bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PREDICTORS of Early Hospital Readmissions of Older Adults Who Are Functionally Impaired
Authors: Schwarz Karen A 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT
When older adults who are chronically ill are discharged home, they face a high risk of hospital readmission. The purpose of the study was to determine whether low social support, low satisfaction with social support, high depressive symptomatology of the caregiver, and minimal use of home health care predicted hospital readmissions of the older adult. Sixty family caregivers were interviewed in their homes soon after hospital discharge and 3 months later. Tangible forms of social support and helping others were negatively related to the number of hospital readmissions. Nurses need to encourage families to seek and use social support that is offered.
Alzheimer's Dementia: Coping with Communication Decline
Authors: Hendryx-Bedalov Patricia M 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT
Communication difficulties in patients with Alzheimer's dementia are a major source of caregiver strain because of the psychological and interpersonal burden they present. Nurses are in a critical position for understanding the communication decline and providing education and counseling to decrease this burden. In this article, the communication burden of dementia is examined and practical approaches to facilitating communication are discussed so nurses can increase their role in education and counseling regarding Alzheimer's dementia.
A Case Study of the Death of an Older Woman in a Nursing Home: Are Nursing Care Practices in Compliance With Ethical Guidelines?
Authors: Kayser-Jones Jeanie 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT
This article presents a case study describing and analyzing ethical issues in the care during the last 1 1 weeks of life of a 101 -year-old nursing home resident. The case presented here is part of a larger ongoing ethnographic study of death and dying in nursing homes. Two nursing care issues with ethical implications are discussed. First, the resident could not eat or drink independently, but she received no assistance with her meals. Second, she remained in a wheelchair for many hours and developed three pressure ulcers on her buttocks. Furthermore, she became tired when sitting in the wheelchair for long periods of time, fell out of the wheelchair, and subsequently was restrained "for her safety." Using selected principles from the International Council of Nurses and the American Nurses Association code for nurses, the resident's care is discussed and recommendations for improving the care of nursing home residents are presented.
Stressors, Social Support, Coping, and Health Dysfunction IN INDIVIDUALS WITH PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Authors: Backer Jane H 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT
The purposes of this descriptive correlational study were to describe the illness-related stressors of individuals with Parkinson's disease and to report the extent to which social support and coping responses predict physical and psychosocial health dysfunction. The sample consisted of 70 men and women, age 44 to 80, residing in the community. Participants reported a variety of illnessrelated stressors, most of which occurred on a daily basis and involved some loss in functional abilities. Less perceived availability of social support, more evasive coping, and more confrontive coping predicted greater health dysfunction, suggesting that these factors may be important to consider when assessing individuals with Parkinson's disease and designing interventions for individuals with functional declines.
MSHAKE: A tool for Measuring Staff Knowledge Related to Geriatric Mental Health
Authors: Santo-Novak Debra A , Duncan Jeri W , Grissom Kathy R , Powers Richard E 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT
This article describes the development of a knowledge-screening instrument used with staff caring for elderly patients with neuropsychiatrie disability. A 25-item tool, referred to as the Mary Starke Harper Aging Knowledge Exam (MSHAKE), was developed to verify knowledge competencies of 171 employees at a gero psychiatric center in the Southeastern United States. The MSHAKE assesses basic geriatric mental health knowledge in an educationally diverse health care work force. A variety of descriptive and inferential statistics provide preliminary evidence supporting the use of the MSHAKE as an effective measure of staff members' essential knowledge of aging and neuropsychiatrie disorders. This tool has practical application in the clinical setting as part of a competency verification system or in-service evaluation.
Patterns of Telephone Use Among Nursing Home Residents
Authors: Gueldner Sarah Hall , Smith Carol A , Neal Maryanne , Penrod Janice , Ryder Janice , Dye Maryellen , Bramlett Martha Haines , Hertzog Leeann 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT
There is convincing evidence that nursing home residents who have more visitors fare better than those who have fewer visitors. However, as many as one third of all individuals living in nursing homes have virtually no visitors. The purpose of this study was to address this concern by examining telephone use in older adults living in nursing homes, and evaluating the potential of telephone communications as a means of social support for this at-risk group. Using a recording device activated each time the receiver was picked up, the research team "listened in" on the telephone conversations of three nursing home residents (aged 76, 79, and 92) for a period of 1 week. The transcripts revealed 56 minutes of actual conversation during the week (10, 21, and 25 minutes, respectively), most often with family or longtime friends living out of town. Each resident laughed aloud more than once per minute. The telephone conversations provided the residents with vivid glimpses of life outside the walls of their facility and appeared to help them stay connected with their family and friends. The findings support further study of the telephone as a way to sustain authentic social support in long-term care populations.
THE OLDEST-OLD: How Do They Differ from the Old-Old?
Authors: Field Dorothy , Gueldner Sarah Hall 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT
This article reviews findings from the Berkeley Older Generation Study, a long-term longitudinal study of aging. The findings show many important differences between the oldest-old age group and other, younger-old individuals. Marked variation is demonstrated in the verbal scale of intelligence. More than half of oldest-old individuals did not decline, and some actually increased in verbal IQ. Four personality traits (i.e., agreeableness, satisfaction, intellect, extroversion) are stable. The fifth trait, energetic, may reflect responses to external circumstances, including physical health. As for social relationships, most individuals-including the oldest-old-still retain ties with important family members and friends. Individual differences are great, stressing the danger of accepting stereotypes about old individuals.
ENGAGING Black Older Adults and Caregivers in Urban Communities IN HEALTH RESEARCH
Authors: Picot Sandra J Fulton , Tierney June , Mirpourian Nabat , Ericsson Jeneanne M , Wright Jackson T , Powel Lorrie L 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT
The under- representation of the Black population in research may lead to poor health outcomes for them and a decreased capacity to generalize results to Black populations. This article describes ways in which sensitivity to cultural distinctions of Black older adults and their current or future caregivers can enhance their recruitment and retention in research. Cultural mores play an important role in the shaping of one's perceptions, definitions, responses to disease, and participation in health regimens. Similarly, one's cultural orientation plays a role in how a person is effectively recruited and retained in research. Wenger's translation process model uses cultural meaning to inform research decisions. This model was used in a recent study of Black older adults and their care- c, givers and will be described in this article. Effectively engaging Black individuals in health research is essential for improving their health.
ELDERLY WOMEN'S Explanation of Depression
Authors: Ugarriza Doris Noel 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT
Using the Kleinman explanatory mode), 30 elderly women with depression were interviewed about their depression and its treatment. Content analysis was used to classify data into cause, effect, severity, expectations, fears, and treatment. Identified causes were loss of health, family, and role. Depression caused somatizations and a decrease in functional level. Women considered depression to be severe and chose medication as the preferred treatment. Their model of depression differed from that of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) because fatigue and weakness were emphasized more than any other symptoms. Feelings of guilt and worthlessness, weight loss, and suicidal ideation were minimal.
Synergism of Frail Rural Elderly Couples: Influencing Interdependent Independence
Authors: Racher Frances E 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT
In this phenomenological study, a purposive sample of 19 frail rural elderly couples were interviewed as dyads to identify programs, services, and relationships perceived by the couples as beneficial to their ability to continue to live independently in the community. Communication between the partners, and roles and relationships were observed and discussed. Findings showed that mutually supportive dyads generated a synergism or energy that acted as a vital resource to couples. Research results led to the development of a continuum of spousal relationships and a trajectory of couple communication. Support to the couple as a unit, to the couple relationship, and to address the couple's needs may be strategic foci for nurses in their delivery of care and their involvement in planning programs and developing policy.
THE MEANING OF STROKE ELDERLY WOMEN: A Phenomenological Investigation
Authors: Hilton Edith L 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT
The objective of this article is to discover meanings of stroke in elderly, noninstitutionalized women survivors. Using a qualitative design, a purposive sample of five elderly women in residential settings was studied. Data were gathered through interviews and analyzed using van Manen's method of thematic analysis. An overarching theme of transition with transformation from stroke was identified. Five sub-themes were identified, including deterioration and decline, loss and helplessness, regret, uncertainty and anxiety about the future, and resiliency. Six interwoven additional themes were also identified. Informants experienced numerous changes as a result of stroke that affected ways women perceived themselves and their lives. Knowing meanings of stroke experiences may enable nurses to view stroke survivors with a wider lens, enabling responsive, appropriate care that embraces humanistic perspectives.
Reminiscence Group Activities and Discourse Interaction in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Moss Sharon E , Polignano Ellen , White Cynthia L , Minichiello Marcia D , Sunderland Trey 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT
Reminiscence is an enriching and complex experience having many purposes and functions when used with patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Discourse is a component of language that has been shown to decline in patients with AD (Mentis, Briggs-Whittaker, & Gramigna, 1995). This article represents one of the first studies to examine the effects of reminiscence group (RG) activities on discourse interactions in patients with AD. This article specifically addresses the AD population within a RG setting. Observations suggested that objective ratings of conversational discourse would be better (less impaired) in patients with AD when obtained in relatively unstructured environments (e.g., during RG activity) as compared to ratings obtained in conversational environments imposing more structure (e.g., a session in which language function was being evaluated). Comparisons made of conversational and narrative discourse skills observed during different testing environments in patients with AD revealed predicted outcomes. That is, discourse elicited in an environment that was less structured yielded qualitatively better discourse patterns, particularly related to selecting and maintaining a topic, requesting additional information about a topic, changing a topic during conversation, and turn-taking. Results are discussed in terms of their relevance to gerontological nurses managing patients with AD.
The Experience of Hospitalized Elderly Patients
Authors: Huckstadt Alicia A 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT
Little is known about the subjective experience of older adults during hospitalization. The purpose of this study was to identify and describe the hospitalization process as perceived by older adults. This qualitative study explored hospitalization as perceived by eight White, middle-class, elderly patients in one large, western, acute care hospital. Thirty Initial codes were identified from qualitative interviews, participant observation, and medical records. Using constant comparative analyses, these initial codes were reevaluated and further condensed into seven categories. The categories comprise positive and negative perceptions, including numerous difficulties experienced by these hospitalized older patients. Findings of this study are compared to findings existing in the current literature. These findings may be useful in understanding the problems related to the hospitalization experience, identifying interventions that could minimize stressors, and facilitating this experience for older patients.
Knowledge and Self-efficacy of Community Health Nurses Concerning INTERACTIONS of Prescription Medicines with Over-the-counter Agents and Alcohol
Authors: Neafsey Patricia J , Shellman Juliette 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT
Knowledge and self-efficacy concerning interactions of prescription medications with over-the-counter (OTC) agents were assessed in community health nurses. Three convenience samples of community nurses were recruited to complete the instruments. The first was a sample of 20 experienced nurses working for a local visiting nurse agency (VNARNs). The second was a sample of 20 bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) students (graduate nurses [GNs]) completing their final nursing rotation with the VNARNs. The third was a sample of 31 nurses enrolled in a graduate program training nurses for advanced practice (APRNs). There were no significant differences in overall mean self-efficacy scores among the groups of community health nurses. The mean scores indicated moderate self-efficacy about prescription-OTC interactions. Post-hoc analyses determined VNARNs had significantly greater knowledge scores than APRNs. Overall mean selfefficacy was not correlated with mean knowledge scores. Inspection of the knowledge item responses revealed nine general misconceptions about OTC medications held by many community nurses in the sample. The data can guide the development of continuing education programs about prescription-OTC interactions aimed at community health nurses.
Using Family-Style Meals to Increase Participation and Communication in Persons with Dementia
Authors: Altus Deborah E , Engelman PhD Kimberly K , Mathews R Mark 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT
Although researchers stress the importance of encouraging independent behavior in persons with dementia, institutional practices often foster dependence. This study took place in a six-resident locked dementia care unit that followed the common institutional practice of serving meals on prepared plates. The purpose of this study was to examine if changing the mode of meal delivery to "family-style," where residents were presented with serving bowls and empty plates, would increase resident communication and participation in mealtime tasks. An ABAB' reversal design revealed very low rates of appropriate communication (5% of intervals) and mealtime participation (10% of tasks) during baseline, when residents received prepared plates (A). Communication and participation doubled when family-style meal delivery was introduced (B) and dropped back to baseline levels when it was withdrawn (A). Because the levels of communication and participation during family-style meals were still low, the nursing assistant was provided with instruction on prompting and praising appropriate mealtime behaviors (B'). After instruction was provided and family-style meals were reintroduced, resident participation rose to 65% of tasks and appropriate communication increased to 18% of observations. This study suggests familystyle meals may result in modest increases in mealtime participation and communication of residents with dementia, but staff training in prompting and praising may be necessary to see large changes in these behaviors.
Nursing Informatics: APPLICATIONS FOR LONG-TERM CARE
Authors: Dyck Mary J 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT
Long-term care (LTC) settings, specifically nursing homes, have found it difficult to manage the regulatory process and provide quality resident care without computerization. Clinical information systems in the current health care environment, including LTC, need to provide five functions. These five functions are providing the legal record of care; supporting clinical decision-making; capturing costs for financial purposes; accumulating a database for administrative queries, quality assurance, and research; and supporting data exchange between systems. While computerization may have occurred in LTC, the application of the informatics concepts with nursing standardized languages and financial and database usage may not have occurred. To succeed in the current health care environment, nursing informatics concepts need to be implemented in LTC. As a result, the quality of care for older adults in nursing homes will be improved. The purpose of this article is to identify application for nursing informatics use in the LTC setting.
Comparison of Family Caregivers: Stroke Survivors VS. Persons with Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Clark Patricia C , King Kathleen B 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to compare family caregivers of person with dementia and caregivers of stroke survivors with similar levels of caregiving responsibilities. The design was descriptive and included characteristics of care recipients, caregivers, and care situations. Caregivers of individuals with dementia reported care recipients were more impaired with independent activities of daily living and memory and behavior problems. There were no differences in caregiver depression and fatigue. Even with the benefit of respite care, a substantial number of caregivers had depression scores above the level indicating possible clinical depression. Consultation by advanced practice psychiatric nurses for caregivers and care recipients may be beneficial in detecting depression and making recommendations for appropriate treatment.
Assault of Long-term Care Personnel
Authors: Levin Pamela F , Hewitt Jeanne Beauchamp , Misner Susan Terry , Reynolds Sheila 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to explore contributing factors, consequences, and solutions to assault of long-term care personnel. The study sample consisted of three focus groups composed of certified nursing assistants and administrators employed in long-term care facilities within a large Midwestern city. Using content analysis methodology, multiple themes emerged: worker attitude, vulnerability, work culture, job tasks, training, working short-staffed, financial concerns, changes in social values and health care, community crime, substance abuse, accepting assaults, coworker threats, issues of retaliation, professional withdrawal, and inability to share experiences. Preventive measures suggested by the participants are consistent with those recommended by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Implications for staff and administrators include both personal and workplace strategies. Recommendations include implementing more comprehensive violence prevention programs that includes conflict management and training tailored to the type of residents.
Concepts in Health Promotion: PERCEIVED SELF-EFFICACY AND BARRIERS IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Easom Leisa R 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT
Many older adults have reached later life in apparent good health while others' lack of self-care activities has greatly accelerated the process of aging. In this article, self-efficacy and perceived barriers are explored as significant concepts that influence the self-care activities of elderly individuals. A conceptual model is presented depicting perceived self-efficacy and barriers as determinants of self-care activities. This conceptual model differs from earlier health promotion models because it is specific for older adults. Based on empirical studies, this conceptual model demonstrates that the variables of perceived self-efficacy and barriers have a profound effect on an older adult's participation in self-care activities. Testing of this model is needed to provide a knowledge base for designing health promotion strategies, maximizing cost containment strategies, and contributing to Healthy People 2010 objectives of increasing quality of life for all older adults.
A PROGRAM TO Reduce Fatigue in Convalescing Elderly Adults
Authors: Robinson Sherry , Vollmer Charlene , Hermes Brenda 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT
This study is an examination of the influence of a fatigue reduction program on the level of fatigue experienced by elderly individuals convalescing in subacute units after lower extremity injury, surgery, or weakness. Fifty participants with a mean age of 81 were divided into two groups of 25 participants. The experimental group received a fatigue reduction program consisting of planned rest periods after bathing and therapy; high-protein, high-carbohydrate liquid supplement; and a 3-minute back rub at bedtime. Each participant's level of fatigue was tested soon after admission and 1 week later, and data were analyzed using the paired t test. The difference between the change in pre-test and post-test scores of the two groups was significant in all three measures of fatigue. The experimental group exhibited a significantly greater reduction in fatigue. The outcomes reinforced the value of nursing interventions that have been an integral component of nursing care from its beginning: promoting nutrition, alternating periods of activity and rest, and including a back rub in evening care.
Maintaining Family Connectedness In Long-Term Care: An Advanced Practice Approach to FamilyCentered Nursing Homes
Authors: Logue Rebecca McGarry 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT
The decision to place a relative in a long-term care institution is one of the most difficult processes families can go through. Family members often experience conflicting feelings of stress, shock, anxiety, fear, resistance, and guilt. In addition, many individuals, regardless of the amount of previous nursing home experiences, possess misconceptions about nursing home care (Grove, 1997; Mastrian & Dellasega, 1996; Tickle & Hull, 1995). Even after the family realizes the necessity of nursing home placement, achieving a level of comfort with such a decision and maintaining family relationships is a difficult challenge. Unfortunately, family-centered nursing care in longterm care settings is hindered by multiple barriers, including resistance to institutional change, family members' fear and hesitation, institutional rules and protocols, lack of institutional encouragement of family involvement, insufficient programs and activities addressing the social and emotional needs of the family, and ineffective communication between the staff and families. To remedy these barriers, it is suggested the family advanced practice nurse (APN) view the families as clients and initiate family-centered policies to encourage family involvement in the caregiving experience. Ultimately, this will promote individualized care of elderly adults and encourage family processes within the walls of the nursing home.