Previously known as Department of Gerontology https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/446 2026-04-09T00:42:49Z 2026-04-09T00:42:49Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/140712 2025-10-29T14:10:18Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Older people with autism : recommendations for future service provision Abstract: With an ageing population and increased life expectancy, the number of older people with autism is rising. However, little is known about their challenges or the specialized services they require. This study explores the difficulties in service provision for older individuals with autism, analyzing their unique needs and proposing tailored solutions to enhance their quality of life. Using a qualitative approach, data was collected through semi-structured interviews with professionals, experts, scholars, and service providers in the autism field. The research identifies three key themes: the current situation of older people with autism, their specific needs, and the services and support they currently receive. Findings reveal that older autistic individuals face challenges stemming from their unique characteristics, societal attitudes, and policy gaps. Their needs include improved health management, social acceptance, and better quality of life through targeted services and support. The study emphasizes the importance of autism-informed training for healthcare professionals and social service staff to ensure a person-centered approach in care settings. It advocates for creating a more inclusive environment for older people with autism, addressing their needs in policy-making, and alleviating family concerns about the future. Description: M. Ger.(Melit.)

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/140711 2025-10-29T14:08:38Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Chartering the cross-roads of care : a phenomenological study on the experiences of older persons who sought long-term care but were redirected to community-based services Abstract: This dissertation explored the lived experiences of older persons in Malta who applied for long-term care but were instead referred to community-based services. Utilising an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach, the study examined how older persons interpret and respond to this redirection, and how it affects their autonomy, emotional wellbeing, and care preferences. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven participants, and themes were identified relating to system navigation challenges, emotional strain, housing inaccessibility, and the perceived burden on informal caregivers. Findings indicated that despite policy efforts promoting ageing in place, community services remain inconsistently delivered, under publicised, and lacking emotional engagement. Formal assessments were often experienced as impersonal and physically demanding. Emotional and relational support emerged as equally vital as functional assistance. Comparisons with international care models revealed gaps in Malta’s system, particularly in supporting persons with complex health conditions and reducing reliance on family caregiving. The study recommends enhanced person-centred community services, greater public awareness, improved communication in assessments, and structured support for informal carers. These insights inform future policy development aimed at aligning practice more closely with the principles of active ageing and sustainable long-term care. Description: M. Ger.(Melit.)

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/140708 2025-10-29T13:55:39Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The lived experiences of community-dwelling older persons with major lower limb amputation Abstract: Background: A substantial proportion of lower limb amputations occur in older persons, with peripheral arterial disease representing the primary underlying cause. As the population continues to age, the prevalence of peripheral arterial disease is increasing, further contributing to the incidence of major lower limb amputations among this demographic. The impact of a major lower limb was found to be substantial, particularly among older persons. Literature revealed that older persons who underwent major lower limb amputation were confronted with a profound disruption to their daily lives and faced various emotional and practical challenges. Despite the benefits of rehabilitation, not all older persons are able to return to their previous level of functioning. Aims: This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of older persons within the community who underwent a major lower limb amputation in Malta, and looked at how a major lower limb amputation affected the older persons’ lives. Another aim was to analyse how older persons adapted to life following major lower limb amputation. Method: A qualitative approach was chosen to explore in depth the perspectives and lived experiences of older persons who had undergone amputation. The researcher selected interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) as the most suitable method to closely examine and interpret these lived experiences. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Four semi-structured face-to-face interviews with open-ended questions were carried out, consisting of 3 older males and 1 older female participant. A pilot study was carried out with 1 older male. Results: After data analysis, 4 superordinate themes emerged (a) the impact of amputation on daily life and independence (b) emotional response to amputation (c) the influence of support networks and (d) navigating life after amputation. Corresponding subordinate themes emerged. All older participants, each in their own way and with some shared experiences, encountered challenges in adjusting to life as an amputee within the community, yet all demonstrated resilience in one form or another. Conclusion: The study offered meaningful insights into the lived experiences of Maltese older persons with major lower limb amputations, highlighting the complex challenges they face and the needs that arise as amputees living in the community. Recommendations were directed toward authorities, policymakers, and healthcare professionals, emphasising the need to enhance education and support services, with particular attention to improving environmental accessibility for older persons with amputations. Description: M. Ger.(Melit.)

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/132784 2025-03-06T14:03:12Z 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Bringing men in! : the lived experience of old men carers for their spouse in Malta Abstract: In contrast to other stages in the life course, in old age, as husbands/partners retire from paid work, they become more available to care for their loved ones. It has been shown that in later life, the gender distribution of carers changes as the ratio of men to women carers increases. Yet, notwithstanding a recent growth in the number of international studies exploring old men in care roles, this sub-cohort of carers remains by far overlooked locally. Hence, this qualitative study set out to addresses this gap within local research. Through interpretative phenomenological analysis, this study sought to explore the lived experiences of Maltese community-dwelling old men spousal cares and to find out how they negotiate their role within the feminised context of care. Data were collected through thirty semi- structured interviews with fifteen participants. All participants were actively engaged in care work during data collection. Some of the participants were taking care of a wife living with dementia whereas others were providing care to a wife with physical limitations. Data analysis revealed six group experiential themes and various sub-themes which shed light on various facets ranging from how old men embarked on the care work journey, how they espoused their husbands’ and carers’ role, the ways manhood impacted how they approached and coped with care work, the value of meaning and change in intimate relationships, the significance of familial and formal sources of support and the effects of COVID-19 as an extraordinary circumstance. Most of the participants echoed a variety of health issues that they themselves were experiencing, making their life as carers more complicated. Several recommendations including improving awareness amid formal and informal support care providers on this imperceptible nonetheless invaluable and growing sub-cohort of carers are outlined. Description: Ph.D.(Melit.)

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z