SOCIETY

ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS: 19 PRACTICES


TOPIC:

Initiative

INTEGRATED INTERVENTIONS PROGRAM FOR STRENGTHENING SOCIAL COHESION AND IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF THE ELDERLY LIVING IN ELDERLY CARE UNITS/NURSING HOMES "NOT ANYMORE ALONE"

INTEGRATED INTERVENTIONS PROGRAM FOR STRENGTHENING SOCIAL COHESION AND IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF THE ELDERLY LIVING IN ELDERLY CARE UNITS/NURSING HOMES "NOT ANYMORE ALONE"
SUBMITTED FROM:

Εργστήριο Διεπιστημονικής Προσέγγισης για τη Βελτίωση της Ποιότητας Ζωής, ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟ ΜΕΣΟΓΕΙΑΚΟ ΠΑΝΕΠΙΣΤΗΜΙΟ

The Interdisciplinary Approach Laboratory for the Improvement of the Quality of Life belongs to the Department of Social Work of the School of Health Sciences, of the Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU) and aims to cover the research and educational needs of the Department of Social Work at the undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral and post-doctoral levels in the fields of interest of the laboratory.



Objective Action

The general objective of the program is to promote healthy and active ageing through a) the psychological empowerment, promotion of psychological resilience and the improvement of the quality of life of the elderly, b) combatting loneliness and social exclusion/isolation and c) mental empowerment and enhancement of their functional abilities.

Specific goals are (A) the psychosocial and mental empowerment of the elderly living in elderly care units/nursing homes in the Region of Crete, combatting loneliness, enhancement of self-care skills, improvement of their well-being and quality of life and (B) the updating of the knowledge and professional skills of the health professionals/formal caregivers working in the elderly care units/nursing homes in the best practices of care, early diagnosis and empowerment of self-care of the elderly, in order to provide services of optimal care to the elderly living in elderly care units/nursing homes in the Region of Crete.

 

Target Audience

The program addresses two groups (DIRECTLY): (a) elderly people living at 20 elderly care units/nursing homes in the Region of Crete and (b) health professionals/formal caregivers working in elderly care units/nursing homes and (INDIRECTY): (a) the general population (sensitization of the general population against negative stereotypes and discrimination of the elderly that will be achieved through the publicity actions of the program) and (b) the Region, organizations and any other interested body, public or private (use of results for the design of an integrated program of social cohesion and social inclusion of the elderly as an active and important part of society).

 

Duration

Start: February 2021. End/Completion: 31.12.2022.


Description

Need to cover

According to recent Eurostat data (2017), Greece has one of the most aging populations in the EU-28 (21.5% are over 65 years old). From the perspective of healthy and active ageing, promoting mental health and improving the quality of life of older people is as important as improving their physical health. However, according to the AgeWatch World Index (https://www.helpage.org), Greece holds the 79th place (last place in Western Europe) in relation to the quality of life of older people in 96 countries. We know that while older people are healthier and more active than before, they are increasingly facing "new type" of problems, such as loneliness and social isolation (Active Ageing Index - UNECE/European Commission, 2019), with dramatic consequences (e.g., decrease in cognitive ability, decreased psychological resilience, increased risk of depression, premature mortality). The economic crisis, as well as the recent pandemic (COVID-19), have increased the risks for the elderly and have created conditions of poverty and further social isolation. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the quality of life of the elderly and especially those who live in elderly care units/nursing homes.

Employees who have to face the challenges of the elderly daily are not specialized and in addition they are employed for more than 10 years without training and updating of their knowledge. Therefore, a specialized training of the staff of the nursing homes is necessary for the management of the vulnerable group of the elderly. The training will help them to better address the multiple problems faced by the elderly, to improve services and therefore to improve the quality of life of the elderly.

Local and Regional Government can make a decisive contribution to maintaining social cohesion and improving the quality of life of the elderly. In particular, the Region of Crete with the elaboration of the Regional Strategy for Combating Poverty and Social Inclusion, aims at developing an integrated policy of prevention and combating the social exclusion of the vulnerable population groups. It is also the only Region in the country with a special Measure for active aging in the Social Inclusion Strategy, recognizing the need to promote initiatives at the local level to improve the quality of life of the elderly.

Therefore, this intervention is considered necessary, as it implements actions to achieve the objectives of the Regional Action Plan for active aging and is aligns with the overall strategy of the Region of Crete for social cohesion and development and aims at empowering elderly for self-care and independency and improve their "well-being".

 

Method of design and implementation

The present program that is implemented online in the elderly care units/nursing homes includes two (2) subprojects:

Subproject I: Psychosocial and mental empowerment of the elderly.

Subproject II: Training of professionals-employees

Details for Subproject I: Psychosocial and mental empowerment for groups of approximately 10-15 elders (total 20 hours per group: 5 hours for 4 weeks) with actions for: (1) Psychological empowerment and improvement of well-being (2 hours/week): (a) Recognition of emotions and (b) Improving well-being and increasing happiness with practical exercises based on Positive Psychology (focus on strengthening skills, virtues, talents, increasing subjective happiness, reducing stress and depression and achieving a fulfilling life). (2) Combatting loneliness / social isolation (2 hours / week): (a) Addressing social problems of the elderly and (b) Training in communication (3) Mental empowerment (1 hour / week): (a) time orientation and (b) Recall of Experiences.

The means used are interactive - experiential exercises, storytelling, therapeutic fairy tale, music, painting, discussion - storytelling, etc.

Details for Subproject II (Training of professionals): The training (54 hours in total) was implemented synchronously (22 hours) and asynchronously (32 hours) in the following topics: Use of tools for early diagnosis of bedsores, dehydration, diabetic foot, Management of pressure ulcers and diabetes, Elderly feeding techniques (oral, nasogastric catheter, gastrostomy, gastrostomy), Measures to prevent the spread of infections and Prevention of thromboembolism. The following tools were used for synchronous training: PowerPoint presentations, videos, case studies. For asynchronous training were used: study material, exercises through electronic platform, multiple choice questions, filling the blanks, etc.

 

After the completion of the Subprojects I & II, the following will be carried out:

(I) evaluation (a) of the effectiveness of the program (whether the objectives for both groups were achieved) and (b) of their satisfaction with the program.

(II) actions to raise awareness and disseminate / publicize the results of the program.

 

Originality and Innovation .

  • It is a holistic and multidimensional program that draws theoretical and practical knowledge from various disciplines (Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, Nursing, Computer Science, etc.).
  • Ιt is interdisciplinary as it is based on the collaboration of scientists with different background
  • It is based on the cooperation of an Academic body (2 research laboratories) with the Regional Government.
  • Draws from Positive Psychology which is a new theory in the field of Psychology and is a modern revolution in the field, as rather than focuses on psychopathology, disorder and problematic aspects of human being, it focuses on abilities, virtues, talents ( Stalikas & Mitskidou, 2011) and in achieving a fulfilling life and full of satisfaction.
  • During the period of the pandemic and the measures of social distancing (2021) -which necessitated to address currents needs urgently- the program started to be implemented online with the help of platform and electronic means (tablets), offering the isolated elderly a possibility of psychosocial and mental empowerment and employees the opportunity to be trained and update their knowledge.
  • The implementation methodology with many different means allowed the interactive - experiential participatio

 

Reproducibility of the program/practice

The Laboratory of Quality of Life is already in the process of signing a new contract with the Region of Crete for the extension of the actions of the program called “NOT ANYMORE ALONE” to the Day Care Centers for the Elderly (KIFI) of the Region. Specifically, it will implement training activities for KIFI employees (title: "Integrated Intervention Program for Updating KIFI Employees' Knowledge").


more...

Impact on Society

The results for the elderly are not available as the Subproject I has not been completed yet. However, in focus groups with the employees in the elderly care units/nursing homes. It was reported that they believe that the elderly has gained many benefits from the program. The results of Subproject II (for professionals) are still being analyzed. A questionnaire of 26 questions was given to be completed for reporting their satisfaction from (a) the training program, (b) the professors and (c) the contribution of the training program to their daily practice. Indicative results are the following: 

The lessons:

  • What is your general idea about your participation in the program? 64,5% Extremely good, 29% Very good, 6,5% Moderate
  • Was there an association between the theory and practice/exercises? 51,6% Extremely, 42% Very much, 6,5% Moderately
  • Were the professor's comments constructive and detailed? 67,7% Extremely, 32,3% Very much
  • Did the exercises help you understand the taught topic? 45,2% Extremely, 48,4% Very much, 6,4% Moderately

The professors: 

  • Did they organize well the presentation of the taught material?  58,1% Extremely, 41,9% Very much
  • Did they know well the taught topic? 77,4% Extremely, 22,6% Very much
  • Did they succeed in stimulating interest? 51,6% Extremely, 44,2% Very much, 4,2% Moderately
  • Did they present the concepts in a simple and interesting way using examples? 48,4% Extremely, 48,4% Very much, 3,2% Moderately
  • Did they encourage participants to ask questions? 67,7% Extremely, 32,2% Very much
  • Did they use teaching methods that enriched/enhanced the lesson? 48,4% Extremely, 48,4% Very much, 3,2% Moderately
  • Did they use visual means (powerpoint, videos) in a way that enhanced the learning process? 35,5% Extremely, 64,5% Very much

 Contribution of the training program in the daily practice

  • Will you use what you have learned in your daily practice? 48,4% Extremely, 45,2% Very much, 6,4% Moderately
  • Would you like a similar training program to be repeated? 67,7% Extremely, 32,3% Very much
  • Do you think that the program has made a significant contribution in updating your knowledge? 58.1% “Extremely”, 38.7% “Very much”, and 3.2% “moderately”.


Initiative Location

Four Prefectures of the Region of Crete.


Working with Organization

The program is implemented in collaboration with the Region of Crete, which provides funds for the program and another research laboratory of the Hellenic Mediterranean University (ELMEPA), called NILE. NILE has specialized staff and know-how in ICT and in Virtual Educational Environments. NILE provides the platform "Body & Mind Academy", which is an educational digital environment that supports through interactive and non-interactive tools, the mental, physical, and social activity of the elderly.  


More...…

Workers Participation

The program “NOT ANYMORE ALONE” employs / employed 16 people: In Subproject I (for the elderly groups): 1 faculty member of ELMEPA, 3 external collaborators (2 Social Workers and 1 Psychologist) and 2 Social Workers voluntarily (1 professional and 1 PhD student ). In Subproject II (training): 2 faculty members of ELMEPA, 1 faculty member of another University (PADA) and 2 professional Nurses (1 of them a PhD student). Also employed (for the platform): 1 faculty member of ELMEPA (voluntarily), 1 Administrative employee of ELMEPA (voluntarily), 1 undergraduate and 1 postgraduate student of ELMEPA. Additionally, 1 Sociologist (voluntarily).


More...…
Photos Videos

Benefits for Οrganization

Measurable results        

  • A work under publication: Kalaitzaki A. (under publication). Elderly, social isolation and loneliness. In M. Vozikaki, A. Papadakis, E. Koufakis, & A. Kalaitzaki, Konstantinidis, Th. (Eds.): Guide for the protection, care and support of the elderly during the SARS-COV-2 pandemic, with emphasis on elderly units.
  • Three (3) oral presentations at the 10th Panhellenic Conference of Social Care Units (October 18-19, 2021). Heraklion (https://www.crete.gov.gr/press-releases/me-ti-syndiorganosi-tis-perifereias-kritis-to-10o-panellinio-synedrio-monadon-koinonikis-frontidas-ep-arogi/):
    • Vamvakas L. (2021, October 18-19). Interventions of the Region of Crete for the protection and enhancement of the autonomy of vulnerable social groups-social protection in the midst of a pandemic.
    • Vozikaki, M., Kalaitzaki, A., Papadakis, A., & Philalithis, T. (2021, The role of loneliness and social isolation in the health and well-being of the elderly: Suggestions and measures for treatment.
    • Foukaki EM, Pattakou- Parasyri, V., Kalaitzaki A. (2021, October 18-19). Home confinement due to COVID-19: Effects on mental health and cognitive function of the elderly.
  • One (1) handbook/guide: Vozikaki, A. Papadakis, E. Koufakis, & A. Kalaitzaki (Eds.): Guide for the protection, care and support of the elderly during the SARS-COV-2 pandemic, with emphasis on nursing homes. Region of Crete.
  • Publicity of the University:
    • https://www.in.gr/2021/02/05/greece/oxi-pia-monoi-programma-gia-ti-stiriksi-ilikiomenon-stin-kriti
    • https://www.crete.gov.gr/press-releases/ochi-pia-monoi-i-perifereia-kritis-eisagei-psifiakes-efarmoges-kai-paradidei-91-tablets-stis-monades-frontidas-ilikiomenon/
    • https://www.cretewoman.gr/el/36774/el/37991/el/38244/paidikoi-stathmoi-tsi-tha-anoiksoin-ti-deitera-sa-prepei-na-inorizete.php

Other results

  • Connection of the University with the community and offering services to the community
  • Better understanding of the problems of the elderly and Gaining experience to optimize the implementation of similar actions
  • Highlighting training needs and the needs of vulnerable groups
  • Enhancing the Extroversion of the Academic Institution §
  • Strengthening and expanding collaborations (with Regional Government and other research laboratories)
  • Promotion of the work of research laboratories of the Academic Institution
  • Enhancement of voluntary actions



Connection with Global Goals







More Initiatives from Organization



Send us your feedback Print
The Sustainable Greece Ιnitiative launched by QualityNet Foundation