Kvalificerat samtalsstöd till äldre personer med psykisk ohälsa ger ökad livskvalitet
Sammanfattning
In this paper, we present the results of a project in which elderly persons
with early stage or mild/medium-level mental health problems were offered
professional conversational support. The aim of the project was to develop
and test a model for professional conversational support in a non-institutional
setting and to increase knowledge about the need for such support. The
project, which was financed by Socialstyrelsen, was conducted in the county
council of Västmanland and the city of Västerås during 2012 and 2013. The
results show that there is a clear need for professional conversational support
in a non-institutional setting. Of the 29 who answered a follow up questionnaire,
25 stated unequivocally that the conversations helped to ease feelings
of worry, anxiety and sadness. The conversations led to, among other things, a
reduction in symptoms, and awareness of the underlying reasons for feelings
of stress and anxiety. The conversations also had a problem-solving effect,
and served for some individuals as a form of crisis management. Adapting
the conversations to the individual person’s specific needs and resources is
necessary.