bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Blood Pressure Monitoring: Older Adults' Perceptions
Authors: Viverais-Dresler Gloria , Bakker Debra A 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT
The purpose of this article is to report the qualitative findings on older adults' perceptions of blood pressure measurement and its meaning to their health. The convenience sample consisted of 51 community-dwelling older adults who were recruited from either wellness clinics or a senior citizens' club. Data were collected through in-depth audiotaped interviews. Participants' responses were analyzed by identifying topics, patterns, and themes. The following three themes emerged: provision of reassurance, decision-making leading to serf-care activities, and reliance on health care professionals. These findings can be used by community health nurses, especially those in gerontology to gain insight into how a sample of ofder adults perceived blood pressure monitoring. In addition, the findings can serve as guidelines for nurses in the provision of effective hypertension management with older adults.
Improving Nursing Home Food Service: Uncovering the Meaning of Food Through Residents' Stories
Authors: Crogan Neva L , Evans Bronwynne , Severtsen Billie , Shultz Jill A 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT
The meaning of food to nursing home residents is explored to examine residents' perspectives related to nursing home food and food service, and to identify strategies for improving food and food service in nursing homes. An interpretive phenomenological approach was used to uncover meaning in a series of "tell me a story" interviews about food and food service with nine residents from an eastern Washington nursing home. Analysis revealed 14 domains of meaning, each containing multiple codes with specific descriptions and exemplars of resident expression about food service. Themes that cut across these codes were generated and further organized into three rubrics. They were: Mimicking Home, Making Choices, and Tailoring the System. Specific information found under these three rubrics can be used as a blue print for quality improvement interventions implemented by nursing home staff and management, thereby improving quality of life for nursing home residente.
Pain Treatment and Quality of Life
Authors: Kenefick Amy Laufer 
Published: May 2014

Reducing Depression and Improving Cognitive Impairment
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to identify implications for the care of nursing home residents based on exploration of the relationship of depression to pain, cognitive impairment, and communication impairment in this population. A descriptive, crosssectional, post-hoc design was used. Methods of statistical analysis included bivariate correlation coefficient calculation, stepwise multiple regression, and analysis of variance. A complex triad of cognitive impairment, pain, and depression was identified. The strength of the relationship between depression and cognitive impairment increases as cognitive impairment increases and in the presence of pain. This relationship is strongest among residents with severe cognitive impairment, severe communication impairment, and advanced age. Nurses may be able to relieve symptoms of depression in nursing home residents by using strategies based on knowledge of the resident's cognitive, communication, and pain status. Treating pain may lead to improved cognitive performance in residents who are depressed or reduced depression in residents who are cognitiveIy impaired. The most elderly adults and adults with severe communication impairment may benefit most from these interventions.
Caring for Self While Caring for Others: The Two-Track Life of Coping with Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Farran Carol J , Loukissa Dimitra A , Lindeman David A , McCann Judith J , Bienias Julia L 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT
Relationships between depressive symptoms and altered immune function have been documented in the literature; however, the links between depressive symptoms, altered immune function, and changes in physical health are less clear. Although a number of caregiver descriptive studies have examined immunological outcomes, only one intervention study with caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease, known to the authors, has included immunological outcomes. The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the effectiveness of a caregiver skill-building intervention to decrease caregiver depressive symptomatology and care-receiver behavioral symptoms; and to assess the feasibility and stability of the delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) skin test with this population. Caregiver depressive symptoms decreased, while carereceiver behaviors did not. Findings suggested that the DTH skin test could be successfully administered to caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and that this skin test had short-term stability. There were no significant relationships between caregiver depressive symptoms and immune function. Study findings suggest that nurses can play a pivotal role in intervening with family caregivers and potentially decreasing their depressive symptoms.
Urinary Tract Infections: Does the Smell Really Tell?
Authors: Midthun Susan J , Paur Ruth , Lindseth Glenda 
Published: May 2014

Urine odor may be misleading in detecting urinary tract infections in elderly nursing home residents.
ABSTRACT
Asymptomatic bacteriuria is considered a transient and benign condition in the geriatric population. Before a diagnosis of a urinary tract infection (UTI) can be made, symptoms and significant bacteriuria must be present. One of these symptoms is malodorous urine. Other symptoms of a UTI, typical in the younger population, have been found to be absent or misleading in the older adult population. Though early detection of UTIs improves outcomes, unnecessary laboratory tests are costly and time-consuming, and may encourage inappropriate antibiotic therapy. The purpose of this study was to determine if urine odor is an accurate predictor of a UTI in the older adult incontinent nursing home population. Ninety-seven recently wet incontinence pads of residents in six Midwestern nursing homes were evaluated for odor within 1 hour of voiding. These results were compared to microscopy and culture results of clean-catch urine samples from these individuals. Defining a UTI as either bacteriuria or bacteriuria and pyuria, using urine odor to identify a UTI resulted in error in one third of cases. Results of this study indicate smell of urine in incontinence pads may be an absent or misleading symptom for UTIs in elderly nursing home residents.
The Transition of Elderly Patients Between Hospitals and Nursing Homes: Improving Nurse-to-Nurse Communication
Authors: Cortes Tara A , Wexler Sharon , Fitzpatrick Joyce J 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT
Lack of patient information is a particular problem when a patient is transferred from one health care facility to another. The lack of information needed to develop a timely and effective plan of care for an older adult transferred to the nursing home facility may exacerbate disruptions in the older adult's care. Also, adjustment or readjustment to the nursing home or hospital environment may be prolonged. Persistence of problems or difficulty in adjustment may then lead to exacerbation of the disease processes and, ultimately, hospital readmissions. Evidence suggests that elderly patients discharged from the hospital have high readmission rates. Although the patient is most affected by a breakdown in communication, everyone in the nursing home involved in the resident's care is also affected. All staff who provide care to the resident, including nursing, medicine, nutrition, pharmacy, social work, and physical therapy staff members, must be cognizant of issues related to communication for patients being transferred. In this article, the authors discuss the development, implementation, and results of a model designed to increase the communication surrounding the transition of elderly patients from an inpatient unit to and from nursing homes.
Raising Awareness of FALL RISK Among Chinese Older Adults: USE OF THE HOME FALL HAZARDS ASSESSMENT TOOL
Authors: You Liming , Deans Cecil , Liu Ke , Zhang Meifen F , Zhang Jun 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Home Fall Hazards Assessment (HFHA) tool adjusted for Chinese homes to raise awareness of the dangers of falling among Chinese older adults. This descriptive study of 415 Chinese adults age 60 and older was completed in the older adults' homes in the community. The study was an assessment by nurses of hazards in the home setting using the HFHA. The hazards identified by nurses were compared with those reported by the elderly individuals. The study identified the most frequently found hazards in the homes and showed that a large discrepancy existed between the actual hazards assessed by trained nurses using the HFHA and the perceived hazards reported by the participants (p < .001). The study suggests that the HFHA can be an effective health education method and that the involvement of older adults in the assessment process will effectively raise their awareness of existing risk factors for falls in their everyday life.
HIV and Older Adults Clinical Outcomes in the Era of HAART
Authors: Uphold Constance R , Maruenda Javier , Yarandi Hossein N , Sleasman John W , Bender Bradley S 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT
As the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic enters its third decade, nurses are caring for increasing numbers of older adults with HIV who are on complicated medication regimens or highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Although HAART has revolutionized HIV and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) care, little is known about how older adults respond to the new therapies. A review of the medical records of 19 older (≥ 50 years) and 18 younger (< 40 years) adults initiated on their first HAART regimen revealed both older and younger adults had similar positive clinical outcomes. Nurses need to individualize their care to patients of all ages rather than develop specific clinical guidelines for older adults with HIV.
MULTICULTURAL Medication Adherence: A Comparative Study
Authors: Robbins Bertha , Rausch Kerry J , Garcia Ramon I , Prestwood Karen M 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of several interventions on improving medication adherence among White, Black, and Hispanic older women. A total of 109 women older than age 65 who were participating in a clinical osteoporosis trial were recruited for this 12-month study examining medication adherence. After baseline medication adherence was assessed, participants underwent standardized teaching. Participants were contacted monthly by telephone and were seen in a clinic setting every 3 months. All participants used a pillbox for 6 months, and the minority women used an electronic monitoring bottle for 6 months. Adherence was highest in White women. Black women showed significant improvement in adherence at 9 and 12 months, and Hispanic women demonstrated a significant increase in adherence at 12 months. The use of electronic monitors had a positive effect on adherence for the minority women.
Perceived Helpfulness of Telephone Calls
Authors: Chang Betty L , Nitta Shizue , Carter Patricia A , Markham Young Kee 
Published: May 2014

Providing Support for Caregivers of Family Members With Dementia
Family caregivers of individuals with dementia experience feelings of social isolation, depression, anxiety, and interpersonal strain. The findings of this study indicate telephone calls by trained personnel can be an efficient and effective manner of providing support for caregivers.
VALIDATION of the Reactions to Ageing Questionnaire: Assessing Similarities Across Several Countries
Authors: Gething Lindsay , Fethney Judith , McKee Kevin , Persson Lars-Olaf , Goff Marilyn , Churchward Margaret , Matthews Slade , Halvarsson Maud , Johannsson Ingrid 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT
With the increasing numbers of older adults, factors impacting the effectiveness of provision of health care must be addressed. The literature suggests attitudes, particularly those of nurses, impact health service provision. This article reports the outcome of a multicountry validation study of the Reactions to Ageing Questionnaire (RAQ). The RAQ measures attitudes toward personal aging and has been used in Australia for 5 years. This study was designed to determine whether the psychometric characteristics and norms of the RAQ identified for Australian nurses also apply to nursing samples in Sweden and the United Kingdom. Findings indicate the internal structure of the RAQ extends outside Australia, with similar factors appearing across the three countries. Ranges and standard deviations indicate the instrument is able to discriminate between respondents within each country. Cronbach's alpha coefficients were consistent across countries and fell in the moderately high range. The findings indicate the RAQ has many potential applications in attitude assessment and in providing direction for training designed to address attitudinal factors that may impact the effectiveness of nursing practice for older adults.
Facilitating Resident Information Seeking Regarding Meals in a Special Care Unit: AN ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN INTERVENTION
Authors: Nolan Beth A D , Mathews R Mark 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT
Repetitive questions and requests for information are common in older adults with dementia. The purpose of this environmental design intervention was to provide residents continuous access to information about common mealtime questions with the intent of decreasing agitation around mealtimes and facilitating more pleasant patient-staff and patient-patient interactions. A special care unit for residents with dementia of the Alzheimer's type was the setting. During the intervention conditions, a large clock and a sign with large lettering that identified mealtimes were hung in the dining area. Direct observations of 35 residents were conducted at mealtimes for a 5-month period. Results showed reductions from baseline to the intervention phase in food-related questions or requests. These results suggest a simple, inexpensive environmental change intervention can reduce repetitive questions commonly exhibited by individuals with dementia.
MOVING TO AN Assisted Living Facility: Exploring the Transitional Experience of Elderly Individuals
Authors: Tracy Janet P , DeYoung Sandra 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTThis qualitative study examined the effects of relocating to an assisted living facility in a select sample of elderly individuals. Small group interviews with open-ended discussion allowed participants to express feelings about their transitional experience and recall situations in their adjustment process. Themes arising from the data included self-motivating factors, ties to the past, independence, affection, and adjustment, which correlated with the principles of assisted living. This study revealed a beginning understanding of the experience of moving from a private home to assisted living and provided a framework for a new vision of these residents. Nursing implications are included that offer ways to provide assistance and further facilitate adjustment.
Indoor Gardening and Older Adults: Effects on Socialization, Activities of Daily Living, and Loneliness
Authors: Brown Victoria M , Allen Aimee C , Dwozan Marci , Mercer Ivey , Warren Kim 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT
This study examined the effects of indoor gardening on socialization, activities of daily living (ADLs), and perceptions of loneliness in elderly nursing home residents. A total of 66 residents from two nursing homes participated in this two-phase study. In phase one, experimental group 1 participated once a week for 5 weeks in gardening activities while a control group received a 20-minute visit. While no significant differences were found between groups in socialization or perceptions of loneliness, there were significant pretest-posttest differences within groups on loneliness and guidance, reassurance of worth, social integration, and reliable alliance. The results also demonstrated gardening interventions had a significant effect on three ADLs (transfer, eating, and toileting). Phase two examined differences in the effects of a 5-week versus a 2-week intervention program. Although no significant within-group differences were noted in socialization, loneliness, or ADLs, the 5-week program was more effective in increasing socialization and physical functioning.
The Meaning of Mealtimes: Connection to the Social World of the Nursing Home
Authors: Evans Bronwynne C , Crogan Neva L , Shultz Jill Armstrong 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT
Food that reflects our family backgrounds is a source of comfort that can play an important part in recovery from illness or adaptation to the nursing home, especially for older individuals. However, no studies could be found that explored residents' perspectives on how their food and food service preferences are, or are not, met in nursing homes. This exploratory qualitative study examined dietary preferences acquired during the course of a lifetime, and the meaning of mealtimes to 20 nursing home residents, and attempted to connect that meaning with their social world. Exploring the meaning of food and food service to nursing home residents could furnish insights for improving nutritional status, adaptation to the nursing home, and quality of life through promotion of individualized nutritional care.
Nurse Staffing in Nursing Homes in the United States: Part II
Authors: Harrington Charlene 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT
This study compared state minimum staffing standards with actual nurse staffing levels in nursing homes in each state. The actual nurse staffing levels in nursing homes were compared to the nurse staffing levels recommended by experts in 2000 and 2001. Data for the study came from primary data collected during a survey of state staffing standards and secondary data of actual staffing from federal administrative records. Actual nurse staffing levels in nursing homes were higher than state minimum standards, showing no evidence that minimum staffing standards become the average staffing level. When actual nurse staffing levels were compared with the minimum standards recommended in a federal report, 97% of all nursing homes had staffing levels below those considered safe. Considerable new federal and state resources are needed to bring the state staffing standards and the actual nursing home staffing levels up to the levels recommended by experts.
The Health Status of Rural Caregivers
Authors: Sanford Julie Tanner , Johnson Arthur D , Townsend-Rocchiccioli Judith 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTThe purposes of this study were to examine the relationships among stress, caregiver burden, and the health status of rural caregivers and assess whether caregiver burden and stress predict the physical health status of caregivers in the rural setting. A descriptive-correlational design was used to explore the caregiver health status of 63 informal caregivers in rural Alabama and Mississippi. The relationships among stress, burden, and health status in rural caregivers were significantly related (p .000) and significant variance in health status (p .000) was accounted for by the model variables of stress and caregiver burden. Rural caregivers experienced difficulty with transportation to the hospital and their physidans, and complained of experiencing uncomfortable physical symptoms.
Use of Individualized Music by Trained Staff and Family: Translating Research into Practice
Authors: Gerdner Linda A 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT
This pilot study used a mixed methodology to evaluate the effectiveness of individualized music for the management of agitation when implemented by trained staff and family. Music was administered daily and as needed to eight elderly individuals with dementia who resided in a long-term care facility. A statistically significant reduction in agitation was found during the presenta- tion of music and an overall reduc- tion in agitation was found on day shift during weeks 1 to 8 and on evening shift during weeks 5 to 8. Staff and family interviews provided convergent validity of findings. Music also promoted meaningful interaction between the resident and others.
Osteoarthritic KNEE OR HIP PAIN: Possible Indicators in Elderly Adults with Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Tsai Pao-Feng , Means Kevin M 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTMany elderly individuals with cognitive impairment (CI) suffer from chronic pain resulting from osteoarthritis (OA). They have diminished ability to communicate their pain to health care providers, and when pain is undetected, it may be untreated. A method of detecting chronic OA pain in elderly individuals with CI and measuring treatment outcomes is thus urgently needed. This article examines indicators of chronic OA pain in cognitively intact elderly individuals that could be used to identify pain in elderly individuals with CI. The review suggests that patients with severe knee or hip OA pain tend to show specific motor patterns, disturbances of gait patterns, and reduction of activity level. Therefore, these behaviors could serve as alternatives to verbal report of chronic pain in elderly individuals with CI and knee or hip OA.
Health-Related Decision-Making by Older Adults and Their Families
Authors: Popejoy Lori 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT
Helping frail and vulnerable individuals and their families to make the best health-related decision is difficult even in the best of circumstances. Decision-making as a discrete action is often discussed in the health care literature, but the concept that decision-making is a process is largely ignored. Understanding the basic elements of the decision-making process used by older adults and their family, or support individual(s) may help health care team members offer more substantial and meaningful assistance to the individuals who are trying to make tough healthrelated decisions. Full information needs to be available so all participants involved in the process can make reasonable decisions. The decision-making process is highly contextual and is based on how realistic the decision-making goals are and how congruent the experiences versus perceived expectations are, as well as the quality of options available.
Continent or Incontinent? That is the Question
Authors: Taunton Roma Lee , Swagerty Daniel L , Lasseter Joyce A 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT
A qualitative, emergent, case study design guided the description of care provided to nursing home residents with urinary incontinence in three Midwestern nursing facilities. Participants included 17 residents and 16 family members or friends of the respective residents. Staff and managers involved in the planning and delivery of care to the participating residents also were included. The three facilities represented variation in size, location, ownership, and Medicare certification. Data were collected via observation, resident record audit, and semi-structured interview. Definitions of incontinence varied among staff. A collectively held expectation that residents would be toileted every 2 hours was not met. Maintaining skin integrity was the primary motivation for keeping residents clean and dry. Medical directors viewed incontinence as a nursing problem. Staff described situations in which incontinence was improved for specific residents, but there was little evidence of formal programs to maintain continence or improve incontinence.