How is older people’s care going to look post-pandemic?

As public restrictions lift, nurses should assess issues and opportunities likely to arise in older people’s healthcare to maintain quality and dignified care

At the time of writing, public restrictions in place as a result of COVID-19 are being lifted, but most nurses are required to adhere to ongoing workplace precautions and have not yet shaken off the challenges posed by the pandemic.

Nonetheless, it is a good time to take stock and to think about the issues and opportunities that are likely to arise when we move on in post-pandemic healthcare including the pressure on faster discharge from acute care (addressed in our features article How are out of hospital services for older people progressing?); effects on community services and care homes; access to healthcare; and management of resources.

• RELATED: Showcasing the best innovative practice in older people’s care

Better support for older people in a changing landscape

It is going to be a challenge for nurses to maintain the focus on quality of care and dignified care for people who are being moved rapidly through the healthcare system, but challenge brings opportunity. For nurses this opportunity is to build on the developments of the past few years in recognising and understanding frailty to better support people in this changing landscape.

I hope that Nursing Older People has been a useful source of professional support during this time, and that it will continue to be so.

• RELATED: Building back better or papering over the cracks?

This is my final editorial as consultant editor of the journal, although I look forward to continuing to support the journal as a member of the editorial advisory board (EAB).

Committed team producing Nursing Older People

I’m stepping down due to my retirement after more than 40 years nursing older people. Over the past 11 years it has been my great pleasure to work with Lisa Berry, Helen Hyland, the EAB members and the wider team at RCNi. I appreciate the commitment the whole team have shown for Nursing Older People.

• RELATED: How are out of hospital services for older people progressing?

I hugely admire Lisa’s skills as editor, her empathy for the issues facing both nurses and older people and her willingness to engage with professionals. May I wish all our readers a satisfying and productive career in nursing older people.

Nicky Hayes is consultant editor of Nursing Older People