Eliopoulos10e_PowerPoint Presentations_ Chapter 10 (2)

Chapter 10: Continuum of Care in Gerontological Nursing

Chapter Learning Objectives

• Outline of Key Goals

  • Describe the continuum of services available for older adults.

  • Discuss factors influencing service selection for older adults.

  • Describe various practice settings for gerontological nurses.

  • List major functions of gerontological nurses.

Terms to Know

Adult Day Services

• Centers that provide health and social services for individuals with moderate physical or mental disabilities, offering respite for caregivers.

Assisted Living

• Residential care for individuals who need assistance but do not require nursing home services. Includes various facility types like residential care facilities, personal care, and boarding homes.

Case Management

• Services delivered by registered nurses or social workers to assess individual needs, identify services, and coordinate care.

Continuing Care Retirement Community

• A long-term care option allowing older adults to stay in the same place as their care needs evolve, typically for a monthly fee and an entry fee.

Hospice

• Services providing support and palliative care for terminally ill individuals and their families.

Nursing Home

• A facility providing 24-hour supervision and nursing care for those unable to remain in community settings.

Respite

• Short-term care services designed to relieve caregivers temporarily.

Introduction

• Population Trends

  • Increase in older adult population leading to significant societal changes.

  • Older adults are major users of health care services.

  • All nurses will be involved in caring for older adults across various settings.

Services in the Continuum of Care for Older Adults

• Types of Services

  • Supportive and preventive services

  • Partial and intermittent care services

  • Complete and continuous care services

  • Community-based services

  • Institution-based services

  • Complementary and alternative services

Supportive and Preventive Services

Goal

• To maintain independence and self-care capacity.

Functions

• Identify service needs, referral to appropriate services, and coordination of care.

Types of Services Include:

• Financial services

• Employment

• Nutrition

• Housing

• Health care

• Social support and activities

• Volunteer work

• Education

• Counseling

• Legal and tax services

• Transportation

• Personal Emergency Response System

• Shopping at home

Partial and Intermittent Care Services

• Definition

  • Assistance provided for partial limitations in self-care or therapeutic demands.

• Purpose

  • To reduce risks of new or worsening conditions.

• Providers

  • Available through community networks and institutions.

Types Include:

• Assistance with chores

• Home-delivered meals

• Home monitoring

• Telephone reassurance

• Home health care

• Foster care and group homes

• Adult day services

• Day treatment and hospital programs

• Assisted living

• Respite care

• Health ministry and parish nurse programs

• Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly

• Hospice services

Complete and Continuous Services

• Characteristics

  • Provision of 24-hour supervision for individuals requiring continuous care.

• Examples

  • Hospital care

  • Nursing homes

Complementary and Alternative Services

• Trends

  • Increased interest among older adults in alternative therapies.

• Advocacy

  • Ensures older adults have the right to informed choices in therapy options, including education on benefits, risks, and assistance in finding reputable providers.

Matching Services to Needs

• Challenges

  • Diverse and fluctuating needs of the aging population must be considered.

Considerations When Matching Services to Needs

• Services need to address:

  • Physical, emotional, social, and spiritual factors.

  • Unique and changing requirements of the individual.

  • Flexibility in care.

  • Tailored services according to individual needs.

Settings and Roles for Gerontological Nurses

• Opportunities

  • Gerontological nurses work in a variety of settings with diverse roles and responsibilities.

• Future Trends

  • Increasing demand for gerontological nursing expertise across various health care settings.

Review Questions

• Question 1: True or False? The continuum of care includes preventive services, partial and intermittent care services, and complete and continuous care services.

  • Answer: True. Includes both community-based and institution-based services.

• Question 2: Preventive services support individuals except:

  • Answer: C. Suggestion of day treatment programs, as this is a partial service.

• Question 3: True or False? Adult day care programs are a growing component of community-based long-term care.

  • Answer: True. Over 3,500 centers currently provide adult day care in the U.S.

• Question 4: True or False? Additional preparation is required for nurses implementing complementary therapies.

  • Answer: True. Extra training enhances nurses' ability to provide these therapies.

• Question 5: True or False? Opportunities for gerontological nurses are limited to older adult facilities.

  • Answer: False. Opportunities exist in various settings including community and institution-based services.