54 research outputs found
The relationship between independence, inclusion and well-being: the perspective of older citizens living in Coventry, U.K.
No full textIndependence, inclusion and wellbeing are commonly seen in a complementary relationship in
policy and research literature. This paper examines the meaning of these terms for older citizens
living in Coventry and the implications for policy implementation. The data presented, obtained
from a large community survey of citizens of 55 years and over living in Coventry, found that
although most survey participants were able to function independently, participate in ordinary
community life and enjoyed reasonable physical and mental health, many others experienced a
series of significant barriers to inclusion and wellbeing.
The paper concludes that there is no automatic convergence between independence, inclusion
and wellbeing at the level of the individual citizen and that to address this issue, more socially
inclusive rather than individualistic forms of independence may be more appropriate goals for
local public agencie
Context is key
No full textThis is an issue of the Journal of Enabling Technologies that strongly illustrates the importance and complexity of context in research and practice in our field. There are two research papers that focus on enabling technologies in care contexts for the elderly, and two research papers that focus on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for professionals, albeit from different – though complementary – perspectives. The fifth paper is the final short report from the Digital Bubbles seminar series on innovative technologies for autism, in which the authors consider the overall context for future research in this area
Using GPS Safer walking technology to promote identity and well-being through engagement in meaningful outdoor occupations
No full textMore now, than ever before, we are aware that spending
time in outdoor natural environments and
maintaining connections to nature are important to our
health and well-being.
Yet, access to the outdoors is sometimes limited for people
living with dementia because of concerns about the risks of
them becoming lost, particularly in natural outdoor
environments such as woodland and green open spaces. This
can prevent people with dementia engaging in meaningful
activities outdoors and lead to a reduced quality of life.
In the UK, safer walking technology is increasingly being
used by people with dementia to access the
outdoor environment, (Wood, Woolham and Ward 2015).
This new research from Coventry University explores the
use of this technology, through the lived experience of both
people living with dementia and family carers
Soft estate
No full textThese photographs by John Darwell focus on in-between spaces or 'edgelands’ - neither city nor countryside - used for leisure, such as allotments or spots popular with dog walkers. They formed part of the 'Soft estate' exhibition of artworks of urban environments focusing on Edward Chell, but also featuring invited artists Tim Bowditch, Nick Rochowski, Matthew de Kersaint Giraudeau, Day Bowman, Jan Williams, Chris Teasdale, Laura Oldfield Ford, George Shaw, Robert Soden, Simon Woolham and John Darwell
Telecare at a crossroads? Finding researchable questions
No full textPurpose This paper aims to report on a structured attempt to develop new directions for research into telecare. Current research evidence suggests that telecare in the UK is not optimally cost-effective and does not deliver better outcomes than more traditional forms of care and support. To address this problem, an analysis of expert opinion about future directions for research is provided. Design/methodology/approach Two electronic surveys of UK based academic experts were conducted. Participants were drawn from a range of professional disciplines, including medicine, social care, occupational therapy and social policy and identified were by their contribution in this, or allied fields. The first survey included nine questions intended to identify at least one new research question that could form the basis of a funding proposal to the Nuffield Foundation, which provided “seedcorn” funding to support this work. Ten themes were identified following thematic analysis. The second survey asked participants to prioritise three of these themes. Findings Key themes emerging as priority areas for future research were as follows: the role of assessment in ensuring technology deployment meets the needs of service users; ethical implications of technology and how these might be addressed in the future; and the use of end user co-production/co-creation approaches in the development of new assistive technologies and digital enabled care. Research limitations/implications The findings are based on academic expert opinion; perspectives of practitioners, service users and family members are unrepresented. Practical implications The findings of this study could contribute to development of new directions for telecare research, and future strategic funding decisions in this rapidly changing field. Originality/value Evidence for sub-optimal outcomes for telecare requires new thinking. The authors are not aware of any other study that offers an analysis of expert opinion of fruitful areas for new research into telecare
Book Reviews, from \u3ci\u3eNebraska Bird Review\u3c/i\u3e (March 1986) 54(1).
No full textFrom Laurel Hill to Siler\u27s Bog: The Walking Adventure of a Naturalist. John K. Torres, 228 pp., 6.25 x 8.25, Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, N.C. Flexibound, 17.50 cloth, 7.95
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