Elderly Care Centers Research Articles

CHALLENGES IN THE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF ASSETS AND FACILITIES IN ELDERLY CARE CENTRES IN MALAYSIA

Abreast with the rapid growth of older people every year, the number of elderly care centres has increased tremendously to cater to the demands of older people to spend their time after retirement in Malaysia. Effective operation and maintenance activities in an elderly care centre can optimise the service life of assets that indirectly lead to well-maintained facilities and provide the occupants with a safe, comfortable, and efficient living environment. Throughout the asset life cycle, operation and maintenance are the most extended phases, with various core activities that determine the financial health of an organisation. Nevertheless, this area remains relatively underexplored in the existing literature, particularly concerning the challenges posed by Malaysia's ageing population by 2030. Accordingly, this study seeks to investigate the issues of operation and maintenance of assets and facilities in elderly care centres. The method used to collect the data is through site observations and interviews in three elderly care centres, one in Perak and two in Selangor. These findings reveal three significant challenges the operators face: safety inside the accommodation, high operation and maintenance costs, and lack of a structured approach to managing the assets and facilities. Finally, the paper ends with implications of the findings that provide directions for future research.

Investigation of malnutrition and sarcopenia in individuals staying in the elderly care center and evaluation of its effect on quality of life

Investigation of malnutrition and sarcopenia in individuals staying in the elderly care center and evaluation of its effect on quality of life

The Effect of Eight Weeks of Selected Vestibular Exercises on Functional Balance, Walking Speed and Quality of Life of Sedentary Elderly Men

Introduction: Aging and sedentary lifestyle are associated with a decrease in physical and mental abilities. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of eight weeks of selected vestibular exercises on functional balance, walking speed, and quality of life of sedentary elderly men. Methods: This semi-experimental research was conducted from the winter of 1402 to the summer of 1403 with the participation of 30 sedentary elderly men from Tawheed Golmkan Elderly Care Center in Mashhad. The samples were selected purposefully and based on previous studies (25) and were divided into two experimental and control groups of 15 people. The experimental group performed selected vestibular exercises three sessions a week for eight weeks, while the control group did not perform any exercises. Dynamic comparison test, 10-meter walking speed and short-term life questionnaire were used to evaluate the quality of life. Data analysis was performed using Shapiro-Wilk test, analysis of covariance, and t-test at a significance level of P<0/05. Results: The results of paired t test showed that dynamic balance (P=0/001), walking speed (P=0/001), and quality of life (P=0/001) of the experimental group improved significantly after the exercise program. This was while there was no improvement in the control group. The covariance results did not show a significant difference between the groups in the pre-test phase, but there was a significant increase in the scores of the experimental group in the post-test phase. Conclusion: It is recommended to use exercises to prevent the disabilities of the elderly and improve their quality of independent life.

New Psychometric Evidence of the Life Satisfaction Scale in Older Adults: An Exploratory Graph Analysis Approach.

The objective of the present study was to analyze the psychometric properties of a life satisfaction scale in older Peruvian adults using an exploratory graph analysis (EGA) approach. A total of 407 older adults aged between 60 and 95 years (M = 69.5; SD = 6.7) from three comprehensive elderly care centers (CIAMs) in Lima, Peru, were recruited. A non-probabilistic convenience sampling was used. The Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) was analyzed using EGA with the Gaussian GLASSO model to assess its dimensionality and structural consistency. The relationship with other variables was analyzed using scales such as the GAD-7 and PHQ-9. The network structure of the SWLS indicates a single dimension. Additionally, network loadings (nodes) were examined, showing high values (>0.35) for most items except item 1, which had a moderate loading (>0.25). Structural reliability showed that a single dimension was identified 100% of the time. The post hoc CFA considering the unidimensional network structure obtained through EGA showed satisfactory fit (χ2/df = 3.48, CFI = 0.96, TLI = 0.92, SRMR = 0.02, RMSEA = 0.07 [90% CI 0.05, 0.08]). Finally, internal consistency reliability was acceptable (ω = 0.92). The SWLS measure is robust and consistent. These findings are a valuable reference for advancing research on aging in Peru, as they provide a practical, valid, and reliable measure.

Indoor air quality in elderly care centers: A multidisciplinary approach

Studying the indoor air quality (IAQ) of elderly care centers (ECCs) has important implications for ensuring residents' health and safety. This study involves a multidisciplinary analysis of chemical and microbiological pollutants, comfort parameters and potential pathogens in five ECCs to determine the IAQ in the spaces with the longest dwell time, dining room and TV room.In general, the average concentrations of CO, CH2O, and particles were greater in the dining rooms which can be attributed to the dining room's closer location to the kitchen. The layout of these areas plays a significant role, as facilities with kitchens that are not separated from the dining room exhibited poorer IAQ.Certain pathogenic-related microbes (e.g. Cutibacterium, Sphingomonas, Fusobacterium, Malassezia) were identified in air samples. In general, such genera were positively correlated with particles, CH2O and NO2 concentrations and decreased when air purification was applied. Bacterial community composition was similar among rooms and strongly depended on ECC and purification, suggesting that human occupants are the main source of airborne bacteria. Airborne fungal communities did not depend on ECC or air purification, but particles concentrations were the main explanatory variable for their composition in indoor environments.A moderate non-carcinogenic risk due to inhalation of CH2O (2.69) and PM2.5 (1.44) was observed in the studied ECCs, so natural ventilation is not sufficient to obtain adequate IAQ. The installation of supplementary ventilation systems or the use of air purifiers would be advisable to avoid health risk, especially considering the vulnerability of the residents.

An Exploration of Elderly Care in Elderly Care Centers in Malaysia

An Exploration of Elderly Care in Elderly Care Centers in Malaysia

127 Assessing fungal burden and its implications for health in an elderly care center: a comprehensive study

127 Assessing fungal burden and its implications for health in an elderly care center: a comprehensive study

Nutritional status and some related factors of the elderly at the Central of Care for the Ages Tuyet Thai, Ha Noi in 2023

The elderly have many changes in physiological functions in the body, especially changes in nutritional status, but more specifically, malnutrition. Objectives: To describe nutritional status and analyze some factors related to nutritional status of the elderly at Tuyet Thai Elderly Care Center from January 2023 to June 2023. Subjects and methods: Research on 100 elderly people at Tuyet Thai Elderly Care Center. Nutritional status was assessed by anthropometric methods measuring weight, height, leg circumference, nutritional status by MNA toolkit, and assessment of albumin index, serum protein. Results: Average weight and height were 48.8 ± 9.7 (kg) and 155.5 ± 8.1 (cm). According to MNA, 20.0% of subjects had normal nutritional status; 47.0% are at risk of malnutrition and 33.0% are malnourished. The rate of malnutrition (SDD) according to waist circumference, albumin, protein was 70.0%, respectively; 22.4% and 47.1%. The group ≥ 75 years old has a higher risk of malnutrition according to MNA than the group < 75 years old, the group with dementia has the risk of malnutrition according to MNA 8.5 times higher than the group without dementia, the This difference is statistically significant (p < 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in both albumin and protein malnutrition between the groups with and without dementia. Conclusion: The proportion of elderly people at risk of malnutrition at Tuyet Thai Elderly Care Center is quite high, accounting for 70.0% according to the circumference of the abdomen and legs; 80.0% by MNA; 22.4% by albumin and 47.1% by protein. Key words: nutritional status, relationship, elderly care center.

Designing a Spiritual Health Model for the Muslim Elderly Living in Nursing Homes.

The spiritual health of elderly residents in nursing homes is an essential aspect of their overall health that has been overlooked. There are no specific practical models available in this area. Therefore, the present study aimed to design a model to promote the spiritual health of Muslim elderly residents in nursing homes. This qualitative study is part of a larger study conducted in Iran in 2021 to design a model for the spiritual health of elderly residents in nursing homes in Islamic countries. The first part of the study was conducted using a qualitative method and a grounded theory approach. In the second part, using the findings of the qualitative stage and the theoretical production approach of Walker and Avant (2011), which includes three stages of determining central concepts, reviewing texts, and organizing concepts and statements within a relevant whole, a model for the spiritual health of elderly residents in nursing homes was designed. The resulting model includes assumptions, concepts, objectives, and operational strategies. Some crucial strategies of this model include improving social and organizational infrastructure, spiritual needs assessment, improving the structure and facilities of nursing homes, providing spiritual support, empowering nurses, likewise caregivers, and monitoring and evaluating corrective spiritual care. This model can provide a framework for enhancing the spiritual health of elderly Muslim residents in nursing homes by emphasizing improving the social structure and elderly care centers, assessing spiritual needs, providing spiritual support, and evaluating implemented measures.

Evaluation of ventilation and indoor air quality inside bedrooms of an elderly care centre

Ventilation and indoor air quality are important factors that affect the health of the elderly. The purpose of this study was to find effective ventilation design measures for improving ventilation and air quality in typical two-bed bedrooms in elderly care centres (ECCs). Mixing ventilation (MV), displacement ventilation (DV), zone ventilation (ZV) and stratum ventilation (SV) were analysed with twelve scenarios to find the most effective ventilation design solutions including six scenarios with curtains between the beds and six scenarios without curtains between the beds. Airflow distribution, CO2 concentration, ventilation efficiency and health risk assessment were adopted for discussion. SV was found to be an effective method for improving air quality in the ECC bedroom while also taking into account the needs and rights of elderly residents, such as privacy. Comparing scenarios with and without curtains between beds under same types of ventilation, scenarios without curtains showed a slight (≤8%) decrease in CO2 concentration in the pillow area. However, this could increase virus transmission risk and compromise elderly privacy, so it is not recommended. Regarding the scenarios with curtains between the beds, the contaminant removal efficiency (CRE) of scenarios using SV was increased by 2.58, 3.22 and 2.12 times compared to the scenarios using MV, DV, and ZV respectively. Additionally, the health ratio (HR) of SV was reduced by 46.3 %, 53.7 %, and 41.7 %. Hence, it is recommended to install curtains between the beds and apply SV in ECC bedrooms. This study can be used as a guide for systematically designing ventilation systems in ECC bedrooms. Furthermore, collaboration among environmental engineers, designers, policymakers, and the wider community is essential to develop sustainable indoor environments for the elderly.

Exploring the link between administrative management and service quality in elderly care centers: A correlational case study

The purpose of this study was to explore the link between administrative management and service quality in Comprehensive Care Centers for the Elderly (CCCE) in Piura during 2021. This correlational study employed a quantitative, cross-sectional approach with a non-experimental design involving a census population of 40 staff members from the CCCE. Data were collected using two questionnaires addressing the study variables. The findings revealed a significant, moderate correlation between administrative management and service quality at these centers, as indicated by a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.458** and a p-value of 0.003, significant at the 0.01 level. Furthermore, significant correlations were found between administrative management and specific service dimensions: Tangible elements (Pearson=0.528**; p=0.000<0.01); Reliability (Pearson=0.028; p=0.865>0.01); Responsiveness (Pearson=0.073; p=0.656>0.01); Security (Pearson=0.694**; p=0.000<0.01); and Empathy (Pearson=0.371*; p=0.019<0.01).

Sorotan Kajian Lepas: Trend Kesejahteraan Warga Emas di Malaysia dan Indonesia antara tahun 2015-2020

Elderly people are vulnerable because they are susceptible to various health problems due to the aging process. Therefore, the elderly’s well being needs close attention to ensure they live in serenity and happily in their old age. Islam encourages Muslims to be kind towards the elderly, especially their own parents. This study aims to discuss the well-being of the elderly in Malaysia and Indonesia. The review aims to obtain the trends of studies in elderly’s well-being in Malaysia and Indonesia, between the year 2015 to 2020. This study used a qualitative method that examined scholarly works by local researchers within the five-year period (2015 – 2020). The study found three aspects of similarities in the trend of these studies from both countries, namely the factors that influenced the well-being of the elderly, the role of the authorities, and the role of the elderly care and activity centres. Spiritual practices and social interaction were identified as crucial elements which influenced the well-being of the elderly. These findings hold great significance in enhancing and empowering the quality of life and well-being of the elderly within both countries.

Feasibility of predicting functional decline in the elderly through key posture information during sit-to-stand movement

BackgroundEarly detection of functional decline in the elderly in day care centres facilitates timely implementation of preventive and treatment measures. Research questionWhether or not a predictive model can be developed by applying image recognition to analyze elderly individuals' posture during the sit-to-stand (STS) manoeuvre. MethodsWe enrolled sixty-six participants (24 males and 42 females) in an observational study design. To estimate posture key point information, we employed a region-based convolutional neural network model and utilized nine key points and their coordinates to calculate seven eigenvalues (X1-X7) that represented the motion curve features during the STS manoeuvre. One-way analysis of variance was performed to evaluate four STS strategies and four types of compensation strategies for three groups with different capacities (college students, community-dwelling elderly, and day care center elderly). Finally, a machine learning predictive model was established. ResultsSignificant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in all eigenvalues except X2 (momentum transfer phase, p = 0.168) between participant groups; significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in all eigenvalues except X2 (p = 0.219) and X3 (hip-rising phase, p = 0.286) between STS patterns; significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in all eigenvalues except X2 (p = 0.842) and X3 (p = 0.074) between compensation strategies. The motion curve eigenvalues of the seven posture key points were used to build a machine learning model with 85% accuracy in capacity detection, 70% accuracy in pattern detection, and 85% accuracy in compensation strategy detection. SignificanceThis study preliminarily demonstrates that eigenvalues can be used to detect STS patterns and compensation strategies adopted by individuals with different capacities. Our machine learning model has excellent predictive accuracy and may be used to develop inexpensive and effective systems to help caregivers to continuously monitor STS patterns and compensation strategies of elderly individuals as warning signs of functional decline.

Enhancing climate resilience in buildings using Collective Intelligence: A pilot study on a Norwegian elderly care center

The combined challenge of climate change and population aging requires novel solutions that enhance the resilience of building energy systems and secure indoor comfort for vulnerable occupants in extreme weather conditions. This research investigates the performance of a newly developed Energy Management (EM) system based on Collective Intelligence (CI) and Reinforcement Learning (RL), called CIRLEM, managing the energy performance of an urban complex in Ålesund, Norway, including an elderly care center with decentralized PV generation, EV charging and storage, while connected to a main electricity grid. CIRLEM controls multiple flexibility assets including independent thermal zones (the demand-side agents) and Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations (the local storage). In a novel approach, CIRLEM coordinates the distributed storage and generation together with the demand side to control energy systems and react collaboratively to environmental variations. Under extreme weather conditions, without applying CIRLEM, the demand can be more than double that of typical weather conditions. The implementation of the double-layer CIRLEM can reduce the total demand by 35 % over a month. Furthermore, the inclusion of photovoltaic (PV) systems allows the system to be independent from the grid for almost 40 % of its operational hours, while adding EV storage can increase it to around 70 %. Finally, the application of CIRLEM reduced overheating hours from 17 h ∙°C to 2 h ∙°C under extreme conditions, while maintaining comfortable conditions even during temperature ramps.

Structural Model Presentation of Quality of Life for the Elderly Based on Self-Care with the Mediating Role of Social Support

Objective: This study aimed to present a structural model of the quality of life for the elderly based on self-care with the mediating role of social support. Methods: The research employed a correlational design using structural equation modeling. The study population consisted of individuals aged 60 to 75 years living in urban homes in Tehran, with 314 participants selected as the research sample. The data collection tools included the Iranian version of the Phillips Social Support Questionnaire (1986), the World Health Organization's Quality of Life Questionnaire (1989), and the Elderly Self-care Questionnaire by Younesi et al. (2020). The statistical technique used was a full latent variable structural equation model, and the data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26, AMOS version 24, and R software version 4.3.1. Examination of the model fit indices indicated that the model overall is in excellent condition for explaining and fitting the data. Findings: The results showed that both social support and self-care have a significant positive effect on the quality of life variable for the elderly. Moreover, the self-care variable also has a significant positive impact on the social support variable at a 95% confidence level. Additionally, the self-care variable significantly affects the quality of life of the elderly through the mediating variable of social support. Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, the mediating role of social support can play a significant role in examining changes in the quality of life of the elderly. It is recommended that the importance of social support be emphasized and taught in elderly care centers and other counseling and guidance centers.

Enhancing Malaysian NGO Effectiveness: Intergrating Corporate Governance with Organizational and Economic Sustainability

Effective corporate governance is fundamental, providing the strategic oversight and accountability required for Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to function transparently and ethically. This paper explores the critical interplay between corporate governance, organizational sustainability and economic viability in improving the effectiveness of NGOs, particularly in the elderly care sector. A qualitative interpretive research methodology was adopted, involving in-depth interviews with the top management of 10 Malaysian elderly care centres of NGOs operating in Klang Valley area. The findings revealed the majority of NGOs perceived corporate governance as a necessary pillar for sustainable NGOs. By identifying how robust governance frameworks influence organizational practices and economic sustainability, this study demonstrates the synergistic relationship that allows NGOs to establish long-term social impact. Therefore, a recommendation plan has been proposed. A comprehensive model that incorporated corporate governance and organizational sustainability has developed and comprising all the factors that are relevant for elderly care centres of Malaysian NGOs. The findings of the study suggest that integrating these elements not only improves organizational resilience but also build donor trust and community support, resulting to more effective and sustainable NGOs operations. This study will benefit the board of NGOs and policymakers to strengthen governance system in Malaysia.

The Effect of Corrective Exercise on Pain Referred to The Jaw Joint (TMJ) in Elderly Women With Upper Crossed Syndrome

Background: Upper crossed syndrome is a muscular imbalance disorder associated with various referred pains, especially jaw discomfort. Complications like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) osteoarthritis may link to forward head posture and mechanical head pains resulting from this syndrome.&#x0D; Objectives: The objective of this study was to compare the impact of corrective exercise on pain of TMJ in elderly women with upper cross syndrome.&#x0D; Methods: A total of 30 elderly women with upper crossed syndrome were enrolled at the Kahrizak Elderly Care Center and randomly assigned to either a corrective exercise group or a control group. The experiment group underwent an eight-week training program. Pain levels and neck range of motion were assessed using a pain ruler and goniometer, respectively. In order to measure neck extension, the mean difference and effect size were determined using paired t-test and Cohen’s d, respectively. Referred pain ratings were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, with effect size calculations, to further understand the intervention’s effect on pain perception.&#x0D; Results: Both groups demonstrated significant changes in referred pain perceptions (P = 0.0441) post-intervention. However, regarding neck extension, neither the control nor the experiment group exhibited statistically significant alterations in neck extension (P = 0.4309)&#x0D; Conclusions: These findings indicate that corrective exercises have a positive effect on alleviating referred pain in the jaw joint caused by muscle imbalance. Given the merits of corrective exercises as a non-pharmacological intervention, they are recommended as an effective approach for improving referred pain in the jaw.

Home-Based Intelligent Exercise System for Seniors' Healthcare: The Example of Golf Croquet.

In 2020, the world experienced the threat of the COVID-19 epidemic, and seniors and chronic disease patients generally reduced their exercise and social activities to avoid increasing the risk of infection, which could lead to increased loneliness and even many diseases. Combining golf croquet games with a mobile application (App) and AIoT companion robots, this research constructs a home-based intelligent exercise system, uses the technology acceptance model (TAM), deduces users' intention to use this system based on perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use, and adds the needs of love and belonging, esteem, cognitive, aesthetic, and self-actualization in Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory (HNT) to conduct an analysis of system needs. This study collected empirical data, totaling 320 participants including seniors and their caregivers, from elderly care centers in northern Taiwan using a cross-sectional survey and purposive sampling. Based on regression and variance analysis, the results show that participants have a high level of acceptance of this system, believing that it is easy to learn and operate and can increase interaction with others, improve self-confirmation, satisfy the thirst for knowledge, increase the feeling of happiness, and fulfill self-actualization needs. In the future, by collecting and recording the process of seniors using the App, so as to find out their health problems as soon as possible, expand their daily life through this exercise, and achieve the goal of happy living and better healthcare.

Skin properties associated with skin tears in older adults: A case-control study

BackgroundThe world population is growing rapidly and skin problems such as skin tears (STs) are more common in aging skin due to changes in the epidermis and dermis. Identification of ageing related skin properties, which are risk factors for STs, is essential for the development of ST prevention protocols. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to reveal the skin properties related to epidermal function and dermal associated with STs. Material and methodsA prospective case-control study was conducted with a sample of 36 older adults, 18 participants with ST and 18 participants without ST, in two elderly care centers. Tewameter TM 210 was used to measure transepidermal water loss, the Sebumeter SM810 was used to measure sebum, and Cutometer Dual MPA 580 was used to measure skin viscoelasticity (R0-R9). The differences of skin properties between groups were analyzed using the independent t-test and Mann-Whitney U test. ResultsThe case group had a mean age of 77,17 ± 9,7 and the control group had a mean age of 75,33 ± 6,8. It was determined that there were more ecchymosis (p < 0.000), hematoma (p = 0.008), and ST history (p = 0.001) in the case group. Older adults in the case group were more frail than the control group (p = 0.044). Regarding the score of the skin properties, the case group showed that the TEWL levels of the older adults in the case group were lower (p = 0.031) compared to the control groups. There was a significant difference between the groups and R0, R2, R5, and R7. While R0 was higher in the case group, R2, R5, and R7 were lower than the control group. ConclusionOlder adults with ST showed differences in skin properties compared to those without ST, especially transepidermal water loss, and viscoelasticity (R0, R2, R5, R7). The results of this study suggest that some changes in skin properties may be a risk factor for STs.

Influence of greenery configuration on summer thermal environment of outdoor recreational space in elderly care centers

Greenery can improve the outdoor thermal environment in elderly care centers during heat wave in summer. However, it lacks quantitative results and rules. This study investigated the summer outdoor thermal environment of four representative elderly care centers in Tianjin to establish the thermal demand of seniors. The different thermal effects of greenery types (GTs) were revealed in elderly care centers. To improve the quality of the outdoor recreational space, this study utilized numerical simulation to quantitatively establish the influence of tree-shrub coverage rate (TSCR) on the thermal comfort of seniors. The results showed that the thermal neutral physiologically equivalent temperature (PET) of elderly people was 27.0 °C in summer, and the thermal acceptance range of PET was 23.6–36.8 °C. Shrubs overall could significantly increase the tree's ability to improve the outdoor thermal environment. Furthermore, this study proposed different TSCR strategies. TSCR of the elderly care center should be greater than 31.5% to obtain great thermal acceptance for the elderly in summer; when the TSCR of the elderly care center could not reach 31.5% due to the reality, TSCR = 10.0% was the efficient strategy to improve outdoor thermal comfort. This research provided a scientific reference for the greenery configuration plan of elderly care centers in summer.