The topic is older people living in residential care i

Question

The topic is older people living in residential care  in AUSTRALIA

TutorBin · Accepted Answer

Assignment Task 3

Student Name

University Name

Course Code

Nursing care that effectively addresses the demands and medical issues of vulnerable groups is a critical component of any 21st-century healthcare system. When interacting with groups of individuals that, for various reasons (including age, location, and other factors), require specialised support, it's important to have a well-thought-out strategy ready to implement. Any such protocol needs to be up to par with nursing care norms and capable of addressing the specific health concerns of its intended users. Older Australians in facilities for the elderly have been selected as the susceptible population to be analysed. Care for these individuals can be optimised by analysing their social and clinical contexts in light of three Registered Nurse Standards.

Social Determinants of Health

According to Jeong et al. (2021), earnings, employment, and a cultural climate all play a substantial impact in the health of the targeted older population residing in resident care in Australia. Among the reasons the elderly often have to move into these establishments is the high cost of medications and expert medical treatment on an outpatient setting. Some people in the workforce simply cannot expect to rely only on a pension to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. Therefore, individuals have to rely on local institutions for assistance in order to fulfil essential demands and receive high-quality treatment. If this doesn't happen, seniors' health is put at risk, and they won't be able to handle the difficulties of ageing on their own.

A person's mental rather than their bodily well-being is greatly influenced by their social surroundings. According to Gills et al. (2007), the inadequate social contacts has a detrimental effect on the mindset of these inhabitants, which emerges as behavioural problems. When seniors lose the power to care for themselves, they often look for residential care. Therefore, not only do social health factors involve material issues, but they also involve some psychological subtlety.

Health Inequalities

The older population residing in residential care in Australia basically consists of a diverse group of people, which raises the possibility that individuals' health and well-being will vary. As per findings of Dixit & Sambasivan (2018), from a clinical point of view, the current healthcare system in Australia is equipped to meet the immediate requirements of the country's ageing population. This capability extends to the provision of aged care facilities. In this context, a higher average life span is one of the criteria that should be considered. Nevertheless, additional clinical variables representing citizens' well-being are related with problems, and this is true regardless of the age parameter. According to Walker and Paliadelis (2016), older persons are distinguished by higher incidence of illnesses, serious disease, dementia, and impairments. The fact that patients in nursing homes and other residential care facilities typically pass away within their facilities is a significant contributor to the high mortality rate seen in these types of facilities. This setting, in contrast to traditional hospitals, encourages the practises of geriatric care, and, as a general rule, elderly patients recover more slowly from illnesses and conditions due to the effects of both age and the limits imposed by society.

Inequalities are related with the concepts of care and rehabilitation for the old that are practised in aged-care facilities. These inequalities can be seen from the standpoint of health. Rayner and Bauer (2016) conducted a review of the procedures used for pain management in these facilities and found that the patients there were more likely to have this issue than patients in regular clinics. When they are unable to receive proper support for reasons connected to finances or other factors, older adults are forced to undergo extreme misery since pain relief is closely related to well-being. As a consequence of this, the clinical aspects of disparities have a detrimental effect on the health of the people in question, making them critical issues that require immediate attention.

Health Inequities

The socioeconomic circumstances that are often connected with the availability of health-care services and money are the ones that are responsible for determining health disparities among older people residing in facilities for the elderly in Australia. As per van Gaans and Dent (2018), low competence in English and lack of familiarity with available services and their locations are the most important issues that prevents the target audience from receiving sufficient care. This is especially true for populations that are indigenous to the area and migrants. Nevertheless, this element is made even more significant by the underlying social challenges that are produced by a care delivery system that is not structured in an effective manner. According to Davis et al (2015), shortfall in the availability of urgent care facilities is one of the most significant obstacles that prevents older individuals from gaining access to healthcare. The high expenses of health services are another factor that hinders the provision of appropriate care (Gaans & Dent, 2018). As a direct consequence of this, one of the most important factors that determines the level of medical treatment that older people in Australia receive is their income.

These limitations have a significant role in determining how old people feel about receiving assistance in residential care facilities for the elderly. According to the findings of the research conducted by Temple and Williams (2018), older individuals who have experienced deceitful service from caregivers have a tendency to have a lower trust in the healthcare system. The stigma they face in society is a direct result of the assumption that younger people are more deserving of attention than older people are, which is the root cause of the discrimination they face. This strategy is a reflection of the existing health disparities and necessitates the use of objective measurements by service providers in order to set up equitable access to medical care and ensure that care is delivered in a sustainable manner. If this doesn't change, the outcomes for elderly patients will get worse, which, although having a long-expected lifespan, may be the result of ignoring the requirements of the target audience.

Health Outcomes

Many of the health concerns affecting the senior population in Australia's aged care institutions are the direct outcome of the foregoing psychological and social challenges, making this population particularly vulnerable. Patients in this situation often have low morale, which has a detrimental effect on their health. Anhedonia and lethargy are typical among the elderly, as stated by Greenfield et al. (2021). With fewer people to talk to and less motivation to do anything, this group is at risk of a rise in mortality due to increased inactivity (Greenfield et al., 2021). Melancholy circumstances lead to the development of coexisting psycho-emotional problems, making the job of nurses more challenging.

Patients with mental illnesses are the most frequently seen health concern in Australian residential facilities for the elderly population. According to research by Amare et al. (2020), well over 50% of a representative cohort of individuals engaged and residing in these establishments were identified with at most some psycho-emotional condition. Also, in this population, the state of their mental health is directly related to their physical health. The authors point out that significant number of people who reported having a musculoskeletal ailment also had a mental health issue. Ulcers and other complications stemming from immobility caused by chronic weakness are extremely painful for patients. Hill (2021) pointed out that musculoskeletal diseases are a leading cause of injury in the elderly, specifically falls and fractures. This puts the population at risk for a variety of potentially debilitating diseases.

Nursing care considerations

With all of these obstacles in place, it is more important than ever to offer high-quality care and cultivate an atmosphere conducive to meeting the needs of the elderly Australians residing in residential care facilities. Given the cross-over nature of the identified concerns between physical and mental diseases, a thorough evaluation of the patients' situations is necessary for effective intervention. Working as a registered nurse in a retirement home or similar setting involves more than just tending to the basic hygiene and nutrition requirements of the residents. Adhering to the applicable principles of engagement, as decided at the legal level, is essential for providing comprehensive support.

In this context, the standards that define the functional expectations of the work of registered nurses are particularly relevant. Cashin et al. (2017) state that these guidelines were first presented in 2006 and have since become the norm by which many facets of patient engagement are defined. Authors argue that these guidelines are a vital policy document for regulating standard of practice by state, government organisations, education stakeholders, enterprises, as well as individuals (Cashin et al., 2017). This shows that the regulations are an accepted part of governmental supervision and that they care about the constitutional as well as the ethical aspects of registered nurses' work. However, care plans for the elderly in nursing homes have a better chance of being sustainable if they are based on satisfying the needs of this demographic and encouraging positive social interaction. Thus, in this context, the categories of Standard 1, 2 and 3 will come into play here.

Thinking critically and analyzing nursing practice

The best ways to meet this standard are to develop practise in an ethical way by reflecting on perceptions, understanding, behaviour, emotions, and belief systems to see how they shape practise and to honour all experiences and cultures which includes responding to the contribution of community and family that supports the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people from other cultures. However, in this context migrants and indigenous Australians are among the many ethnicities represented in Australia's residential care institutions. Respect for patients' cultural backgrounds is crucial to establishing a successful care process. These individuals have a moral and legal obligation to receive support that takes into consideration their values and beliefs. Hodge and Varndell (2020) point out that the provider-patient connection is heavily influenced by psychological elements, and that any prejudice decreases the nursing care quality. Thus, registered nurses need to learn about their patients' pasts, relationships, and other personal details. In return, the patients are appreciative of the medical staff's caring demeanour, which improves the quality of care they receive and the outcomes of their interactions. Therefore, the most important characteristics of interpersonal connection in managing the mental and physical health issues of older adults are respect for the elderly person's autonomy and sensitivity to their unique life experiences in care facilities for the elderly.

Engaging in Therapeutic and Professional Relationships

Providing full diagnosis to older Australians residing in aged care homes is essential for constructing professional and therapeutic connections with these individuals. All interactions with a patient at such a facility must take into account the patient's clinical issues and the social factors that have an impact on their health. Patient participation can be enhanced by team-based training, as noted by Davis et al. (2016). The necessity of investing in employee development to deliver high-quality care supports this suggestion. With so many different health concerns, residents at nursing homes can benefit greatly from this type of programme that encourages long-term therapeutic partnerships. Under these circumstances, the healthcare professional is attentive to the needs of the patient and ready to apply their expertise to solving those problems. The audience's anxieties and concerns about the inefficacy of care make it all the more important to cultivate trusting connections with patients.

Several factors highlight the significance of involving intended patients in such interactions. Many different illnesses and conditions might manifest themselves in the elderly population living in care homes. DeLaune et al. (2019) state that a patient's lack of information may impair their rehabilitation and prohibit them from taking part in self-care activities and health promoting behaviours. In other words, a patient's condition may worsen because they are unable to correctly assess their own health. The role of the registered nurse, then, is to keep an open line of communication with the patient and thoroughly explain every step of the treatment being provided. To do this job well, one need to get to know their patients on a personal level so they can meet all of their needs. Thus, the aforementioned norm addresses this mode of contact and promotes patients' rights to appropriate treatment and assistance. Moreover, among the many duties of a registered nurse, one of the most crucial is establishing open lines of communication with the elderly patients they serve. This is due to the prevalence of mental illness among the intended audience. Therefore, contact should be based on providing a positive stay for patients who not only have physiological but also behavioural impairments, in addition to adhering to common care guidelines. In order to overcome the difficulties associated with social adaption, Hamiduzzaman et al. (2020) stress the importance of patient-centered communication. Constant counselling of residents in elderly care homes may be part of the interaction algorithm's goal of instilling a feeling of safety in those who need it most. Isolation and social isolation are major contributors to anxiety disorders. Therefore, healthcare professionals should be the ones to strike up conversations with elderly residents in care facilities, always keeping in mind the importance of ethics in treating the people with respect.

Maintaining the capability for practise

Taking into account and promptly responding to one's own and others' health and wellbeing in connection to one's own and others' practice-readiness, and also providing the information and education needed to increase individuals' sense of agency over their own health, are key to meeting this criterion. Thus, for such reasons mentioned, notably the target audience's lack of awareness about the concepts of self-help and conquering chronic health problems, fostering health-related choices among residents at aged care institutions is vital. MacLeod et al. (2017) claim that many elderly people's difficulties can be traced back to their failure to understand the fundamentals of the care setting in which they are immersed. As a result, a key function of healthcare professionals is to educate patients about the rationales and results of therapies. Nursing personnel, in accordance with ethically sound standards of work, should take into account the health disparities of their intended patients and help them adjust. According to MacLeod et al. (2017), assisting the elderly in making decisions about insurance and other financial matters is an important step that has a direct impact on health outcomes. Contemporary medical problems, such as the importance of adult mobility principles and nutritional fundamentals, should also be addressed with self-help guidance. Moreover, cognitive restorative strategies are important for registered nurses to consider because of the prevalence of mental health issues in the elderly population served by healthcare facilities. Desai and Grossberg (2017) recommend thinking about specialised cognitive activities that encourage seniors to maintain cognitive health. The writers also highlight non-conventional physical aid programmes, such meditation and other traditional practises taught in hospitals to improve patients' health (Desai & Grossberg, 2017). In addition, registered nurses need to help their patients better understand their medications. Adverse health effects are often the result of pharmaceutical errors. As a result, there needs to be concentrated effort to improve senior patients' knowledge of the particulars of pharmaceuticals administered and safeguards to avoid disastrous outcomes. All of these recommendations can aid registered nurses in Australia's aged care institutions in fostering positive patient interactions and encouraging healthy lifestyle choices.

References

Amare, A. T., Caughey, G. E., Whitehead, C., Lang, C. E., Bray, S. C., Corlis, M., ... & Inacio, M. C. (2020). The prevalence, trends and determinants of mental health disorders in older Australians living in permanent residential aged care: Implications for policy and quality of aged care services. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 54(12), 1200-1211.

Cashin, A., Heartfield, M., Bryce, J., Devey, L., Buckley, T., Cox, D., ... & Fisher, M. (2017). Standards for practice for registered nurses in Australia. Collegian, 24(3), 255-266.

Davis, J., Morgans, A., & Stewart, J. (2015). Developing an Australian health and aged care research agenda: a systematic review of evidence at the subacute interface. Australian Health Review, 40(4), 420-427.

Davis, S., Berkson, S., Gaines, M. E., Prajapati, P., Schwab, W., Pandhi, N., & Edgman-Levitan, S. (2016). Implementation science workshop: engaging patients in team-based practice redesign—critical reflections on program design. Journal of general internal medicine, 31(6), 688-695.

DeLaune, S. C., McTier, L., Tollefson, J., Lawrence, J., & Ladner, P. K. (2019). Fundamentals of Nursing: Australia & NZ Edition 2e. Cengage AU.

Desai, A., & Grossberg, G. (2017). Psychiatric Consultation in Long-term Care: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. Cambridge University Press.

Dixit, S. K., & Sambasivan, M. (2018). A review of the Australian healthcare system: A policy perspective. SAGE open medicine, 6, 2050312118769211.

Giles, L. C., Glonek, G. F., Luszcz, M. A., & Andrews, G. R. (2007). Do social networks affect the use of residential aged care among older Australians?. BMC geriatrics, 7(1), 1-10.

Greenfield, L., Mathews, S., & Toukhsati, S. R. (2022). Anhedonia and anergia predict mortality in older Australians living in residential aged care. Aging & mental health, 26(3), 614-622.

Hamiduzzaman, M., Kuot, A., Greenhill, J., Strivens, E., & Isaac, V. (2020). Towards personalized care: Factors associated with the quality of life of residents with dementia in Australian rural aged care homes. PloS one, 15(5), e0233450.

Hill, T. (2021). Understanding unmet aged care need and care inequalities among older Australians. Ageing & Society, 1-30.

Hodge, A., & Varndell, W. (2020). Professional transitions in nursing: a guide to practice in the Australian healthcare system. Routledge.

Jeong, S. Y. S., Hunter, S., & McIntyre, L. (2020). Nursing in aged care contexts. In Nursing in Australia (pp. 180-190). Routledge.

MacLeod, S., Musich, S., Hawkins, K., & Armstrong, D. G. (2017). The growing need for resources to help older adults manage their financial and healthcare choices. BMC geriatrics, 17(1), 1-9.

Rayner, J. A., & Bauer, M. (2017). “I wouldn’t mind trying it. I’m in pain the whole time”: Barriers to the use of complementary medicines by older Australians in residential aged-care facilities. Journal of Applied Gerontology, 36(9), 1070-1090.

Temple, J. B., & Williams, R. (2018). Multiple health conditions and barriers to healthcare among older Australians: prevalence, reasons and types of barriers. Australian journal of primary health, 24(1), 82-89.

Walker, H., & Paliadelis, P. (2016). Older peoples’ experiences of living in a residential aged care facility in Australia. Australasian Journal on Ageing, 35(3), E6-E10.

The topic is older people living in residential care in AUSTRALIA

Get Instant Homework HelpOn Your Mobile

Get Instant Homework HelpOn Your Mobile