Bedbugs and consultants are bleeding us dry
Older people's nursing
News, practice, opinion and forums for nurses caring the elderly
Doing crossword puzzles and other mentally stimulating pursuits may hide the progress of Alzheimer’s disease rather than prevent it, meaning a crucial treatment window is missed, according to new research.
Nurses from private care homes will be able to ask senior NHS nurses for advice and help following the launch of a new website run by a Manchester primary care trust.
Almost a third of nurses are not confident that a malnourished relative would be spotted if admitted to hospital, a survey by charity Age UK has found.
Primary care trusts spent just a quarter of the funds they were given to pay for end of life care on direct nursing provision to support patients dying at home.
American scientists have discovered new drugs that can protect nerve cells in mice from the affects of Parkinson’s disease.
Nursing practice often involves undertaking procedures about which there is debate or uncertainty. In Practice Question we ask experts to determine how nurses should approach these situations
Falls prevention is a high impact intervention, but which strategies work? This summary outlines the nursing implications of a recent Cochrane review
The Gold Standards Framework recommends advanced care planning. The clinic gave nurses the ideal opportunity to optimise patient choice and reduce anxiety
A protein produced in arthritis may “protect against the development of Alzheimer’s disease,” reported BBC News.
“Elderly people who worry about falling may double the chances that they will take a tumble,” reported The DailyTelegraph.
“Loneliness is a killer” and is “as bad for your health as alcoholism, smoking and overeating”, reported the DailyMail.
Although nurses commonly deal with death, no standardised training in last offices is available. Jo Wilson and colleagues explain why nationally endorsed guidance is urgently needed
A recurring theme in negative reports about nursing quality in the NHS seems to be the care given to older patients. Clare Lomas investigates what can be done to meet the challenge
The Gold Standards Framework recommends advanced care planning. The clinic gave nurses the ideal opportunity to optimise patient choice and reduce anxiety
Constipation associated with Parkinson’s disease can damage wellbeing and restrict independence. Effective bowel care is essential to maximise people’s quality of life.
Mental illnesses, such as delirium, dementia and depression, are common among older people in acute care. A rehabilitation unit was set up to aid independence
Older people often need pain relief yet age related changes can influence drug pharmacokinetics. An awareness of both drug and non-drug interventions is vital
Last offices must be performed with dignity and respect. Nurses are uniquely placed to have awareness of the wishes of patients and their grieving families
Motivational interviewing can help people improve their lifestyles but nurses need to understand its principles to spot opportunities to encourage this
As the evidence base on treating depression evolves, it is vital that nurses stay up to date with treatment options for patients with differing degrees of symptomsLatest news for older people's nurses
Mental exercise may speed up dementia
Private care home nurses linked with NHS
Malnourished patients go unnoticed
End of life care is compromised as ‘crucial’ services are denied funds
Drug protects nerve cells in Parkinson's patients
Practice questions
I have been asked to help measure the apex and radial pulse. What are they and why is it necessary to measure both?
Evidence-based practice
Evaluating the effectiveness of falls prevention strategies in nursing care facilities and hospitals
Innovations
Developing a nurse led hospice outpatient clinic to improve palliative care services
Practical procedures: Last offices
Behind the headlines
Arthritis may block Alzheimer's
Fear of falling 'raises fall risk'
With a little help from your friends
Practice comment
National guidance on last offices would prevent family distress
Analysis
Is nursing’s great challenge care of the elderly?
Nursing practice, clinical research
Developing a nurse led hospice outpatient clinic to improve palliative care services
The physical, social and emotional effects of bowel dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease
Developing an intermediate care unit for older people with mental and physical illnesses
How to ensure acute pain in older people is appropriately assessed and managed
After death 2: exploring the procedures for laying out and preparing the body for viewing
Guided learning
Motivational interviewing 1: background, principles and application in healthcare
Depression 2: exploring management options for adults with moderate to severe symptoms
