NRG303: Care of the Older Person - Chapter 14: Values and Beliefs

Flashcards about values and beliefs of older adults.

Values and Beliefs

Uniquely human ideas that set us apart from other animals, affecting every aspect of our lives, including experiences of life, death, and health management.

Values and Beliefs Development

They develop in the context of a person’s unique sociocultural environment, based on messages communicated by family, culture, church, school, and media while growing up.

Impact of Values and Beliefs

They impact our perception and experience of the world, attach meaning to life events, and evaluate other people's actions. People tend to view their own beliefs as “normal” or “natural.”

Cultural Competence in Nursing

A set of behaviors that includes understanding the impact of cultural values and beliefs on human experiences, while maintaining awareness of own cultural values and their effect on the perception of self and others.

Economic Values in Older Adults

Older adults value financial independence and may have difficulties accepting financial assistance due to being raised during the Depression era valuing frugality.

Interpersonal Values in Older Adults

Older adults were raised in an era when interpersonal communication was more formal and may expect caregivers to address them formally.

Spirituality

A deeply personal experience of connectedness with a higher entity; it can vary significantly and may or may not be tied to a specific religious community.

Prayer

religious ritual used in many religions to communicate with a higher power.

Meditation

used to experience a state of mind that provides relaxation, stress and anxiety relief, or better understanding of self.

Spiritual Distress

Characterized by hopelessness and/or failure to see one's life in a positive light, often with feelings of fear or anger.

SPIRIT Mnemonic

Spiritual belief system, Personal spirituality, Integration into a spiritual community, Ritualized practices, Implications for medical care, Terminal event.

Nursing Goals for Spiritual Distress

Identify and verbalize sources of value conflicts, specify the spiritual assistance desired, discuss values and beliefs regarding spiritual practices, and express feelings of spiritual comfort.