J Gerontol Nurs
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The goal of this pilot project was to evaluate the use of a self-report diary for assessing chronic pain in nursing home residents. Data collected 14 days prior to the use of the diary were compared with data collected 14 days after diary completion. ⋯ There was a statistically significant increase in the number of scheduled medications. Future research, using a randomized design and multiple sites, is needed to examine the effectiveness of self-reported pain diaries in assessing chronic pain in the communicative nursing home population.
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The purpose of this study was to describe the life situation of informal caregivers who regularly use respite services when caring for their older relative. The sample consisted of 17 wife and daughter caregivers who frequently relied on respite care to support coping at home. Data were analyzed by inductive content analysis. ⋯ In relationships focusing on organizing the daily routines, caregivers welcomed respite as a relief but experienced unexpected feelings of guilt. Those who felt imprisoned by the care recipient relied on respite to help them cope with a burdensome relationship, while waiting for their loved one's transfer into permanent institutional care. The results of the study challenge health care professionals to commit themselves to family-centered work, in which knowing the family's history and current life situation is key to providing high-quality services.