Evidence and Practice
‘Five things about me’ – enhancing person-centred care for older people
Supporting older people experiencing anxiety through non-pharmacological interventions
How can advanced nursing practice improve integrated health and social care services?
Clinical
‘Five things about me’ – enhancing person-centred care for older people
How person-centred care includes the whole person, including values, beliefs and aspirations
Exploring the use of music as an intervention for older people living in nursing homes
Why you should read this article: • To understand why enjoying cultural events such as music concerts is regarded as a human right • To enhance your understanding of why older people are often excluded from such events • To learn more about the health and well-being benefits of music for older people in nursing homes Background Enjoying cultural events such as musical performances is a human right as well as contributing to quality of life. However, older people who live in nursing homes are often excluded from such events. Music interventions for older people with cognitive decline have been shown to have a positive effect on their mood and behaviour, particularly in terms of anxiety, agitation and irritability. Aim To investigate the effect of musical interventions in nursing homes from the perspective of older people, their relatives and caregivers. Method Musical performances were held at 11 nursing homes in Sweden. These performances were followed by semi-structured interviews that aimed to capture the experiences of the older people, their relatives and caregivers. The interviews were analysed by qualitative thematic analysis. Findings Four relational themes were generated from the analysis: music enhances well-being for the body and soul, music evokes emotions and a ‘spark of life’, music adds a ‘silver lining’ to everyday life, and music inspires a journey of the imagination through time and space. Conclusion The music concerts had a positive effect on older people, their relatives and caregivers. Providing cultural encounters in nursing homes is an important caring intervention.
Organic versus mixed specialist older adult inpatient mental health units
Does care quality for people with dementia differ between mixed and organic wards?
Using video consultations to support family carers of people living with dementia
The experiences of a team of Admiral Nurses in setting up and conducting video consultations
The psychological effects of caring for a family member with dementia
An integrative review of the effects of caring for a family member with dementia at home
Frailty assessment and interventions for community-dwelling older adults: a rapid review
Nurses in primary care and community settings need to identify frailty and optimise care
CPD articles
Supporting older people experiencing anxiety through non-pharmacological interventions
Anxiety is a debilitating condition that adversely affects people’s quality of life
Basic assessment and treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms in older women
This article aims to provide nurses with an understanding of lower urinary tract symptoms
Preventing and managing pressure ulcers in patients receiving palliative care
Appropriate nursing care to prevent, improve and heal pressure ulcers
Preventing, identifying and managing delirium in nursing homes and acute settings
Older people in nursing homes are vulnerable to delirium, a condition causing confusion
Holistic pain assessment in older people and older people living with dementia
Nurses have a crucial role in pain assessment for older people and those living with dementia
Sexually speaking: person-centred conversations with people living with a dementia
Nursing responsibilities in addressing sexuality in people living with a dementia
How to
How to address the communication needs of older patients with hearing loss
Hearing loss is a common problem in older people and may have a negative effect on their care while in hospital, as well as resulting in significant cost to the NHS. This article outlines the findings of a two-year project in an NHS trust to improve the care of older people with hearing loss. An important outcome of the project was the development of a hearing loss toolkit containing good practice recommendations and tools to help staff in all NHS trusts, and other care settings, implement practical and cost-effective improvements.
How to use advance care planning in a care home
Admission to a care home is a major event for many individuals and, for some, a time when they may lose their independence. It is at this juncture that they should be given the opportunity to participate in planning their future care. An advance care plan (ACP) is a means for people with capacity to document their preferences for their care and to enable providers to advocate on their behalf. Some people will have lost mental capacity before admission to a care facility, so it is essential for staff to be familiar with the complexities of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 to support residents approaching the end of life. This article outlines the processes of ACP and identifies resources available to support the introduction of ACP into care homes.
Practice question
How can advanced nursing practice improve integrated health and social care services?
Advanced nurse practitioners caring for older people need to raise the role’s profile
How can I support rehabilitation of care home residents after COVID-19?
Nurses have a key role in the rehabilitation of people in long-term care
How can further deconditioning be prevented in older people after COVID-19?
Nurses can help counter the physical and cognitive decline of older people
How do I use the Clinical Frailty Scale?
Frailty identification instruments improve outcomes and help plan for future needs
How do I manage delirium in older people with COVID-19?
Delirium is a common coronavirus symptom, and people in long-term care facilities are at risk
My research study improves patient care – how can I share it?
Tips and rules for successfully sharing your research at a conference or professional meeting