The Occupational Wellbeing of People Experiencing Homelessness

This paper reports findings of a study that utilised an occupational perspective to explore how wellbeing was achieved and sustained by the occupations of people experiencing homelessness in Australia. Thirty three in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with homeless individuals in a regional city in Australia. Data from the interviews were thematically analysed to understand the relationship between wellbeing, as defined by the individual, and the occupations engaged in by people experiencing homelessness. The findings are reported here as three collective narratives that illustrate the experiences of diverse groups within the homelessness population explored in this study. The study demonstrates how occupations go beyond the individual experience and choice; to explore the social and cultural value of occupations as a means to wellbeing. The findings are discussed in relation to three key themes that emerged from the study: survival, self-identity and social connectedness. These three interconnected concepts complement the existing occupational science literature, and offer a preliminary framework for understanding and improving wellbeing for disadvantaged and marginalised people where occupations are restricted by societal forces. The findings support the urgent need to redirect services to support occupational opportunities that are socially and culturally valued and enhance survival, self-identity and connectedness of homeless people

What does successful social prescribing look like? Mapping meaningful outcomes

This study aimed to investigate and collate all the outcomes that are being experienced in link worker based social prescribing schemes. We found this reflects a large evidence gap where research money needs to be invested. Data from this study highlighted that VCSE organisations engaged with social prescribing are not receiving full attribution for their contribution to improving the health and wellbeing of people. Within the literature, there are a range of reports and research articles that support the use of community organisations and services. Little of this knowledge or impact, however, is contextualised within the terms of link worker based social prescribing schemes

Contribution for wellbeing of people working in urban organic allotment gardens

Poster presented at XXX International Horticultural Congress, 12-16 August 2018, Istambul, TurkeyN/

Improving the lives of people with dementia

Outlines nine key areas the Ministry of Health will support over the next three years to maximize the health, independence and wellbeing of people with dementia. Summary Good health is essential for the social and economic wellbeing of New Zealanders. As the population of older people grows, so too will the population of people with dementia. An ageing population means that maximising the health, independence and wellbeing of people with dementia is a key part of ensuring the good health of New Zealanders. There is currently no cure for dementia so we need to focus on improving the quality of life for people with dementia and their carers, families and whānau. As a country, we need to make sure that the dementia services and support people receive are appropriate, person-centred and of high quality. The right support needs to be available at the right time, especially when a person’s needs change. Proactive and coordinated services and support for people with dementia and their carers, family and whānau will improve their quality of life. Over the next three years, the Ministry of Health (the Ministry) will support action in nine key areas to improve the quality of life for people with dementia. These action areas are to: implement a nationally consistent approach to dementia care increase dementia awareness reduce the risk of dementia increase access to a timely diagnosis of dementia provide navigation of services and increase the quality of information and education increase the ability of people with dementia to remain living at home increase the quality of information and education for the workforce develop dementia-friendly health and social support services provide respectful and supportive end-of-life care

Positive psychology and tourism: a systematic literature review

This study aims to outline the relationship between Positive Psychology and tourism through a systematic literature review. Tourism seeks to increase the wellbeing of people, and wellbeing is a crucial variable in Positive Psychology which in turn aims to understand and promote people's potential. This research used as search terms 'Positive Psychology', 'wellbeing', 'happiness', 'tourism', 'visitor' and 'travel', terms which were applied through the Online Knowledge Library. The inclusion/exclusion criteria led to a sample of 49 references which were then individually analyzed. Results showed a recent increase in studies focused on the relationship between the variables, Europe being in the lead. Overall, policies are important for tourism development; tourism promotes wellbeing for residents and tourists; entrepreneurs have an innovative opportunity in wellbeing; and nature is linked to wellbeing. Implications and suggestions for future studies are presented.Agência financiadora ARDITI - Agência Regional para o Desenvolvimento da Investigação Tecnologia e Inovação: M1420-09-5369-FSE-000001info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

In the moment: designing for late stage dementia

This paper presents international multidisciplinary design research to support the wellbeing of people living with dementia. The LAUGH project aims to develop playful artefacts that will contribute to non-pharmacological personalised approaches to caring for people living with late stage dementia in residential care. This paper presents the context for this research and explains the initial stages of the work currently in progress. An inclusive participatory methodology is described in which key experts including: health professionals, technologists, materials scientists and carers of people living with dementia are informing the development of design concepts. A positive design approach in which designing for pleasure, personal significance and virtue underpin the work. The initial stages of the research have identified the significance of: playfulness, sensory stimulation, hand use and emotional memory. This paper contends that designs should aim to promote ‘in the moment’ living in order to support subjective wellbeing of people living with late stage dementia

Occupational Wellbeing of People Experience Homelessness: Survival, Self Identity and Socialisation

Introduction A growing area of for the occupational therapy profession is the needs of people experiencing occupational injustice within our societies. Distinct from social justice, occupational justice focuses on ‘occupational equity, occupational fairness, occupational empowerment, occupational rights and responsibilities, occupational enablement, expression and opportunity, occupational satisfaction and occupational wellbeing’ (Wilcock, 2006, p. 247). Objectives This study aimed to understand the occupations of people experiencing homelessness and to contribute to occupational perspectives of health through exploring occupations that influence subjective perspectives of well-being in for people experiencing homelessness. Method This constructivist case study explored the lived experience of people who were homeless using observation and interviews with consumers of homeless services. A strengths-based approach to data collection prioritised the voices of participants and elicited situated accounts of occupations of meaning. Results Thirty-five in-depth conversational interviews explored the strengths, resilience, agency and capacity of participants to sustain wellbeing during homelessness. People who are homeless aim to achieve and sustain subjective wellbeing through occupation of survival, self identity and socialisation. Limited opportunities for occupational engagement due to poverty and marginalisation result in situations of occupational injustice for people experiencing homelessness. Conclusion Despite limited occupational opportunity resulting in occupational injustice, acts of personal autonomy and agency guard against descending into despair and afford a sense of satisfaction with life. Contribution to the practice/evidence base of occupational therapy An occupational perspective of subjective wellbeing is supported by this study, which challenges the appropriateness of universal definitions of wellbeing for all. Interpretive findings propose an expansion of the theoretical basis of occupational justice. The multiple meanings of human occupation are intricately affected and shaped by the social and cultural context and consistent with the gendered and cultural norms. Refs Wilcock, A. (2006). An Occupational Perspective of Health (2nd Ed). Slack: Thoroughfare

A Review into eHealth Services and Therapies: Potential for Virtual Therapeutic Communities - Supporting People with Severe Personality Disorder

eHealth has expanded hugely over the last fifteen years and continues to evolve, providing greater benefits for patients, health care professionals and providers alike. The technologies that support these systems have become increasingly more sophisticated and have progressed significantly from standard databases, used for patient records, to highly advanced Virtual Reality (VR) systems for the treatment of complex mental health illnesses. The scope of this paper is to initially explore e-Health, particularly in relation to technologies supporting the treatment and management of wellbeing in mental health. It then provides a case study of how technology in e-Health can lend itself to an application that could support and maintain the wellbeing of people with a severe mental illness. The case study uses Borderline Personality Disorder as an example, but could be applicable in many other areas, including depression, anxiety, addiction and PTSD. This type of application demonstrates how e-Health can empower the individuals using it but also potentially reducing the impact upon health care providers and services.Comment: Book chapte

Touchscreen interventions and the wellbeing of people with dementia and caregivers: a systematic review

Background: Dementia can have significant detrimental impacts on the wellbeing of those with the disease and their carers. A range of computer-based interventions, including touchscreen-based interventions have been researched for use with this population in the hope that they might improve psychological wellbeing. This article reviews touchscreen-based interventions designed to be used by people with dementia, with a specific focus in assessing their impact on wellbeing. Method: The data bases, PsycInfo, ASSIA, Medline, CINAHL and Cochrane were searched for touchscreen-based interventions designed to be used by people with dementia with reported psychological wellbeing outcomes. Methodological quality was assessed using Pluye et al.’s (2011) Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) checklist. Results: Sixteen papers were eligible. They covered fourteen methodologically diverse interventions. Interventions were reported to be beneficial in relation to mental health, social interaction and sense of mastery. Touchscreen interventions also reportedly benefit informal carers in relation to their perceived burden and the quality of their relationships with the people they care for. Key aspects included the user interface, provision of support, learning style, tailored content, appropriate challenge, ergonomics and users’ dementia progression. Conclusions: Whilst much of the existing research is relatively small-scale, the findings tentatively suggest that touchscreen based interventions can improve the psychological wellbeing of people with dementia, and possibilities for more rigorous future research are suggested