Care-Related Quality of Life in Old Age: Concepts, Models, and Empirical Findings 2008th Edition
Author(s): Marja Vaarama (Editor), Richard Pieper (Editor), Andrew Sixsmith (Editor)
Publisher: Springer
Publication Date: November 30, 2007
Edition: 2008th
Language: English
Print length: 352 pages
ISBN-10: 0387721681
ISBN-13: 9780387721682
Book Description
The ageing of populations across the world poses a crucial challenge for the twenty-first century. Society faces three major changes: firstly, increasing numbers of active older people demanding new social structures and oppor- nities; secondly, increasing numbers of frail or disabled older people requiring new interventions and improved health and social care with resulting economic consequences; and finally complex economic, technological, organisational and social challenges involved in the ageing of society. If society wants to benefit from these changes, innovative social, organisational and technological responses are needed. This book presents the findings of the Care Keys project―“Keys for Quality Performance Management of the Care of Older Persons in Europe”―and is an example of how research can respond to the challenges outlined above. Care Keys was the fruit of European Union research funding, made possible under the Quality of Life and Management of Living Resources specific programme 1 (1998–2002) under the EC’s Fifth Framework Programme for Research, Te- nological Development and Demonstration. The activity promoting such research was Key Action 6 on the “Ageing Population and their Disabilities”.
Editorial Reviews
Review
From the reviews:
“This book presents the findings of the Care Keys project, research that focused on quality of life in old age, especially persons who are vulnerable, frail, or disabled, carried out in Finland, Estonia, Sweden, and the U.K. … Professionals specializing in geriatrics and having a background in research process and tools will be most interested in this book. … The extensive reference lists at the end of each section are a valuable part of the book.” (Sharon G. Thomas, Doody’s Review Services, February 2008)
From the Back Cover
It’s a core issue at the heart of elder care: while best-practice data exist for long-term care, quality of life as a concept, measure and standard for care outcomes remains elusive. The result of an ambitious European research initiative, the Care Keys Project addresses quality of life issues among frail, care-dependent seniors, taking their social as well as health needs into account. Care-Related Quality of Life in Old Age explains the theory behind Care Keys, its methodology, empirical findings, and practical considerations in promoting effective, efficient elder care aimed at social and emotional well-being and including disabled and cognitively impaired patients. This important book:
Brings together gerontological knowledge from medical, psychology, nursing, sociology, economics, and health care systems perspectives.
Introduces an integrated theory of care-related quality of life that emphasizes social, emotional and mental aspects as well as physical longevity.
Presents a practice oriented framework for quality management of long-term care toward improving elders’ quality of life.
Examines quality of life in home and long-term care settings across the five European member countries of Care Keys.
Describes the Care Keys Toolkit, featuring innovative measures for monitoring and evaluating care and troubleshooting for problem areas.
For those charged with improvements at any level of this vital area―administrative, policy, research, professional, or student―this volume will bring new insights and stimulation for potential answers on the complex challenges of elder health care.
About the Author
Marja Vaarama is Professor of Social Work and Social Gerontology at the University of Lapland, Finland. Her areas of research include quality of life in old age, quality and performance of long-term care for older people, gerontological social work, information technology for planning, evaluation and management of long term care for older people. She is the co-ordinator of the EU-funded Care Keys research project.
Richard Pieper is Professor of Urban Studies and Social Planning at the University of Bamberg, Germany. His main fields of research are in theory of social and regional integration and collective identity, and aging and technology, elderly care planning, and social and health care systems.
Andrew Sixsmith is Lecturer in Social Gerontology in the Department of Primary Care at the University of Liverpool. His current research interests focus on new technologies to facilitate the delivery of community health and welfare services.
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