J Psychosoc Nurs Men
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Two focus groups were held with patients who had experienced inpatient hospitalization and their families, to discuss spiritual needs during psychosis. Spirituality was described in terms of relationship and religion in terms of rules. ⋯ The number one need expressed by consumers of all denominations and religions who belonged to a church/temple/spiritual group was for their pastor/rabbi/spiritual advisor to not abandon them. For those who did not belong to a religious/spiritual group their number one need was to at least be asked for some type of religious/spiritual preference and for the nurse to somehow contact the person mentioned.
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Of those spousal caregivers who identified a time when they most needed assistance, morning or afternoon time periods appeared to be most problematic. Spousal caregivers who reported receiving respite time on the weekends identified adult children as the informal support person most often available. However, more than half of the caregivers reported having no respite time during the weekend. Differences in the ways spousal caregivers spent their respite time on the weekends, if available, varied by gender, length of tenure as a caregiver, and age.
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Although elderly inmates form a small minority in the U. S. prison population (6.6%), this number is expected to increase by 2005. Elderly prisoners consist of first-time offenders, habitual offenders, and those who have "aged in place" (received very long sentences at a young age). ⋯ Educational training for correctional staff about age-specific developmental changes is necessary. Building partnerships with community, state, and national organizations can assist elderly inmates in their adjustment to prison and foster successful community release programs. Special care units may be considered for frail elderly inmates or those with chronic health problems.
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J Psychosoc Nurs Men · Jun 1997
Up in smoke? Linking patient assaults to a psychiatric hospital's smoking ban.
1. During a smoking ban in a large public psychiatric hospital, pre-ban predictions of escalating patient management problems due to the ban did not materialize. 2. One element of the smoking ban's success was the support available for patients to channel their frustrations constructively, and for staff to be creative within the limits of the smoking ban policy. 3. Since the adoption of the smoking ban, New Hampshire Hospital has produced a smoke-free and healthier environment for patients, staff, and visitors.