, the book zeroes in on the nature of interpersonal relationships, their critical effect and the factors which affect their formation. The book has been inspired by the extensive work undertaken by both authors in the field of promoting the spiritual wellbeing of older people in in the UK, and brings together a diversity of expertise to propose a revolutionary new approach based on nurturing particular types of relationship. Stimulating and eminently readable, this key text will play a vital role in reimagining care for the elderly and recognising the full potential of our older population.

This book explores the concept of relational care, what it feels like for older people and for carers, why it makes life happier and how those involved in residential or community care can make it work. Relational care is gaining traction as its benefits to individuals and society become recognised. This accessible book, based on real-life models and in-depth interviews, explores fresh ways that relational care can be facilitated in a variety of settings. It looks at practice in terms of team management, support for care workers, technology, design and architecture, intergenerational and multidisciplinary models, and their implications for resilience, wellbeing, policy and future funding. Chapters are arranged by theme and provide descriptions, learning points and resources for each model, as well as incorporating a wealth of interviews giving insights into the lived experience of relational care. This is a lively book full of realistic ideas and information for everyone who wants to find out more about, access or implement the best in care – the best for older people, their families, care workers, management and society.

Social isolation and loneliness are serious yet underappreciated public health risks that affect a significant portion of the older adult population. Approximately one-quarter of community-dwelling Americans aged 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated, and a significant proportion of adults in the United States report feeling lonely. People who are 50 years of age or older are more likely to experience many of the risk factors that can cause or exacerbate social isolation or loneliness, such as living alone, the loss of family or friends, chronic illness, and sensory impairments. Over a life course, social isolation and loneliness may be episodic or chronic, depending upon an individual's circumstances and perceptions. A substantial body of evidence demonstrates that social isolation presents a major risk for premature mortality, comparable to other risk factors such as high blood pressure, smoking, or obesity. As older adults are particularly high-volume and high-frequency users of the health care system, there is an opportunity for health care professionals to identify, prevent, and mitigate the adverse health impacts of social isolation and loneliness in older adults. Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults summarizes the evidence base and explores how social isolation and loneliness affect health and quality of life in adults aged 50 and older, particularly among low income, underserved, and vulnerable populations. This report makes recommendations specifically for clinical settings of health care to identify those who suffer the resultant negative health impacts of social isolation and loneliness and target interventions to improve their social conditions. Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults considers clinical tools and methodologies, better education and training for the health care workforce, and dissemination and implementation that will be important for translating research into practice, especially as the evidence base for effective interventions continues to flourish.

Fundamentals of Person-Centred Healthcare Practice presents evidence-based perspectives on a broad range of approaches to person-centred practice in healthcare. Featuring contributions from internationally recognised experts in the field, this valuable textbook helps students and staff across healthcare disciplines understand the essential concepts of person-centred practice in various health-related contexts. Using the Person-centred Practice Framework—an innovative theoretical model based on more than two decades of research and practice—students develop a strong understanding of the different components of person-centredness, their connections and interactions, and how they can be implemented to promote positive healthcare experiences for care providers, service-users, and families. Recognising the dynamic and complex nature of person-centredness, the text emphasises the importance of a common language and a shared understanding of person-centred practice in all areas of healthcare, from hospital and social care systems, to mental health, learning disability, and rehabilitation services. This practical and insightful introduction to the subject: Provides engaging, student-friendly coverage of the central principles and practice of person-centredness within a multi-professional and interdisciplinary context Features cases and examples of person-centred practice in curricula worldwide Includes activities designed to support person-centred practitioner development Discusses the future of person-centred facilitation, learning and practice Offers real-world guidance on providing a holistic approach to developing person-centred relationships that facilitate meaningful connections with others Fundamentals of Person-Centred Healthcare Practice is an indispensable resource for nursing and allied health professionals, and an important reference work for educators, facilitators, supervisors and healthcare practitioners.

Redfern's Nursing Older People provides accessible, evidence-based information for nurses, care assistants and other health professionals wanting to improve the quality of health and social care for older people. Republished for the first time since 2006, this fifth edition has been comprehensively revised and rewritten by a large team of expert contributors, while preserving the person-centred spirit of earlier editions. It applies best evidence in straightforward and practical ways to the demographic, physical, psychological, social and emotional challenges of ageing, with a focus on supporting independence and health maintenance. With new contributions covering emerging challenges such as understanding frailty and the use of digital technology, and the themes of diversity, service-user perspectives and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic woven throughout, Redfern's Nursing Older People is essential reading to help nurses shape practice, improve outcomes and promote opportunities for ageing well. - Written by a team of 68 specialists and experts drawn from the fields of nursing, social sciences, gerontology and healthcare practice - Covers the latest evidence, policy and nursing practice - Focus on nursing-led solutions for improving activities of daily living, independence and preventing common problems of ageing - Accessible to all, with stories, case studies and lived experience to bring material to life - Summaries and learning points support learning around complex problems - Emphasis on countering ageism using images and wider literature where appropriate - All chapters either extensively rewritten or completely new - New chapters on frailty, the misuse of alcohol as a growing problem in old age, digital technology, and nursing older people with intellectual disabilities - Core themes of gerontology embedded throughout, such as assessment and rehabilitation - Impact of COVID-19 embedded throughout

In Europe the social economy employs almost 15 million workers. During the crisis years, unlike other sectors, it has often generated an increase in jobs. The aim of this comparative study is to investigate how to allow the supply and demand for young people to meet in the different types of social economy bodies. In particular, it concentrates on the problem of how to bring into line initial university training and the skills required by these organizations. The focus is placed on the varied family of training workers present in at least 75% of the organizations, whose professionalism is nevertheless rarely acknowledged. The papers proposed in this book try to identify the most suitable solutions at the level of curriculum, career development and accompanying measures, while drawing solutions from objective findings and not from training system needs or convictions.