International journal of older people nursing
-
Int J Older People Nurs · Sep 2011
Experiences with advance care planning: older people and family members' perspective.
The aim of this study is to report the findings of a case study that explored the phenomenon of advance care planning and advanced care directives in residential care settings in Australia. In particular, this study focuses on the experiences of residents' and family members'. ⋯ Older people and families view the end of life with broader psychosocial and spiritual meanings shaped by a lifetime of experiences. Advance care planning led to a different level of appreciation of personal entity and transcendence. However, advance care planning demands concerted action and support by everyone involved.
-
Disease is influenced by the nutritional status of the individual. We have assessed the relationship between nutritional status and food intake among recently hospitalised older people. ⋯ Deterioration of the nutritional status of older people is accompanied by a reduction in energy and some nutrient intake. The investigation of food intake in older people could provide important information about nutritional risk.
-
Int J Older People Nurs · Jun 2011
Clinical TrialPredictive value and validation of the NEECHAM Confusion Scale using DSM-IV criteria for delirium as gold standard.
Delirium is common among older people in hospital and various instruments have been developed for detecting delirium. One of these, the NEECHAM Confusion Scale, is easy for nurses to administrate but needs to be tested further. ⋯ This study adds to the body of knowledge that NEECHAM discriminates for delirium. It is a valid and reliable screening instrument for predicting delirium. The instrument can be used for clinical practice to identify patients who are at risk of contracting delirium and when considering prevention measures.