Santos DF, Barata R, Correia C
… +2 more, Morais E, Jerónimo L
Nurs Older People
· 2026 Jun · PMID 42338218
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Pressure ulcers are a frequent complication in hospitalised older adults and require expert nursing interventions to address the multiple factors involved. The aim of this scoping review was to map the nursing interventi...Pressure ulcers are a frequent complication in hospitalised older adults and require expert nursing interventions to address the multiple factors involved. The aim of this scoping review was to map the nursing interventions that facilitate pressure ulcer healing in this patient group. The authors searched medical research databases and identified 15 relevant studies. The findings show that the pressure ulcer healing process in hospitalised older adults is complex and demands evidence-based nursing interventions supported by a multidisciplinary approach. Nurses' interventions should focus on nutritional support; repositioning, pressure redistribution and mobilisation; appropriate dressing selection; consideration of innovative treatments; and objective wound assessments and ongoing monitoring. Expert nursing care of pressure ulcers is essential to reduce complications, relieve pain and prevent infection, thereby reducing morbidity and improving older people's quality of life.
Nurs Older People
· 2026 Jun · PMID 42267634
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Shared decision-making is fundamental to person-centred dementia care but its practical application is often challenged by time, relationships, people's fluctuating capacity and organisational constraints. This article e...Shared decision-making is fundamental to person-centred dementia care but its practical application is often challenged by time, relationships, people's fluctuating capacity and organisational constraints. This article encourages nurses to reflect on the principles of shared decision-making in the context of dementia care, drawing on micro, meso and macro decision-making levels to illustrate how choices are shaped by personal values, culture, legal frameworks and the care environment. Using theory, a case study and time out activities, the article highlights how nurses can adopt communication and partnership approaches that prioritise the inclusion of people with dementia in decisions about their care. The authors also examine the emotional burden associated with the responsibility of families as decision partners, thereby supporting nurses to provide compassionate and culturally sensitive decision-making support.
Stephens M, Pryor C, Priestley C
… +4 more, Williams L, Johnson B, Davies K, Howarth M
Nurs Older People
· 2026 May · PMID 42201806
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Historically, care homes have been underused as practice placement settings for preregistration nursing students. However, care homes can provide valuable learning opportunities for students, while hosting students can b...Historically, care homes have been underused as practice placement settings for preregistration nursing students. However, care homes can provide valuable learning opportunities for students, while hosting students can be beneficial for staff and residents. There has been a move by NHS England to expand placements to non-traditional settings such as care homes. To support this expansion, Skills for Care has published a strategy which aims to ensure high-quality placements in social care settings for nursing students. This article provides nurses working in care homes and care home managers with a step-by-step guide to developing placement opportunities in their care home. • For the care home, preparing to become a placement provider involves collaborating with the local approved education institution and working with staff to create an optimal learning environment for students. • For students, the benefits of placements in care homes include learning in a multiprofessional environment and developing an awareness of older people's holistic needs. • Hosting nursing students can energise the care home workforce, while interacting with students can make residents feel valued and engaged. REFLECTIVE ACTIVITY: 'How to' articles can help to update your practice and ensure it remains evidence based. Apply this article to your practice. Reflect on and write a short account of: • How this article might enhance how you develop nursing student practice placement opportunities in your care home. • How you could use this information to support your care team to provide an optimal learning environment for nursing students during practice placements in your care home.
Nurs Older People
· 2026 May · PMID 42087544
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BACKGROUND: Older people from migrant backgrounds, including those with Greek heritage, comprise a significant portion of the population in Australia and contribute to its multicultural nature. However, there is limited...BACKGROUND: Older people from migrant backgrounds, including those with Greek heritage, comprise a significant portion of the population in Australia and contribute to its multicultural nature. However, there is limited research on resilience in this population group. AIM: To explore how migration experiences shape resilience among older Greek migrants in Australia, providing key insights for nurses who support these individuals. METHOD: This study employed a qualitative, descriptive phenomenological approach to explore the experiences of Greek migrants who had relocated to Australia, and to discuss their experiences of ageing in their new country. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six participants, all of whom were women, and the data were thematically analysed. FINDINGS: Three themes were identified: adversity, resilience through adversity and maintaining identity. The participants described experiencing various challenges, such as navigating two cultures during migration, settling into their new country and raising their families while working. These challenges often contributed to their resilience and well-being in later life. The participants also noted receiving support from cultural connections and the identity they derived from their Greek culture. CONCLUSION: Resilience in older migrants can be an outcome of the adversity they have experienced across the lifespan. Nurses can support older migrants to build on this resilience and develop stronger community connections, thereby enabling them to better manage challenges that may arise as they age.
Most people aged over 70 years have hearing loss, yet hearing impairment in older adults is frequently under-recognised and often inadequately managed in care settings. The adverse effects of untreated hearing loss inclu...Most people aged over 70 years have hearing loss, yet hearing impairment in older adults is frequently under-recognised and often inadequately managed in care settings. The adverse effects of untreated hearing loss include increased risks of falls and cognitive decline; therefore, it is essential that nurses and care home staff are able to recognise and manage hearing loss in older adults. In this article, the author provides an overview of the anatomy and physiology of the auditory system, types and causes of hearing loss and the adverse effects of hearing impairment in older adults. The author also provides a checklist to support best practice in the management of hearing loss in older adults living in care homes.
Empathy is widely recognised as a cornerstone of high-quality dementia care. However, the emotional demands of caring for people with dementia placed on nurses and other professional caregivers may lead to situations whe...Empathy is widely recognised as a cornerstone of high-quality dementia care. However, the emotional demands of caring for people with dementia placed on nurses and other professional caregivers may lead to situations where their empathic responses are performed rather than genuinely felt. This article examines the ethics and practice of 'performative empathy' when supporting people with dementia, particularly those who present with complex distressed behaviours. Drawing on theories of emotional labour and person-centred, relationship-centred and emotionally intelligent care, the article evaluates whether performative empathy may be ethically defensible, beneficial or even transformative. It also questions whether the appearance of empathy is distinguishable from authentic empathic engagement, and whether repeated empathic performance may foster genuine compassion in caregivers. The article concludes that there is a need for organisational support, reflective practice and training to ensure that emotional labour in dementia care is sustainable, ethically grounded and oriented towards the psychological well-being of people with dementia and caregivers.
Nurs Older People
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41906717
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A rising number of older, frailer people are being admitted to acute hospital care who present with complex, multifactorial health issues (British Geriatrics Society 2023). In this population, understanding the person's...A rising number of older, frailer people are being admitted to acute hospital care who present with complex, multifactorial health issues (British Geriatrics Society 2023). In this population, understanding the person's presentation is key to supporting appropriate diagnosis and management through a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) (Turner 2014, Centre for Reviews and Dissemination 2017).
Nurs Older People
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41877556
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Many people living with dementia are supported by unpaid carers, whom the social care system heavily relies on. Carers of people living with dementia tend to experience high levels of psychological morbidity as well as s...Many people living with dementia are supported by unpaid carers, whom the social care system heavily relies on. Carers of people living with dementia tend to experience high levels of psychological morbidity as well as social isolation, physical ill-health and financial hardship. Many require relationship-centred, specialist support such as that provided by Admiral Nurses. An Admiral Nurse service in the southwest of England has implemented a care pathway structured around a six-week telephone intervention, which is responsive to each carer's needs and provides tailored psychological support, education about dementia, practical problem-solving and advice on coping strategies. This article explores the development, structure and principles of this care pathway as well as its benefits for carers and nurses.
Nurs Older People
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41808467
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Comprehensive geriatric assessments (CGAs) are considered the cornerstone of modern geriatric medicine. A CGA is a holistic and person-centred process involving the assessment of an older person's health and care needs,...Comprehensive geriatric assessments (CGAs) are considered the cornerstone of modern geriatric medicine. A CGA is a holistic and person-centred process involving the assessment of an older person's health and care needs, formulation of a care plan to address those needs, implementation of the care plan, and regular review of the person's progress. It is designed to help manage complex care needs and improve overall health and well-being. Older people's nurses will inevitably be involved in conducting or coordinating CGAs as part of the multidisciplinary team (MDT). • A CGA encompasses six key domains: physical, psychological, functional, social, environmental and future wishes. • A CGA usually involves more than one professional or team, so meticulous documentation of findings and efficient communication within the MDT are particularly important. • CGAs are crucial in the management of frailty for identifying and addressing the risk of falls, reduced mobility, confusion and incontinence. REFLECTIVE ACTIVITY: 'How to' articles can help to update your practice and ensure it remains evidence based. Apply this article to your practice. Reflect on and write a short account of: • How this article might improve your practice when assessing older people in the six key domains of a CGA. • How you could use this information to educate nursing students or your colleagues on the appropriate procedures and tools for assessing older people in the six key domains of a CGA.
Nurs Older People
· 2026 Feb · PMID 41736457
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Providing acute care at home for older people, who often have complex health needs and frailty, can prevent hospital-associated harms. This requires an appropriately skilled and experienced multi-professional workforce....Providing acute care at home for older people, who often have complex health needs and frailty, can prevent hospital-associated harms. This requires an appropriately skilled and experienced multi-professional workforce. This article describes how a newly established consultant practitioner-led (nurse and physiotherapist) hospital at home model in Wiltshire, England, provides acute care for older adults with frailty. The authors also detail the experiences of nurses at varying levels of practice who work in the service, based on their responses to an informal questionnaire. Their experiences illustrate the potential of acute care hospital at home services to support community-based nurses' professional development and career progression.
Stephens M, Foster C, Furber C
… +4 more, Heaslip V, Henshaw L, Pryor C, Trainor G
Nurs Older People
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41668445
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A common misconception is that research, innovation and quality improvement are not part of nurses' role in the care of older people. However, nurses' role does involve evaluating care, contributing to evidence-based pra...A common misconception is that research, innovation and quality improvement are not part of nurses' role in the care of older people. However, nurses' role does involve evaluating care, contributing to evidence-based practice and informing local, regional and national policy and guidelines - all of which is linked to research, innovation and quality improvement. Some nurses specialise in research and hold research roles, while others will conduct activities such as audits and quality improvement projects (QIPs) and deliver evidence-based care in residential, community and hospital settings. Barriers to engaging in such activities include lack of time, workload pressures and lack of confidence in one's abilities. This article describes the practical applications of research, innovation and QIP activities in the care of older people using a worked example. The authors aim to provide readers with a platform to start their research, innovation and quality improvement journey by identifying a clinical challenge that is relevant to their practice setting.
Nurs Older People
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41601173
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Interest in gerontological nursing among nursing students remains low, with few choosing to work in this specialty on registration. The Master of Nursing (MNurs) preregistration programme at King's College London, Englan...Interest in gerontological nursing among nursing students remains low, with few choosing to work in this specialty on registration. The Master of Nursing (MNurs) preregistration programme at King's College London, England, includes a module that incorporates a gerontological nursing theme which aims to enhance students' teaching, learning and clinical placement experiences, as well as their attitudes towards gerontological nursing as a career option. This article details an evaluation that aimed to understand students' attitudes towards working with older adults and pursuing a career in gerontological nursing following completion of the gerontological nursing theme. Two focus groups were held with 18 students, and the data were thematically analysed. Overall, the findings suggest that targeted educational initiatives can strengthen students' engagement with gerontological nursing and foster more positive attitudes towards this field of practice. Nurse education leaders should prioritise the integration of gerontological content into preregistration curricula and support students to consider gerontological nursing as a valued and viable career pathway.
Nurs Older People
· 2025 Oct · PMID 41531032
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Sexuality is a fundamental aspect of human life, and sexual healthcare and sexual well-being support are relevant and important across the lifespan. However, internalised and externalised ageism can adversely affect the...Sexuality is a fundamental aspect of human life, and sexual healthcare and sexual well-being support are relevant and important across the lifespan. However, internalised and externalised ageism can adversely affect the sexual health of older people; it is important, therefore, that nurses are able to recognise and challenge ageist ideas and practices to facilitate effective sexual healthcare. This article provides an overview of sexuality and ageism and discusses the importance of, and some barriers to, effective sexual healthcare and sexual well-being support in older adults. The author also provides guidance for nurses in reflecting on and challenging ageism in this context and in initiating and responding to discussions with older adults about sexual health.
Rushton J, Webster J, Manea A
… +2 more, Meers G, Dawson V
Nurs Older People
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41367147
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Overcrowding in emergency departments (EDs) result in longer hospital stays, higher rates of adverse events and increased mortality. In overcrowded EDs, older people with learning disabilities are particularly at risk of...Overcrowding in emergency departments (EDs) result in longer hospital stays, higher rates of adverse events and increased mortality. In overcrowded EDs, older people with learning disabilities are particularly at risk of negative outcomes, partly due to a lack of awareness and knowledge of their needs among staff. This article examines the unique health challenges experienced by people with learning disabilities and discusses systemic issues in EDs which can lead to poor care for this vulnerable patient group. The authors provide some essential nursing considerations when caring for this patient group in the ED, including adapted communication, shared decision-making and reasonable adjustments that can ensure effective, person-centred care.
Nurs Older People
· 2026 Feb · PMID 41170555
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Multimorbidity is common in older people and makes their care more challenging, for example in terms of adherence to prescribed medicines. Nurses have a pivotal role in supporting patients to adhere to their drug regimen...Multimorbidity is common in older people and makes their care more challenging, for example in terms of adherence to prescribed medicines. Nurses have a pivotal role in supporting patients to adhere to their drug regimen. This article reports the findings of an integrative review of the literature on the influence of personal beliefs on adherence to medicines in older people with multimorbidity. Adherence to medicines was influenced by personal beliefs, such as people's views on the efficacy of medicines, fear of dependency, concerns about polypharmacy, illness perception, beliefs regarding alternative therapies, religious beliefs, social responsibilities and routines. Integrating biopsychosocial insights into nursing practice and providing person-centred and holistic care to older people with multimorbidity can support their adherence to treatment and therefore improve their health outcomes.
Nurs Older People
· 2026 Feb · PMID 41126554
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While impaired cognitive dysfunction is a primary feature of dementia, an individual's ability to make decisions is either allowed or denied according to the level of support and advocacy they are afforded. When undergoi...While impaired cognitive dysfunction is a primary feature of dementia, an individual's ability to make decisions is either allowed or denied according to the level of support and advocacy they are afforded. When undergoing rehabilitation following a health event, recovery can be complicated and protracted for an older person with dementia, and they may be deprived of opportunities to determine their rehabilitation goals and express preferences throughout their rehabilitation programme. Furthermore, nurses may face challenges in proactively supporting the person's self-determination in choosing rehabilitation goals, as well as in advocating for and enabling the person to make decisions about their rehabilitation programme. This article provides guidance on how nurses can create an enabling environment by using person-centred communication techniques to assess an individual's capacity for making choices, building their confidence and supporting them to make decisions about rehabilitation goals and activities. These approaches aim to place each person at the centre of decision-making during their rehabilitation journey.
Nurs Older People
· 2025 Dec · PMID 41024453
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Dementia is a life-limiting condition and a leading cause of death in the UK and globally. Advance care planning (ACP) is of particular relevance to people living with dementia due to the gradual loss of decision-making...Dementia is a life-limiting condition and a leading cause of death in the UK and globally. Advance care planning (ACP) is of particular relevance to people living with dementia due to the gradual loss of decision-making capacity and ability to communicate that they typically experience. However, many people living with dementia are not given the opportunity to undertake ACP. As a consequence, their end of life care needs often remain unmet. As part of the multidisciplinary team, nurses are well placed to engage people living with dementia and those close to them in timely ACP conversations so that the person's future care aligns with their expressed values, wishes and preferences. Collaborative healthcare services that normalise ACP as part of routine dementia care and provide staff with ACP training and mentoring are essential for supporting nurses to undertake ACP with people living with dementia and their families.
Nurs Older People
· 2026 Feb · PMID 40926458
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Moving into a care home is a major life event, and for people with dementia and their families it can be particularly stressful and challenging. This article outlines how nurses working in care homes can support family c...Moving into a care home is a major life event, and for people with dementia and their families it can be particularly stressful and challenging. This article outlines how nurses working in care homes can support family carers of residents with dementia during the transition into the care home and throughout the person's stay. • Family carers may experience feelings of loss, guilt and loneliness when they relinquish care. They have their own information and support needs, separate from those of the person with dementia. • A positive relationship between the family carer and the new care provider can improve outcomes for the resident, the family carer and care home staff. • Family carers feel less anxious when the responsibility of caring for the person with dementia is shared between themselves and care home staff and when they have confidence in staff. REFLECTIVE ACTIVITY: 'How to' articles can help to update your practice and ensure it remains evidence based. Apply this article to your practice. Reflect on and write a short account of: • How this article might improve your practice when supporting the family carers of care home residents with dementia in the transition phase and throughout the person's stay at the care home. • How you could use this information to educate nursing students or colleagues on supporting family carers of care home residents with dementia.
Nurs Older People
· 2025 Dec · PMID 40859712
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Family carers have a vital role in supporting people with dementia, often taking on significant responsibilities in relation to personal care. The physical, emotional and financial effects on family carers are considerab...Family carers have a vital role in supporting people with dementia, often taking on significant responsibilities in relation to personal care. The physical, emotional and financial effects on family carers are considerable, and the challenges associated with providing personal care often precipitate admission to a care home or hospital. This article outlines the procedure for undertaking a holistic person-centred assessment of a person with dementia and their family carer, then developing a plan of care for them. It also explains how nurses can use a series of resources that have been designed to support family carers with providing personal care for people with dementia. • Nurses have a crucial role in providing, leading and coordinating care that is compassionate, evidence-based and person-centred. Therefore, they should have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide support for family carers. • Nurses should explore the experiences of family carers as part of a holistic person-centred assessment, to help identify actual and potential challenges. • Many family carers find it challenging to access appropriate services and feel unheard by professionals. Nurses need to ensure that information, services and multidisciplinary team support are accessible and responsive to family carers' needs. REFLECTIVE ACTIVITY: 'How to' articles can help to update your practice and ensure it remains evidence based. Apply this article to your practice. Reflect on and write a short account of: • How this article might improve your practice when supporting family carers of people with dementia, and how you could adapt your current approach to better meet their needs. • How you could use this information to educate nursing students or your colleagues about the needs of family carers.
Nurs Older People
· 2025 Dec · PMID 40836828
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This systematised literature review explored the challenges faced by healthcare professionals when assessing pain in people with dementia. A comprehensive search of six databases for qualitative studies published between...This systematised literature review explored the challenges faced by healthcare professionals when assessing pain in people with dementia. A comprehensive search of six databases for qualitative studies published between 2018 and 2023, followed by a rigorous study selection, enabled the author to identify six relevant studies. The main challenges identified included communication issues arising from cognitive impairment; difficulties stemming from a lack of experience in dementia care and lack of familiarity with individual patients; and limited awareness and inconsistent use of pain assessment tools. Addressing these barriers through enhanced education and training, clear guidelines and a strengthened commitment to person-centred care is crucial for improving the accuracy of pain assessments in people with dementia and therefore enhancing quality of life in this vulnerable population group.