Welfare Homes Research Articles

Genetic Diversity of Pediculus humanus capitis (Phthiraptera: Pediculidae) in Peninsular Malaysia and Molecular Detection of Its Potential Associated Pathogens.

Pediculosis capitis caused by Pediculus humanus capitis (De Geer) is endemic all over the world, and children are mostly affected, particularly those living in overcrowded institutions. Several studies have shown that P. h. capitis carried human pathogenic bacteria, suggesting the potential role of head lice in the transmission of pathogens to humans. In this study, we determined the genetic diversity of head lice collected from welfare homes sheltering underprivileged children by using DNA barcoding and demonstrated the presence of Acinetobacter spp., Serratia marcescens, and Staphylococcus aureus in head lice, which have never been investigated before in Malaysia. Cox1 DNA barcoding identified the head lice, P. h. capitis collected from welfare homes across two geographical areas of Peninsular Malaysia as belonging to clades A, B, and D. Acinetobacter bacteria: Acinetobacter guillouiae, Acinetobacter junii, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Acinetobacter nosocomialis were detected in head lice belonging to clades A and also D. In addition, DNA from S. marcescens and S. aureus were also detected in both clades A and D. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the genetic diversity of head lice in Malaysia through DNA barcoding, as well as the first to provide molecular evidence on the type of bacteria occurring in head lice in Malaysia. It is anticipated that the DNA barcoding technique used in this study will be able to provide rapid and accurate identification of arthropods, in particular, medically important ectoparasites.

Glosa do uchwały Naczelnego Sądu Administracyjnego z dnia 11 czerwca 2018 r., I OPS 7/17 – aprobująca

The presented gloss to the resolution of the Supreme Administrative Court in Warsaw of 11 June 2018 (I OPS/17) is approved. The problems presented by the court are very complicated, the main one concerning the question in what form the obligation of paying for a stay in a social welfare home should be settled. In the Court’s opinion, the obligation to pay is due to the act, but it is necessary to issue a decision or enter into a contract in order to fulfill the obligation.

Regional differences of demand for social welfare homes in Poland in 2010-2018

<b>Aim:</b> The aim of the article was to assess the satisfaction of the needs for social welfare homes in voivodeships in 2010-2018. An additional aspect was the visibility of the principles of functioning of social welfare homes in Poland on the basis of applicable legal acts. <br><b>Material and methods:</b> Assessment of the satisfaction of the needs for social welfare homes in voivodeships in 2010-2018 was based on two measures. The first was the ratio of meeting the needs of people waiting for placement in social welfare homes. The second indicator is the demand indicator for social welfare homes. The data needed for the calculations was taken from the reports of the Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Policy. In addition, analysis of the literature and collected materials enabled insightful describe activities of social welfare homes in Poland. <br><b>Results and conclusions:</b> Considering the area of Poland as a whole, positive tendencies have been observed in the years 2010-2018 to meet the needs of social welfare homes. Considering individual voivodships, some areas can be identified which are characterized by a better and worse level of satisfaction for these houses. The greatest satisfaction of the needs for social welfare homes occurs in the south-eastern part of Poland in the Podkarpackie and Lubelskie Voivodeship. The smallest degree of satisfying the needs for social welfare homes occurs in the Śląskie Voivodeship. A relatively low degree of satisfaction of needs occurs in the western and northern Poland. Therefore, it is necessary to introduce solutions that will result in a proportional development of the number of social welfare homes. The lack of places in public social welfare homes may increase the time needed to locate people who need support in these entities. It can also cause the appearance of people in need of assistance in other places that are not designed for this.

Historical Buildings and the Issue of their Accessibility for the Disabled

This article addresses the problem of the accessibility of historical buildings, such as The Badeni Palace in Bejsce, Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship in Poland, for the disabled. The palace complex in Bejsce is under the statutory form of monument protection, since it has been placed in the Voivodship historical sites registry. The palace is situated in a palace park located in the centre of the village. The building was erected by Marcin Badeni, according to a design by Jakub Kubickia in 1802. It is worth mentioning that Jakub Kubicki was an eminent Polish architect at the turn of the eighteenth and nineteenth century, a representative of classicism and the creator such buildings as e.g. the Belweder in Warsaw. The selected example reflects the complexity of the discussed issue. On the one hand, historical buildings representing outstanding cultural values, such as the classicist Badeni Palce in Bejsce, should be under absolute conservation protection so that, in keeping with the idea of sustainable development, it could be preserved intact for future generations. On the other hand, a Social Welfare Home has been functioning in the palace for decades, due to which the building requires modernisation. The Social Welfare Home serves a socially necessary function, which requires ensuring suitable living conditions for its residents. It demands fulfilling the requirements concerning the building’s accessibility for the disabled, included in the ordinance of the Minister of Infrastructure. It should be added that the municipality does not have financial resources to build a new nursing home to which residents could be moved, so that the palace could serve a more formal function of e.g. a museum or an art gallery. The situation poses a conservation dilemma, whether adding a lift for the disabled for safety reasons should be allowed in the palace building or next to it. What is more important: the value of historical substance or the cultural landscape of the place? In the context of the currently relevant problem of the adaptability of historical buildings for the disabled, those and other questions will be discussed by the author of the article.

Dom pomocy społecznej jako miejsce pracy. Analiza procesu stawania się opiekunem osób niepełnosprawnych intelektualnie

W niniejszym artykule prezentuję proces „stawania się” pracownikiem domu pomocy społecznej przeznaczonym dla osób niepełnosprawnych intelektualnie. Z tego względu koncentruję się na nabywaniu określonych umiejętności niezbędnych w pracy z osobami niepełnosprawnymi, a także na przemianach dokonujących w zakresie postrzegania i definiowania siebie w sposób właściwy dla „profesjonalistów” od pomagania. Wyniki badań dowodzą, że praca w warunkach placówki opiekuńczej niesie ze sobą pewne konsekwencje i stawia określone wymagania, związane z koniecznością pogodzenia z jednej strony totalizującego reżimu instytucji pomocowej, z drugiej zaś dbałości o dobro mieszkańców i realizację ich potrzeb. Dane, na których oparto tekst pochodzą z badań przeprowadzonych w trzech domach pomocy społecznej dla osób niepełnosprawnych intelektualnie (przeznaczonych dla kobiet, mężczyzn oraz koedukacyjnym). W badaniach wykorzystano techniki jakościowe, a wśród nich wywiad swobodny oraz obserwację uczestniczącą. Analiza danych została przeprowadzona zgodnie procedurami metodologii teorii ugruntowanej.

Damage reduction and alcohol drinking reduction programs in social welfare homes as an alternative to traditional abstinence interventions

Introduction. At present, there is only one social welfare home (DPS) in Poland for alcohol addicts, and two units of this type have wards specializing in alcohol addiction, so few have a chance to stay in a DPS. Alcohol addicted residents of DPS often have had many unsuccessful attempts to take addiction therapy, so the likelihood that another stay in a specialized center will bring a permanent change in stopping alcohol consumption is low. The purpose of the article is to popularise knowledge among social welfare homes workers about the programs of reducing alcohol consumption and reducing the caused damage. Method. In order to provide knowledge about these programs, the traditional goal of addiction therapy and prevention, which is to achieve long-term abstinence, has been compared with damage reduction and alcohol consumption programs. Results. Although employees of social welfare homes are already implementing elements of the damage reduction program, for example by skipping the administration of drugs to drunk residents or looking after the health status of alcohol intoxicated residents, there is still a lack of systematic actions aimed at the full implementation of programs to reduce drinking and health and social damage caused by alcohol problems in DPS. Conclusions. An alternative to the limited number of places for addicted residents of social welfare homes in specialized types of centers may be the implementation of programs to reduce alcohol consumption and reduction of alcohol-related damage in various types of social welfare homes throughout the country. Their implementation may also increase the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions against alcohol addicted residents of DPS.

Mineral content of menus offered by social welfare home

Background: The aging of the population in Poland and globally has increased interest in nutrition for the elderly. Their diets are inappropriate, but modifications should be introduced gradually. This is important in hospital settings, sanatoriums or social care homes, where patients have few choices. Aim of the study: The study aimed to assess the content of the selected mineral salts in ten day menus offered by the Social Welfare Home based on season of the year. Material and methods: The study included 40 menus offered in four seasons of the year for the residents of the Social Welfare Home in Lower Silesia. The mineral content of the foods on the menus were assessed. We considered the physical activity of the elderly (1.4—Physical Activity Level) using norms developed by the Food and Nutrition Institute, and calculated the average norms of the analysed nutrients for people over 60 years of age. Results: The diets were low in minerals such as calcium and potassium, and contained an excessive amount of phosphorus, sodium, iron and zinc in all seasons. Although magnesium levels in the spring and summer were appropriate, deficits appeared in autumn and winter diets. Conclusions: The evaluated menus showed inadequate supplies of the assessed mineral salts. More analysis and adjustments to planned meals is recommended.

Brain magnetic resonance imaging of Joubert syndrome: case presentation in a child.

A 16-year-old boy was admitted to our hospital due to sudden pale face and chest pain for half-an-hour. He could not express properly because of hypophrenia. Other examinations revealed congenital cataract in the right eye, as well as nystagmus and generalized hypotonia. He had signs of ataxia, and, though without deformity in any limb, was unable to complete the straight-line walking test. Five years ago, the boy was abandoned to a welfare home. The caretaker of the welfare home complained that the boy had several times of episodic hyperpnea, every 1–2 h, each lasting for about 10–40 s, during the night sleep. Ultrasonography of liver, cholecyst, pancreas, spleen, kidney and heart showed no abnormal findings. Electrocardiogram showed sinus arrhythmia.

Impact of physical activity on the quality of life of residents of a social welfare home

Impact of physical activity on the quality of life of residents of a social welfare home

The analysis of spatial and functional modifi cations of the palace in Krzesimów in Mełgiew commune aiming at adaptation of the building to the requirements of a social welfare home

The palace in Krzesimów was built in the classicist style at the beginning of 19th century. The building is the part of the palace-park complex entered into the register of monuments because of its historical, aesthetical and landscape values. From 1970s, it is the headquarters of a social welfare home. Over the years, this function enforced many changes in the functional layout of the building to adapt it to the needs of people with various types and levels of disability. Despite many minor renovations and modifi cations, the palace didn’t undergo complete overhaul, which would greatly improve the technical condition of the original fabric. This aim of article is to analyse introduced functional changes, which were supposed to facilitate the use of the building by the handicapped, and to consider what actions must be undertaken in order to improve its technical condition. The authors of the paper underline the need to start renovation works on the basis of the archive documentation, as well as conducted survey and research of its current technical condition.

Socio-Demographic Factors and Body Image Perception Are Associated with BMI-For-Age among Children Living in Welfare Homes in Selangor, Malaysia.

Considering the double burden of malnutrition in Malaysia, data on malnourished children living in welfare homes are limited. This study aimed to determine the body weight status of children living in welfare homes and its associated factors. A total of 307 children aged 7–17 years old living in 15 selected welfare homes completed a standardized questionnaire, and their body weight and height were measured by trained researchers. There were 54.4% orphans, 23.8% abandoned children, and 21.8% children from problematic families. There were 51.5% boys and 48.5% girls; 52.4% were Malays, followed by 31.3% Indians, 12.7% Chinese, and 3.6% from other ethnic groups. The prevalence of overweight and obesity (23.1%) was higher than the prevalence of thinness (8.5%). In bivariate analyses, socio-demographic factors of age (p = 0.003), sex (p = 0.0001), ethnicity (p = 0.001), and welfare home enrollment status (p = 0.003), and psychological factors of self-esteem (p = 0.003), body shape dissatisfaction (p = 0.0001), and underestimation of body weight status (p = 0.002), were significantly associated with body mass index (BMI)-for-age. In the multiple linear regression analysis, children who were either Malays (β = 0.492) or Chinese (β = 0.678), with a status of being abandoned (β = 0.409), with body shape dissatisfaction (β = 0.457), and underestimated body weight status (β = 0.628) significantly explained 39.7% of the variances in higher BMI-for-age (F = 39.550; p < 0.05). Besides socio-demographic background, the current findings emphasized the importance of incorporating body image perception in an obesity prevention intervention program in welfare homes.

福利院入住老人春节的健康管理

福利院入住老人春节的健康管理

Lišavanje slobode u ustanovama socijalne zaštite

A large number of beneficiaries who are accommodated in social welfare homes are persons with mental disabilities. Most of them are locked up and prevented from leaving those institutions by their own will. They are virtually deprived of their liberty, with the explanation that it is in their "best interest". However, there is no legal ground in the Serbian legal system for the deprivation of liberty of beneficiaries of social welfare institutions. Such treatment is contrary to Article 27 of the Serbian Constitution according to which "deprivation of liberty is allowed only for the reasons and in the procedure provided for by law". It also contravenes Article 5 of the European Convention on Human Rights, according to which "no one shall be deprived of his liberty save... in accordance with a procedure prescribed by law". After years of ignoring the Ombudsman's recommendation to stop deprivation of liberty without valid legal ground, the Ministry responsible for social affairs in 2019 tried to regulate the said conduct. However, the offered versions of the Draft Law contain numerous shortcomings and contradict current standards. This paper is an attempt to argue for the unsustainability of the solutions offered.

Determination of nutrient adequacy of the food catered in the child care homes (CCHs) of Sunsari district

Summary Malnutrition continues to be a primary cause of ill health and mortality among school age orphan and vulnerable children in developing countries. Objective: Determination of nutrient adequacy of the food catered in the child care homes of Sunsari district. Methods: Weighing method was used for determining the amount of food eaten. T-test and bivariate spearman correlation coefficients were used to compare the nutrient intake with respective RDA and to determine the association between nutrient intake and malnutrition respectively. Results: The study revealed, 33.82% and 17.39% of study population were stunted and underweight respectively. Equal percentages (7.81%) of study population were overweight and thin. Probability of calorie and protein adequacy was found in 52.94% and 89.71% of study population in CCHs. Calcium intake of all children and adolescent were found to be below their RDA. Cereals contributed the highest amount by weight (355.3 g) and proportion (39%) to the total diet for the study population in CCHs. Fruits 1% (12.9 g) and additional oil 2% (20.9 g) made a small contribution to the study population dietary intake. Fish and eggs were completely lacking in their diet. Probability of iron inadequacy was found in 80.9% of study population in CCHs.

Content of selected vitamins in menus from a social welfare home

Background: Psychological old age is considered a developmental process in which there is a juxtaposition of profit and loss. Developmental changes are multi-faceted and include biological, psychological and social spheres. The quality of human life diminishes as mobility lessens, and this compromises self-perception. The biological changes of old age are retroactive. Poor nutritional status and other negative behaviors like addictions contribute to the physiological regression of aging. Interest in nutrition amongst the elderly is heightened because of the aging population in Poland and internationally. There is also interest in the application of proper nutrition to prevent diseases in this age group. Proper nutrition is one of the main factors determining ideal human function and positively affects the natural processes within it. Analysis of food composition gives the opportunity to eliminate nutritional errors, which in turn contributes to improving the quality of life and delaying the aging process in the examined age group. Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to evaluate the content of selected vitamins in 10 seasonal menus applied at a Social Welfare Home. Material and methods: This study included 40 decade menus, prepared over four seasons of a year for the residents of a Social Welfare Home. The vitamin content of the meals was assessed quantitatively using the computer program, Diet 5. The selected vitamins were those considered most essential to the elderly diet because of the common appearance of their deficiencies. Taking into consideration physical activity of the elderly (1,4 physical activity level ) and utilizing the norms developed by the Food and Nutrition Institute, the average norms of the analyzed nutrients were calculated for people over 60 years of age. For this purpose the formula (K+M)/2 was used, where K is the norm for women and M is the norm for men. The results obtained were compared with the calculated mean values of the norm for elderly at the level of the estimated average requirements (EAR). The results were analyzed statistically giving the mean value (X) and the median. The calculations were performed using Microsoft Excel. Results: Deficiencies in vitamin D were found. The menu content of vitamins E and C was correct in all seasons. The amount of vitamins A, B2, B12 and PP was excessive in all the seasons. Conclusions: The evaluated menus showed errors in the supply of the assessed vitamins.

Samoocena i poczucie samotności a zadowolenie z życia u pensjonariuszy domów pomocy społecznej

In this paper we examine the subject of the influence of self-esteem and the feeling of loneliness on the satisfaction with life of residents of social welfare homes. The level of satisfaction with life is closely connected to one’s self-esteem. The higher positive perception of oneself, the higher satisfaction with life, and vice versa . The feeling of loneliness among the residents of round-the-clock nursing facilities is an important indicator for actions aimed at the reduction loneliness.

Activity Based Group Intervention in Improving Negative Symptoms and Functional Outcome in Patients with Chronic Schizophrenia in Welfare Homes

Schizophrenia causes significant cognitive deficits, negative symptoms and functional impairment. These symptoms persist in certain patients in spite of evidence based pharmacological treatment. Many of these patients remain confined in welfare homes run by government or non-governmental organisations. Intervention modules to improve the condition of patients in these homes are scarce in India. We designed an activity based group intervention and assessed its effectiveness in patients with chronic schizophrenia in a welfare home. Participants were patients with chronic schizophrenia who were inmates of a welfare home for persons with mental illness. All of the subjects underwent evaluations that assessed clinical symptoms and functional outcomes at baseline and after 6 months. The evaluation was done using PANSS and RTI-E. The intervention was multimodal. The patients showed significant improvement in negative symptoms (effect size r = − 0.39). They showed improvement in activities of daily living (r = 0.88), communication (r = − 0.82) and instrumental activities of daily living (r = − 0.59). The current intervention resulted in reducing negative symptoms and improving functional outcome in patients with schizophrenia. These findings advocate the integration of rehabilitation programs into the standard treatment protocol for schizophrenia in welfare homes.

Solidarity and compassion-prisoners as hospice volunteers in Poland.

Democracy in Eastern Europe arrived after a long fight with a communist regime, and the activities of medical volunteers have been developing in opposition to the existing then in Poland mentality called Homo Sovieticus. From 1981 onwards the Polish Hospice Movement there was inspired by practitioners and international experiences brought by visits of Dr. Cicely Saunders. The history of modern end-of-life care in Poland was connected to caring communities, which could be called compassionate, because of the volunteering of all hospice team members. When palliative medicine started to become a part of the national healthcare programme, the hospice movement was slowly losing its exceptional character of professionals working together with volunteers, accompanied by considerable involvement of church communities. The new way of talking about end-of-life care was proposed in XXI century, and promotion of volunteering was part of it. In Gdansk an innovative program to reintegrate prisoners into society through voluntary work with hospice patients began. Since 2008 the WHAT project was aimed at social reintegration of prisoners through voluntary activities in hospices and correctional institutions from around Poland. In June 2009 Poland was awarded a prestigious prize 'The Crystal Scales of Justice' by The Council of Europe for a project called Voluntary Service of the Convicted in Poland implementing an innovative form of cooperation among prisons, hospices and social welfare homes. The research involving prisoners performing hospice-palliative care volunteering indicates a diverse range of life goals from the inmates not involved in hospices. These innovative correctional programs truly help local communities and prisoners who are currently working in 40 hospices and 70 nursing homes, helping those in need. Adequately prepared inmates who proved to be effective volunteers could be an inspiration to all who want to make end-of-life care more social, more humane and a more universal duty of compassionate communities.

Efficacy of Elastic Resistance Training Program for the Institutionalized Elderly

Objective: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a progressive resistance training program on dynamic balance and functional mobility among the institutionalized elderly. Methods: A total of 45 institutionalized elderly from a senior welfare home participated in this quasi-experimental study. The exercise group (n = 21) attended a group-based program for 12 weeks, meeting twice a week. A 2-factor repeated-measures analysis of variance and independent and paired t tests were used to analyze the data. Results: The results showed a significant improvement for the exercise group in the Reach Test for the forward (%Δ= 18.51%), right (%Δ= 20.0%), and left (%Δ= 17.7%) directions and in the 6-Minute Walk Test (%Δ= 12.09%, all Ps &lt; .001) after the intervention. Conclusion: The elastic band training provides a simple and inexpensive exercise program that improves the balance control and consequently functional mobility effectively.

Evaluation of depression in patients with alzheimer's disease according to the location of medical care

The objective of the study was to assess the severity of depression and to assess the level of self-sufficiency of patients with Alzheimer's disease, with particular emphasis on the place of residence and level of education. The study covered 90 people diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. All respondents were persons over 65 years of age and residents of cities with a population over one-hundred thousand. The research method based on this work is the author's own questionnaire, the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (ZSDS) about depression and the Karnofsky Performance Scale Index (KPSI) for assessment of a patient's self-sufficiency. Regardless of residence, patients with Alzheimer's disease displayed signs of mild or moderate depression (100% in social welfare homes and hospital patients and 60% in those with caregivers at home). Patients with Alzheimer's disease have an unsatisfactory salary in social-economic terms. In those with Alzheimer's disease, quality of life is best for those in family homes under the care of their immediate family. People with a vocational education were the largest group of people diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Patients at home and in the hospital had a higher level of physical activity, but most patients in the hospital needed regular medical care, as did patients in social welfare homes.