Perceived needs and problems of the institutionalized elderly : basis for the development of a supplemental nursing care-focused program / Teresita A. Alcantara 6

Thesis (M.A.) Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, 2007;A thesis presented to the faculty of the Graduate School of Health Sciences in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Master of Arts in Nursing 56

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ABSTRACT: This study aimed to determine the perceived needs and problems of institutionalized elderly as basis for the development of nursing care-focused program. Specifically, it sought to answer the demographic profile of the respondents as regards to gender, civil status, educational attainment and length of stay in the institution; the perceived needs of the institutionalized elderly in physiological, psychological, environmental and spiritual aspects; the significant difference in the perceived needs when the respondents are grouped according to profile variables; the perceived problems of the respondents in terms of policies and services, personnel and facilities and the significant difference in the perceived problems when grouped to profile variables. The study adopted a descriptive and evaluative non-experimental design. A non-probability sampling, particularly purposive sampling was used for selecting 30 elderly respondents who have been living in the nursing home for a considerate period of time. The researcher utilized the Key Informant Interview Questionnaire/Guide formulated by the researcher based from existing concepts in care-giving and on standards used by the World Health Organization and the US Medicare concerning elderly care. The questionnaire was designed with 2 parts: first, the demographic profile of the elderly residents and secondly, 56 declarative statements about needs and problems in an elderly institution. The tool made use of a five-point scale as its mode of responses. In the light of the findings of the study, it was found out that: 1. Most of the elderly respondents were female, widowed, with unknown or unrecalled educational attainment, and had stayed in the institution for 4-6 years; 2. As to needs, it was perceived that both physiological and psychological are needs to moderate extent, environmental to a great extent and spiritual to a limited extent; 3. There are no significant differences on the perceived needs of the respondents in the four aspects when grouped according to gender, civil status, educational attainment and length of stay; 4. As to problems, it was perceived that both personnel and policies/services are problems to moderate extent while facilities resulted to a problem to a great extent; 5. There are no significant differences on the perceived problems of the respondents in the three aspects when grouped according to gender, civil status, educational attainment and length of stay; 6. To respond to the needs and problems that were identified in the conduct of this research, a program called A Supplemental Nursing Care-Focused Program, is proposed. This program is designed to create a warm, home-like environment to older persons 60 years and above, healthy or frail/dependent as well as their families, through the provisions of health services for nutrition, social interaction, physical fitness, recreation and environmental modifications. The program site is initially intended to be at Mary Help Mother of Mercy Home for the Elderly and the Abandoned at San Pedro, Laguna and if given opportunity, be extended to other towns or provinces and this time envisioned, to be owned and operated by the researcher, herself. In conclusion, as to needs, environmental was perceived as a need to a great extent. Specifically, nutrition, exercise/physical fitness program and socialization are found out to be needs in great extent. Specifically, nutrition, exercise/physical fitness program and socialization are found out to be needs in great extent. As to problems, areas on facilities were found out to be a problem to a great extent. Specifically. It was identified that reinforcement of policies and services and adequacy of manpower both in number and expertise, are problems in great extent. Therefore, a supplemental nursing care focused program can be proposed based on the aforesaid needs and problems of the institutionalized elderly. In view of the study's findings and conclusions, the following are recommended: 1. Improve the extent to which schools and colleges in nursing prepare prospective nurses who are capable of providing holistic care to the elderly by reinforcing geriatric in the curriculum and clinical affiliations with the institutions for the aged. 2. Inspire and stimulate the development of skilled and well-trained nurses in the field of geriatric/psychogeriatric nursing. An evidence-based framework may be followed to balance the physical and psychiatric nursing care skills. 3. Further evaluate the potential of institutional care and incorporate existing evidence-based approaches be in the care of the elderly. 4. Families and the elderly as well be open to institutionalization through information campaigns on the unique services offered by the institutions for the elders. 5. Negative perceptions on institutionalizing the elderly be changed or modified. A new concept, in the context of nursing in care partnership with family, can address the situation.

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