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The article focuses on a study on the views and experiences of long-term care staff and residents in taking part in research. Topics discussed include the obstacles to engaging long-term care staff and residents with research, concerns of managers on the benefits of the research to their staff and residents, and the need for fair compensation for the research participants.

Background: Current research investigating collaboration between parents and speech and language therapists (SLTs) indicates that the SLT role is characterized by therapist-led practice. Co-working with parents of children with speech and language difficulties is less frequently described. In order to embrace co-working during intervention, the SLT role may need to be reframed, focusing on acquiring skills in the role of coach as well as the role of planning intervention and treating children. Aims: To report (1) SLTs' conceptions about their own roles during intervention for pre-school children with speech and language difficulties; and (2) SLTs' conceptions of parents' roles during intervention. Methods & Procedures: A qualitative study used individual, semi-structured interviews with 12 SLTs working with pre-school children. Open-ended questions investigated SLTs' expectation of parents, experience of working with families, and the SLTs' conception of their roles during assessment, intervention and decision-making. Thematic network analysis was used to identify basic, organizational and global themes. Results & Outcomes: SLTs had three conceptions about their own role during intervention: treating, planning and coaching. The roles of treating and planning were clearly formulated, but the conception of their role as coach was more implicit in their discourse. SLTs' conception of parents' roles focused on parents as implementers of activities and only occasionally as change agents. Conclusions & Implications: Collaboration that reflects co-working may necessitate changes in the conception about the role for both SLTs and parents. SLTs and parents may need to negotiate roles, with parents assuming learner and adaptor roles and SLTs adopting a coaching role to activate greater involvement of parents. Applying conceptual change theory offers new possibilities for understanding and enabling changes in SLTs' conception of roles, potentially initiating a deeper understanding of how to achieve co-working during speech and language intervention.

Speech and language therapists' (SLTs) roles include enabling parents to provide intervention. We know little about how parents understand their role during speech and language intervention or whether these change during involvement with SLTs. The theory of conceptual change, applied to parents as adult learners, is used as a framework for understanding changes in parents' conception of roles during intervention. The aims of the study were (1) to investigate parents' conception of their own and SLT roles during speech and language therapy intervention and (2) to explore changes in parents' conception of their role as they work with SLTs. A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 14 parents of pre-school children with speech and language needs referred to speech and language therapy in the UK. A subset of 8 parents participated in a longitudinal study over nine months to track any changes in conception of roles during intervention. Interviews were analysed using Thematic Network Analysis to identify basic, organizing and global themes. Framework Analysis was used to compare participants over time and identify any changes reported by parents. Parents had a firm conception of their role as advocates but did not express a clear notion of their role as intervener before involvement with the SLT. During intervention, some described changing their conception of role including adopting roles as "implementer" and "adaptor" of intervention. In some cases, parents described changes in their approach to parenting which they associated with adopting more active roles as interveners. Policy statements about parental choice and co-working typically present parents' conception of roles as fixed. This research shows that parents may change their conception of role as they work with SLTs and become increasingly involved as interveners. Implications for practice include negotiating roles in the partnership before intervention begins and enabling parents to adopt an intervener role.

To explore older care home residents' experiences of maintaining a sense of purpose in life: a core component of psychological wellbeing. Fifteen residents (9 female; 6 male), aged 60-95 years, from four care homes, were interviewed about their sense of purpose. Interview transcripts were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Theme 1 ('Experiencing Loss') comprises two sub-themes that describe the impact of age-related losses on residents' sense of purpose (sub-theme 1) and the different responses that participants had to these losses (sub-theme 2). Theme 2 ('The Protective Effects of Social Connections') describes how social relationships could provide a sense of purpose, as well as the difficulties participants experienced in forming these relationships. Finally, theme 3 ('The Roles of Activities') describes the types of activities that could help residents to maintain a sense of purpose. Care home residents experience losses and barriers that make it more difficult to maintain a sense of purpose. However, with appropriate support and opportunities, residents are able to engage in activities and relationships that provide a sense of purpose. To support residents' mental health and wellbeing, care homes should offer varied opportunities for residents to engage in purposeful activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computer-use behaviours can provide useful information about an individual's cognitive and functional abilities. However, little research has evaluated unaided and non-directed home computer-use. In this proof of principle study, we explored whether computer-use behaviours recorded during routine home computer-use i) could discriminate between individuals with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI); ii) were associated with cognitive and functional scores; and iii) changed over time. Thirty-two participants with SCD (n = 18) or MCI (n = 14) (mean age = 72.53 years; female n = 19) participated in a longitudinal study in which their in-home computer-use behaviour was passively recorded over 7–9 months. Cognitive and functional assessments were completed at three time points: baseline; mid-point (4.5 months); and end point (month 7 to 9). Individuals with MCI had significantly slower keystroke speed and spent less time on the computer than individuals with SCD. More time spent on the computer was associated with better task switching abilities. Faster keystroke speed was associated with better visual attention, recall, recognition, task inhibition, and task switching. No significant change in computer-use behaviour was detected over the study period. Passive monitoring of computer-use behaviour shows potential as an indicator of cognitive abilities, and can differentiate between people with SCD and MCI. Future studies should attempt to monitor computer-use behaviours over a longer time period to capture the onset of cognitive decline, and thus could inform timely therapeutic interventions. Supplemental data for this article can be accessed online at http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2022.2036946 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives Population aging represents a significant challenge for health and social care services. Older adults who engage in activities that offer a sense of purpose have significantly better physical and psychological health outcomes. However, age-related functional limitations and losses of social roles can present barriers to engaging in purposeful activity, especially for those older adults within the "oldest-old" age range (i.e. 80 years and older). This review aimed to determine the nature and effectiveness of purposeful activity interventions in older adults, aged 80 years and older, with respect to well-being and quality-of-life outcomes. Research Design and Methods Three databases were searched from their inception to April 2020. The search yielded 8,916 records, which resulted in eight eligible studies. Results The interventions were divided into two groups: (a) interventions that gave participants a specific functional role, such as volunteer or mentor (n = 5), and (b) interventions that supported participants to develop a new skill (n = 3). The quality of the evidence was variable. The strongest evidence was for interventions that assigned a functional role, which appeared to be somewhat effective in improving well-being outcomes. Discussion and Implications There is preliminary evidence that purposeful activity interventions, particularly those that involved taking on a functional role, can improve well-being and quality-of-life outcomes in older adults aged 80 years and older. These findings have implications for professionals and carers to support older adults to access more purposeful social roles and create opportunities for helping and reciprocation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Up to 75% of UK care home residents may lack the mental capacity to make certain decisions (Wade, Clinical Rehabilitation, 2019, 33, 1561–1570). Care home staff need evidence‐based tools to help them assess residents' mental capacity and provide decision‐making support (NICE, Decision‐making and mental capacity NICE guideline NG108, 2018). The Mental Capacity Assessment Support Toolkit (MCAST) was designed to support multidisciplinary healthcare staff to prepare, complete and document legally compliant mental capacity assessments. MCAST has not yet been trialled in care homes. This study used a descriptive qualitative design to: (a) understand the current challenges faced by care home staff when supporting residents to make decisions and participate in mental capacity assessments; (b) explore staff members' support needs in this context and (c) to identify if and how the toolkit could be adapted for use in care homes. A purposive sample of 29 staff working as managers (n = 18), nurses (n = 7) and care assistants (n = 4) across five care homes in North West England participated in five semi‐structured focus groups between May and July 2019. Data from the focus group transcripts were analysed thematically (Braun & Clarke, Qualitative Research in Psychology, 2006, 3, 77–101). Five main themes were identified: (a) involvement of residents in decision‐making; (b) approaches to mental capacity assessment; (c) working with residents with communication difficulties; (d) feelings about practice and (e) responses to MCAST. Participants appeared competent and confident about supporting decision‐making and assessing capacity, but recognised the complexity of this area of practice, and identified a need for further support. They reported a range of challenges, including accessing support from speech and language therapists for residents with communication needs. They responded positively to the toolkit and were keen to use it in practice. This study suggests that care home staff would benefit from, and welcome, support to develop their practice. Furthermore, MCAST appears usable in this context and formal feasibility testing is justified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Biopsychosocial approaches to understanding behavioural and psychological (otherwise known as "non‐cognitive" or "neuropsychiatric") symptoms of dementia tend to be conducted by specialist psychology professionals. To increase service users' access to these approaches, healthcare professionals from nursing and allied health disciplines are being trained to use them. However, little is known about healthcare professionals' experiences of implementing biopsychosocial approaches in everyday practice. Objectives: To explore nursing and allied healthcare professionals' views of using the "Newcastle Model," which is a biopsychosocial approach to understanding behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia. Method: Thirteen community mental healthcare professionals from nursing, social work and occupational therapy backgrounds were interviewed about their views and experiences of using the Newcastle Model to understand and work with behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Five themes were identified. The first theme reflected the perceived positive value of taking a more psychosocial approach to understanding behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia. The second theme reported participants' expressions of low confidence in using the approach, as well as their reported difficulties in prioritising it. The third theme highlighted the perceived time‐consuming nature of the approach, and the adaptations that some staff made to increase its practicality. The fourth theme highlighted the importance of working in collaboration with those who provided direct care and support to the person with dementia. The final theme reflected participants' positive view of the effectiveness of the approach for delivering person‐centred care Conclusion: Community healthcare professionals valued the integration of a biopsychosocial approach into their practice, although identified key implementation barriers. Implications for Practice: Formalising this approach within professional role descriptions; increasing collaborative working within multidisciplinary teams; and increasing carers' psychological understanding of dementia, are key ways in which this biopsychosocial approach could be implemented more effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates whether facets of rumination statistically mediate the relationships between Big Five personality traits and depressive symptoms. Self‐reported personality traits and rumination were investigated as predictors of depressive symptoms in a cross‐sectional sample of 3043 participants aged 18–60 years (68.8% female). Multiple regression analysis investigated which personality traits and rumination facets best explained variance in depressive symptoms. Structural equation modelling was used to determine whether facets of rumination mediated the relationships between personality traits and depressive symptoms. Multiple regression analysis found that variance in depressive symptoms was best explained by the personality traits neuroticism, extroversion, conscientiousness; and both facets of rumination, brooding and reflection. Structural equation modelling added that the effects of neuroticism, extroversion, conscientiousness and openness on depressive symptoms were statistically mediated by brooding; the effects of neuroticism, extroversion and openness to depressive symptoms were statistically mediated by reflection. Rumination facets statistically mediated the effects of various personality traits on depressive symptoms. These results provide insights into which individuals may be best suited to treatments for depression targeting rumination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Commonly used measures of instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) do not capture activities for a technologically advancing society. This study aimed to adapt the proxy/informant-based Amsterdam IADL Questionnaire (A-IADL-Q) for use in the UK and develop a self-report version.Design: An iterative mixed method cross-cultural adaptation of the A-IADL-Q and the development of a self-report version involving a three-step design: (1) interviews and focus groups with lay and professional stakeholders to assess face and content validity; (2) a questionnaire to measure item relevance to older adults in the U.K.; (3) a pilot of the adapted questionnaire in people with cognitive impairment.Setting: Community settings in the UK.Participants: One hundred and forty-eight participants took part across the three steps: (1) 14 dementia professionals; 8 people with subjective cognitive decline (SCD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or dementia due to Alzheimer's disease; and 6 relatives of people with MCI or dementia; (2) 92 older adults without cognitive impairment; and (3) 28 people with SCD or MCI.Measurements: The cultural relevance and applicability of the A-IADL-Q scale items were assessed using a 6-point Likert scale. Cognitive and functional performance was measured using a battery of cognitive and functional measures.Results: Iterative modifications to the scale resulted in a 55-item adapted version appropriate for UK use (A-IADL-Q-UK). Pilot data revealed that the new and revised items performed well. Four new items correlated with the weighted average score (Kendall's Tau -.388, -.445, -.497, -.569). An exploratory analysis of convergent validity found correlations in the expected direction with cognitive and functional measures.Conclusion: The A-IADL-Q-UK provides a measurement of functional decline for use in the UK that captures culturally relevant activities. A new self-report version has been developed and is ready for testing. Further evaluation of the A-IADL-Q-UK for construct validity is now needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dementia care mapping for neurorehabilitation (DCM-NR) is a tool designed to increase person-centred care (PCC) in neurorehabilitation settings. This paper reports pilot and feasibility testing of a cluster-randomized controlled trial assessing the effectiveness of DCM-NR at increasing PCC. Forty-one staff members, from four neurorehabilitation wards, were cluster-randomized to receive DCM-NR (experimental group) or care as usual (control). Measures of PCC, attitudes to people with brain injury, and PCC self-efficacy were taken at baseline and follow-up. The experimental group were also interviewed about their experiences of the trial. Twenty-nine participants completed the study. Participants generally found the intervention and trial to be acceptable. PCC was significantly higher in the experimental than the control group at follow-up, despite levels of exposure to the intervention being low. PCC self-efficacy increased in the control group, but not in the experimental group, perhaps reflecting an initial reduction in perceived competence following feedback. Neither group showed a change in attitudes to people with brain injury. The findings suggest that this cluster-randomized trial design is acceptable; that DCM-NR shows promise as a tool for increasing PCC; and highlight modifications to the protocol that could increase the success and theoretical value of a future large-scale study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: More positive attitudes to aging are associated with better health and wellbeing outcomes. This study examined whether chronological age moderated relationships between attitudes to aging and wellbeing outcomes, and whether these relationships differ according to the specific attitudinal construct measured. Method: Participants were 911 adults aged 18–60 years (mean = 36.63 years). Attitudes to ageing were measured using the Malay Reactions to Ageing Questionnaire (M-RAQ), which focuses on respondents' anticipated reactions to being aged over 65 years, and the Malay Anxiety about Ageing Scale (M-AAS), which additionally captures respondents' fears and anxieties about current aging and older people. Wellbeing outcomes were measured using the Warwick- Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Results: More positive attitudes to ageing were associated with higher levels of wellbeing and life satisfaction after controlling for age, gender, education, and self-rated health. Age moderated the relationships between the M-AAS and wellbeing and life satisfaction, with stronger relationships in younger adults. No moderating effects of age were found for the M-RAQ. Conclusion: The difference in the moderating effects of age between measures suggests that the two attitudinal constructs captured by these two measures operate in different ways. In particular, the current emotional/anxiety components of attitudes to ageing may differentially affect wellbeing at different ages. This suggests that interventions aimed at the promotion of wellbeing through coping with aging-related anxieties might be particularly well-suited to younger adults, who may be less able to respond effectively to the anxieties they experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this study were to culturally adapt the Reactions to Ageing Questionnaire (RAQ) for a non-Western (Malay) population, and explore attitudes to ageing in relation to age, gender, and education. Eight new culturally relevant items were generated by asking Malay-speaking participants about their reactions to ageing. A Malay version of the extended 35-item RAQ was then administered to 911 Malaysian participants aged 18 to 60 years. Exploratory factor analysis revealed four factors. Three of the factors were similar to those identified in the original RAQ, while "Family and Religion" emerged as a new factor. More negative attitudes to ageing were observed in younger and female respondents. There were no effects of education. This culturally adapted RAQ exhibits robust psychometric properties, and could be used to assess attitudes to ageing in Malaysia and other Southeast Asian countries. Moreover, we have identified a "core set" of RAQ items that could be applicable worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives Social eating is associated with a range of physical and mental health benefits for older adults. Previous research has identified some of the practical barriers that may limit social eating, such as cost and access to public transport. However, little is known about the psychosocial issues that can affect older adults' engagement with social eating. This study examines psychosocial barriers and facilitators to attending community-based social eating opportunities for older adults. Design and Methods Forty-two older people aged between 59 and 89 years living in Manchester, UK, participated in semi-structured interviews or focus groups about their experiences and perceptions of social eating opportunities. Interview transcripts were analyzed using inductive thematic analyses. As there are known gender differences in relation to attitudes and behaviors relating to food and social activities, a framework analysis was applied to explore how these themes were differentially expressed by gender. Results Four themes were identified that related to the importance of (a) offering more than food; (b) participants' social identity; (c) taking the first step; and (d) embarrassment and self-consciousness about physical health. Gender differences related to perceptions of the relevance and attractiveness of social eating, and the role of social support. Discussion and Implications This study improves our understanding of older adults' social eating experiences and highlights clear strategies by which social eating opportunities could be made more attractive, accessible, and acceptable to older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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