The Teaching Nursing Home (TNH) initiative exposes future nurses to career opportunities and ignites excitement around working with older adults living in nursing homes (NHs). The NH environment remains an important sett...The Teaching Nursing Home (TNH) initiative exposes future nurses to career opportunities and ignites excitement around working with older adults living in nursing homes (NHs). The NH environment remains an important setting for teaching students about the complex needs of older adults. Fostering strong partnerships between nursing programs and NHs enhances the educational experience for not only students and faculty, but NH staff. As part of the revitalized TNH collaborative, evidence-based frameworks, including experiential learning, person-centered care, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Essentials, and Age-Friendly Care, are used to enhance nursing education and improve care in NHs. The TNH initiative has proven to be a transformative approach to nursing education and plays a vital role in addressing the growing needs of the aging population to ensure a more competent nursing workforce. [(12), 47-49.].
The 50th anniversary of the is a milestone that calls for reflection on the many important contributions made by our clinicians, educators, and researchers to the care of older adults. This article was written to highli...The 50th anniversary of the is a milestone that calls for reflection on the many important contributions made by our clinicians, educators, and researchers to the care of older adults. This article was written to highlight not only the issues that have been the focus of our professional attention but also the accomplishments that gerontological nurses have made during the past half century. Edna Stilwell, the inaugural editor, laid out nine objectives for the journal in the first issue, which was published in 1975. Using those objectives as a lens to our past, the >400 editorials written from 1975 to the present are summarized and discussed using the framework Stilwell provided. The gerontological nurses who wrote these editorials were visionaries whose efforts advanced and continue to advance the quality of care that nurses provide to older adults today. [(12), 25-30.].
The World Health Organization recognizes that aging is a life-long process. Aging is a universal phenomenon, and the number of people aged ≥65 years is expected to increase exponentially over the next 30 to 50 years. Thu...The World Health Organization recognizes that aging is a life-long process. Aging is a universal phenomenon, and the number of people aged ≥65 years is expected to increase exponentially over the next 30 to 50 years. Thus, the universality and globalization of aging requires that our interconnected societies be equipped to meet the needs of humans across all developmental and life stages. The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic taught us to be agile, innovative, and always prepared to tackle new health issues that target older adults and their communities. Thus, the future of gerontological nursing must support optimal aging through practice, education, research, and policy initiatives. In recognition of the 50th anniversary, the current article forecasts future priorities and how gerontological nursing will address persistent challenges while capitalizing on opportunities to optimize health congruent with individuals' preferences and abilities, improve the care of older adults, and advance the study of aging. [(12), 31-40.].
PURPOSE: To assess the impact of a home care intervention on the family support needs of nursing home residents through a group clinical trial and blinded outcome assessment. METHOD: A cluster randomized trial was conduc...PURPOSE: To assess the impact of a home care intervention on the family support needs of nursing home residents through a group clinical trial and blinded outcome assessment. METHOD: A cluster randomized trial was conducted at two nursing homes in Zhengzhou. Each nursing home was randomized to either the intervention or control group. Eighty-two residents were enrolled in the study. Intervention group participants ( = 41) received a family support intervention, and those in the control group ( = 41) received the institution's standard daily care routine. The Questionnaire of Family Support Needs; Perceived Social Support Scale; and Family Adaptation, Partnership, Growth, Affection, Resolve Index were used to assess post-intervention outcomes. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between groups regarding baseline data. There were statistically significant ( < 0.05) within-subject, between-subject, and interaction effects for both groups regarding family support needs, perceived social support, and family functioning. CONCLUSION: Findings contribute to strengthening the care of residents in nursing homes, indicating the importance of family support, which can positively influence perceived social support and family function. The long-term efficacy of the intervention should be further verified. [(2), 24-31.].
PURPOSE: The occurrence of severe illness, the risk for which increases as people age, often results in depression. The current study aimed to explore how and when severe illness leads to depression among older adults. M...PURPOSE: The occurrence of severe illness, the risk for which increases as people age, often results in depression. The current study aimed to explore how and when severe illness leads to depression among older adults. METHOD: Data collected from a sample of 756 older adults were analyzed using moderated mediation analysis to examine the underlying mechanism between severe illness and depression. RESULTS: Results, as verified by a robustness check, demonstrated that life satisfaction mediated the association between severe illness and depression among older men and women, and that gender moderated the direct relationship between severe illness and depression. CONCLUSION: The formation path of depression from severe illness among older adults varies according to gender. For men, severe illness did not directly trigger depression, but indirectly triggered depression through decreased life satisfaction; for women, severe illness not only triggered depression directly, but also indirectly triggered depression through decreased life satisfaction. Results yield theoretical and practical implications for gerontological nursing. [(2), 43-52.].
PURPOSE: Despite advances in health care and increased life expectancy, many older adults are at high risk for poor health and loneliness. The current study examined loneliness and its association with health among Omani...PURPOSE: Despite advances in health care and increased life expectancy, many older adults are at high risk for poor health and loneliness. The current study examined loneliness and its association with health among Omani older adults (aged ≥60 years). METHOD: This descriptive, correlational study used structured questionnaires to collect data from 113 Omani older adults. RESULTS: More than one half (67.3%) of participants felt moderate to severe loneliness. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that being female, older age (≥85 years), living with non-family members, and being unemployed were significant predictors of loneliness. Loneliness was a significant predictor of poor mental health status when sociodemographic and environmental factors were controlled. CONCLUSION: Findings indicate a significant number of Omani older adults are experiencing loneliness. We suggest that RNs specialize or practice in the care of older adults, and that researchers and policy makers take prompt action to address this urgent health issue before the occurrence of severe adverse health outcomes among this population. [(2), 33-42.].
Akter N, Berish D, Heid AR
… +2 more, Eshraghi KJ, Van Haitsma K
J Gerontol Nurs
· 2024 Nov · PMID 39475472
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PURPOSE: The current study explored the association of nursing home (NH) residents' demographic and clinical attributes and NH characteristics with resident-reported satisfaction with NH communities. METHOD: Pearson corr...PURPOSE: The current study explored the association of nursing home (NH) residents' demographic and clinical attributes and NH characteristics with resident-reported satisfaction with NH communities. METHOD: Pearson correlations and multiple linear regression were used to test the association of demographic and clinical attributes of residents and NH characteristics with resident-reported NH satisfaction with 197 NH residents from 28 NHs. RESULTS: Correlational analysis and regressions indicated an association among residents' demographic and clinical characteristics, NH characteristics, and self-reported NH satisfaction. Higher age, higher education, and race (minority status) were associated with greater resident-reported NH satisfaction. Greater NH staffing and for-profit ownership status were associated with less NH satisfaction. Greater resident depressive symptoms and dressing assistance were associated with lower resident-reported NH satisfaction. CONCLUSION: Administrators and staff should look beyond NH characteristics and consider their residents' diverse personal characteristics to create an environment that promotes satisfaction and well-being. [(11), 6-12.].
PURPOSE: To explore the effects of family audio recordings on depression, cognitive function, and sleep quality among individuals with Alzheimer's disease in nursing homes. METHOD: A randomized controlled study design wa...PURPOSE: To explore the effects of family audio recordings on depression, cognitive function, and sleep quality among individuals with Alzheimer's disease in nursing homes. METHOD: A randomized controlled study design was used, and 107 participants with Alzheimer's disease were stratified and randomly assigned to groups based on Clinical Dementia Rating Scale scores. The control group received usual care and health education, and the experimental group received usual care, health education, and a family audio recording intervention. RESULTS: The experimental group showed significantly lower depression scores compared to the control group post-intervention. A within-group comparison of sleep quality scores in the experimental group was significantly different. At post-intervention, cognitive function scores in the control group significantly decreased compared to before the intervention. CONCLUSION: Family audio recording interventions helped alleviate depression symptoms in individuals with Alzheimer's disease, improved their sleep quality, and delayed the progression of cognitive decline to some extent. [(1), 42-48.].
PURPOSE: The current study developed and tested selected effects of the Together for Life (TFL) program for community-dwelling older adults using an embedded mixed methods design. METHOD: Nine community volunteers partic...PURPOSE: The current study developed and tested selected effects of the Together for Life (TFL) program for community-dwelling older adults using an embedded mixed methods design. METHOD: Nine community volunteers participated in the training program, and 14 people aged ≥65 years, living alone, enrolled in the study. Home visits were conducted by home health nurses every 2 weeks, supplemented by weekly home visits and phone counseling provided by volunteers, for a duration of 20 weeks. This mixed methods study used quantitative and qualitative approaches. Quantitative data were gathered through a questionnaire survey to assess the intervention's effects on health-related quality of life (HRQOL), loneliness, and depression. The qualitative component focused on participants' evaluation of the program. RESULTS: Significant changes were noted in HRQOL scores with an effect size of 0.6 ( = 0.01). Results indicated the positive impact of the TFL program on HRQOL among older adults as their health status was continuously monitored by volunteers who provided care and home health nurses who assisted with health management during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. CONCLUSION: In a pandemic, personalized health management, such as regular health check-ins provided by home health nurses and home or phone visits provided by volunteers, is crucial for isolated older adults. This pilot program enhanced participants' HRQOL through continuous health monitoring, volunteer care, and nurse support, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. [(1), 49-58.].
PURPOSE: As people with long-standing disabling conditions age, the interplay between pre-existing conditions and new comorbidities can present unique challenges. Therefore, the current study explored relationships betwe...PURPOSE: As people with long-standing disabling conditions age, the interplay between pre-existing conditions and new comorbidities can present unique challenges. Therefore, the current study explored relationships between resilience and health, health promotion, and quality of life among older adults living with multiple sclerosis (MS). METHOD: Adults recruited from National MS Society chapters completed a mailed survey about their health, health promotion, and well-being. RESULTS: The 147 respondents (mean age = 72 years) reported an average of three additional comorbidities and had been diagnosed with MS for 35 years on average. Resilience scores were most highly correlated with depressive symptoms, spiritual growth, social support, incapacity status, and quality of life. Resilience scores significantly improved prediction of emotional health, after controlling for other functional and psychosocial variables. CONCLUSION: Nurses can help patients with chronic conditions, such as MS, develop strategies for regulating their emotional health to adapt to new health challenges. [(1), 15-23.].
J Gerontol Nurs
· 2025 Jan · PMID 39431760
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PURPOSE: To explore the experiences of low-income community-dwelling older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in using multi-technology. METHOD: We conducted individual interviews with 14 low-income community-dw...PURPOSE: To explore the experiences of low-income community-dwelling older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in using multi-technology. METHOD: We conducted individual interviews with 14 low-income community-dwelling older adults with MCI aged ≥60 years who participated in a technology-based fall risk assessment study. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded. Two researchers worked together using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Five themes were generated: , , , , and . All participants acknowledged obtaining information about fall risk, physical activities, and balance performance. CONCLUSION: Older adults with MCI were able to follow instructions by completing fall risk assessments. They found technology enjoyable and beneficial considering the tracking capacity and feedback obtained from the technology used. These were vital objective data that encouraged fall prevention efforts. [(1), 25-31.].
PURPOSE: The current study aimed to examine the short-term outcomes and multidimensional factors associated with preoperative sedentary behavior among Chinese older adults with gastric cancer. METHOD: An observational st...PURPOSE: The current study aimed to examine the short-term outcomes and multidimensional factors associated with preoperative sedentary behavior among Chinese older adults with gastric cancer. METHOD: An observational study was conducted among older adults with gastric cancer in a tertiary hospital in Jiangsu, China. A total of 393 participants were enrolled by convenience sampling. Sedentary behavior was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF). Logistic regression was applied to explore the relationship between preoperative sedentary behavior and short-term outcomes. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine the factors associated with participants' sedentary behavior. RESULTS: Preoperative sedentary behavior was related to multiple outcomes, including total complications, prolonged length of stay, and increased hospitalization costs. Two or more comorbidities and depression were risk factors for sedentary behavior. High-density lipoprotein; female sex; and high school, middle school, and primary school and below educational levels were protective factors for sedentary behavior. CONCLUSION: Health care professionals need to simultaneously concentrate on multidimensional aspects linked to sedentary behavior to successfully administer behavioral interventions for enhancing older adults' overall prognosis. [(1), 32-41.].
PURPOSE: To review support systems for nursing home caregivers (NHCGs) that were implemented during the first year of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. METHOD: Database searches in PubMed, ScienceDirect,...PURPOSE: To review support systems for nursing home caregivers (NHCGs) that were implemented during the first year of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. METHOD: Database searches in PubMed, ScienceDirect, and CINAHL resulted in five publications. RESULTS: Studies differed in design, interventions, and outcomes. An urgent eye movement desensitization and reprocessing protocol was feasible and effective among nurses in services highly mobilized during the acute phase of the pandemic. The "self-help plus" psychological intervention was not associated with significant reductions in anxiety or posttraumatic symptoms but prompted exploration of non-specific factors influencing its effectiveness. The Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes in Long-Term Care of the Elderly virtual program increased confidence among NHCGs. Self-compassion training was associated with positive changes for certified nursing assistants. Weekly debriefing sessions implemented at one hospital highlighted pathogenic and salutogenic factors. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic had a marked psychosocial impact on NHCGs and necessitated targeted interventions. Despite their limitations, these promising studies provided insights into potential support avenues. Policy considerations should stress the pivotal role of advanced practice nurses in shaping supportive work environments. Future research should focus on robust assessments of the efficacy of psychosocial interventions for NHCGs facing ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic, and even recurrent viral epidemics. [(10), 24-33.].
PURPOSE: To explore the experiences of family caregivers of older adults with dementia in Korea during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. METHOD: In-depth interviews were conducted with eight family caregivers of old...PURPOSE: To explore the experiences of family caregivers of older adults with dementia in Korea during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. METHOD: In-depth interviews were conducted with eight family caregivers of older adults with dementia from September to October 2021. Collected data were analyzed using Giorgi's phenomenological methodology. RESULTS: Four themes were derived: , , , and . CONCLUSION: This study is meaningful as it increases our understanding of the experiences and needs of individuals with dementia and their family caregivers, and results can assist in finding ways to help them cope with their difficulties during future pandemic situations. [(10), 42-48.].