Personal care workers' intention to stay in residential aged care: An integrative review.

AIM: To identify key factors that influence personal care workers' (PCW) intention to stay in residential aged care (RAC). BACKGROUND: PCWs are the 'backbone' of providing direct care in RAC settings. The well-being of older people hinges upon their dedication and commitment; thus, enhancing their intention to stay is a priority to reduce turnover and ensure continuity of care. METHODS: Six databases were searched for articles focusing on factors influencing PCWs' intention to stay in RAC. Studies were independently assessed for quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute Methodology for systematic review tools. Reporting of the results followed the PRISMA guidelines. FINDINGS: Eight articles published between 2010 and 2022 were included. The key issues were categorized as: (a) sociodemographic characteristics; (b) psychological factors; (c) workplace factors and (d) job satisfaction. Older age, being married and immigration status were positively associated with intention to stay. Work stress and burnout contributed towards demotivation, while a supportive and engaging organizational culture that recognized workers' contributions and provided appropriate remuneration and benefits, enhanced job satisfaction and retention. CONCLUSION: This review affirms the complexity of the decision-making process influencing workers' intention to stay. A comprehensive understanding of the interplay of these factors and the personal and sociocultural challenges faced by PCWs is essential to design strategies to provide support and enhance job satisfaction and retention. IMPLICATIONS FOR AGED CARE: This review showed that support from the organization is critical in improving PCWs' intention to stay in aged care. Given the interconnectedness of a range of key factors, decision-makers need to address modifiable factors holistically. Including PCWs in planning retention strategies could be the missing link in tailoring interventions towards workforce retention. IMPACT: Personal, psychological and workplace factors alone and in combination influence personal care workers' intention to stay in residential aged care (RAC). The interrelationships among the factors impacting PCWs' intention to stay are complex, wherein a change in one often influences other factors. Addressing the causes of psychological stress, improving workplace culture and understanding their interrelationships provide a foundation for co-designing strategies to promote intention to stay among PCWs in RAC. REPORTING METHOD: The authors have adhered to relevant EQUATOR guidelines PRISMA. NO PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: This integrative review is conducted with no involvement or contribution from patients or the public.

Family visits and depression among residential aged care residents: An integrative review.

BACKGROUND: Depression in older people living in residential aged care is a serious and highly prevalent health issue, with loneliness and social isolation being major contributors. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the harm visiting restrictions have on the mental wellbeing of older people in residential aged care. However, there is a need to systematically review the relationship between family visits and depression in this population. OBJECTIVE: This literature review seeks to explore the association between family visits and depression among those living in residential aged care. METHODS: An integrative review was conducted in March 2022, based on a search of seven databases from inception to 2022. Papers were included if the studies were situated in a residential aged care facility and explored the impact of in-person family visits on depression of residents. Those that examined impact of family visits on community-dwelling older people and papers examining virtual family visits were excluded. The quality of the included papers was assessed using appropriate critical appraisal tools. Guided by the aim of this study, the included papers were narratively synthesised and presented thematically (PROSPERO ID CRD42022325895). RESULTS: Ten papers, published between 1991 and 2022, were included in the final synthesis. Multiple categorisations of frequency of visits and different scales were used to assess depression. Depression among residents in aged care facilities varied from 20 % to 58.7 % with 40 % of studies showing a positive association between the frequency of family visits and lower rate of depression. Three themes influencing the association between family visits and depression in residential aged care were identified. These were: (i) intersection of culture, filial values, and depression; (ii) resident-related factors including whether admission was voluntary and presence of functional impairment; and (iii) non-resident-related factors such as social activities for residents and staff involvement. CONCLUSION: Family visits ameliorated loneliness and depression among residents in aged care however, other factors such as culture, comorbidities and functional impairment, opportunities for socialisation and the social involvement of facility staff also influenced depression. Whilst the low number of studies reviewed limited comparison and generalisation of results, the review highlighted the broader and crucial role of healthcare staff in facilitating socialisation and promoting mental wellbeing of residents especially those who are not visited by families. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Family visits ameliorate depression in institutionalised older people but may not be the "silver bullet" as depression is multifactorial.

The Making of Age-Friendly Universities: A Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The age-friendly university (AFU) initiative embodies the collaborative efforts of promoting age inclusivity and diversity in higher education, embracing lifelong learning and civic participation in older people. This scoping review aims to explore the conceptualization of AFU, the experiences, and the strategies used in operationalizing the AFU principles of participating universities in becoming members of the age-friendly university network. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A search of peer-reviewed papers published from 2012 to July 2021, conducted in nine databases using JBI scoping review methodology, found 1,752 articles. Of these, 13 papers were eligible for inclusion. RESULTS: Three themes were identified as key to becoming an AFU: (a) interdisciplinary collaboration within the university; (b) strong partnership with the community; and (c) alignment with global priorities and initiatives. Furthermore, identifying barriers to physical access in universities, such as signage, walkways, and transportation, addressing the less tangible issues of ageism and promoting intergenerational learning were essential to promote engagement of older people. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: This review underscores the need for a multidisciplinary approach within the university, the reciprocal benefits of authentic university-community collaborations, and the advantages of harnessing international resources and global influence to becoming an AFU. Although the principles of the AFU remain aspirational, the ideals championed by the pioneering universities in the AFU network brought the mutual benefits of intergenerational learning, the challenges and support required for older learners to the fore, propelling the AFU agenda forward.