Online Posters
Online poster sessions present preliminary results of works in progress or projects that lend themselves to visual displays and representations.
Housing for the Elderly Members of a Linguistic Minority: Perception of Relatives
Online Poster Anne Marise Lavoie, Monique Benoit, Sylvie Larocque
In Canada, there are two official languages, English and French. However, with the exception of Quebec, the French language is in minority in the other nine provinces as well as in the three Canadian territories. In the province of Ontario, where 4.4% of its population is French speaking (by far the largest population outside Quebec), services in French are available where numbers warrant (according to Law 8). However, most elderly French speakers in the province are housed in nursing homes where English is the language of work and health services are generally given in English. A qualitative descriptive study allowed to demonstrate the perception of the relatives of the elderly francophones residing in nursing homes where English is the predominant language. Preliminary results show that relatives are not satisfied with the level of care given, as caregivers do not communicate with the elderly in their language. They pretend that the language barrier, notably the use of English medical terms, prevent the elderly from understanding their diagnosis, properly using their medication, and applying their treatment. They are saddened that their elderly relative cannot take part in the activities of the nursing home and their relative become more and more isolated. They abhor that fact that their relative, who is not fluent in English, must wait a long time in some cases for an answer leading to a situation that can threaten their health and well-being - receiving an answer often requires an interpreter who is not always available at an appropriate time.
Enhancing Legal Rights of Older Persons Through Law School Experiential Programs in Hawaii: Legal Issues for Older People – Policy and Practice Initiatives at the University of Hawaii
Online Poster James Pietsch, Lenora Lee
Hawaii is the most diverse state in the United States and has a unique cultural ethos. This poster session will display how public policies and practices related to the legal rights of older persons may be positively influenced by law school experiential programs that integrate law, gerontology, healthcare, and ethics. The poster and discussion will highlight examples of the education, training, direct legal services, information and advocacy resources and opportunities available at the University of Hawaii Elder Law Program. The display will include an overview of clinical courses providing law students and other graduate students with experiential opportunities to learn more about the practical side of lawyering while assisting underserved older populations and advocating for legal reform in a diverse society. The two presenters will be available to share their experience in teaching at the law school, medical school, nursing school, and school of social work as well as providing continuing education sessions for professionals in the community. Integrating law into the curricula of professional schools and continuing education programs has progressed incrementally over the years and has positively influenced other professionals in their thinking about the legal rights of older persons. The presenters will also provide insights from their years of experience at the University of Hawaii Elder Law Program (UHELP) providing legal services to underserved older persons and their caregivers and in helping draft proposed legislation regarding Elder Abuse, Health Care Decision-Making, Veterans Courts and Medical Aid in Dying.
Avoidance of Drug Dependence: A Re-contextualization of a Study of Older African Americans
Online Poster Robert Pope, Salamah Locks
The original study utilized data from two qualitative studies (Locks, 2006; Pope, 2007) that focused on older African-Americans at opposite ends of a successful aging continuum to explore the utility of Winick’s (three pronged) Theory of Drug Dependence in predicting drug reliance in a given cohort. Substance abuse among older African-Americans is a significantly understudied problem. Yet, not all who share similar backgrounds succumb to substance abuse. Paradoxically, today usage has shifted from street drugs to prescription drugs in the current opioid crisis. The reason for opioid abuse in older adults is complex. There is data that indicates a disparity in treatment of pain in older black patients has led to a rise in drug seeking behavior and prescription opioid abuse in this community. The previous research findings indicated that all three prongs are necessary to produce drug dependence among members of a cohort; the prongs are easy access, low proscription against use, and role strain/deprivation. However with the current opioid crisis the efficacy of Winick’s theory is doubtful. The non-tautological assumptions of Winick were meant to be applicable to all forms of drug dependence and circumstances. Yet, however, Winick’s second prong, low proscription against use, has become non-operative, as there is a national outcry today against the FDA’s failure to hold the pharmaceutical industry accountable. Current data demonstrates a continued rise in opioid usage despite the public uproar.
