Ajusting to life in a Nursing Home - Research Paper Example

Running Head: Adjusting to Life in a Nursing Home Adjusting to Life in a Nursing Home Name] [Institution's Name] Abstract A number of studies have concluded the fact that various degrees of depression indicators are evidenced among the residents of different nursing homes. This distress seems to be higher among newly admitted residents and the elderly ones. This paper intends to analyze these depression indicators through an overview of the existing literature and effort has been made to find out how this distress can be minimized and residents are guided towards normalizing themselves through positive measures by the supporting healthcare professionals, with an aim to adjust them in the life of the nursing home. Adjusting to Life in a Nursing Home Introduction Many people encounter the go through with the nursing homes while additional assistance is required for the treatment of any of their relatives who might have had an ill health or any other health grievance. Even having no prior experience of such services they have to make choice among the available and accessible options. Such situations at times cause emotional and psychological complications for both patient and the relatives as they have to adjust themselves in an absolutely unknown environment. (Bornstein, et. al, 2001) Various indications and complaints in terms of depression are evidenced among the residents of nursing homes. The extent of such distresses seems to be higher among the old aged patients. It is not possible to find exact answer to the question that why these depressions develop particularly in nursing homes. However, an effort has been made in this paper to analyze the possible factors associated with the problem. (Lee, et. al., 2002). Caregiver and Resident Distress Whitlatch, et. al. (2001) believe that such distress develop for both residents and the primary caregivers. Primary caregivers are direct relations of the patient like spouses, parents, brothers or sisters .He further provides a Stress Process Model (SPM) which may be useful both for the repression of both nursing home resident and the caregiver for conceptualization of tension overprovision. Figure 1: Adopted from Figure 1 Whitlatch, et. al. (2001) Figure 1 clearly shows the dimensions of emotional closeness of the caregiver and the resident. Then subjective verifications are suggested that the relatives are fanatically concerned with the responses of their resident while his or her adjustment in the new environment. They usually do not consider the cognitive impairment of the patient as result of their main concern with the ultimate well being of the patient. The SPM, thus provides provisions for the stress of both resident and the caregiver. Analysis of Potential reasons Achterberg, et. al. (2006), conducted an empirical research to analyze the relationship between the prevailing symptoms of depression among the patients who recently joined the nursing home in comparison with their original residence. In this context 562 patients in 65 nursing homes were examined during a period of ten days right following the admittance. People of different age groups, genders and having varied diseases were included in the target population. Their depressive indictors in both major and minor stress situations were checked. This research concluded into the facts that depression is definitely evident among the resident of nursing homes. Patients coming from family life were found more depressed than those coming from any hospital. Moreover, further research is required to be conducted in order to manage and prevent these symptoms during or before admission of the patients. Assistance in Regaining Normality Kruczek (2007), a head nurse of a nursing home, states that this sort of depression is more common among the elderly residents who are chronically ill and it is difficult to involve them in the routine life. This is may be because they are willing to stay with their family but had to adjust themselves which make them feel dejected. She suggests special training for the concerned staff and suggests some positive ideas for managing this distress to some extent: Developments of positive relationship with the dealing staff by making them feel at home. As we know that home is a place where one is independent to follow his own will, so some degree of independence should be allowed such as watching TV whenever willing or staying asleep late in the morning; Celebration of birthdays with cake cutting and singing birthday songs; Elderly people are usually more concerned with their religion to arrangements must be made for their prayers; A specific time is provided to them to go out with the staff either on a wheel chair or on foot as they feel pleased. Residents of any age like making crafts to spend time happily like pot holders, paintings baskets and other gift items. A number of other activities can be developed on the basis of requirements and abilities of the residents. But the motivating, loving and caring attitude of the staff is of prime importance. Lee, et. al., (2002) suggests that these depressive symptoms usually take a period of around three to seven months. According to him this normality regaining process is quite complex and involves a number of social and psychological aspects. Four stages are involved in this process as shown below in Figure 2. Figure 2: Adopted from Figure1 Lee, et. al., (2002) It is noteworthy in this context that this normalizing process takes place by passing various phases of emotional and psychological nature and the individual responses may differ from person to person and a fixed time period is not advisable as well. sReferences Achterberg, W., Pot, A. M., Kerkstra, A., and Ribbe, M. (2006). "Depressive Symptoms in Newly Admitted Nursing Home Residents". International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 2006, 21. P. 1156-1162 Bornstein, R. & Languirand, M. A. (2001). "When Someone You Love Needs Nursing Home Care: The Coplete Guide". Newmarket Press. Kruczek, R. N. (1997). "Making residents feel 'at home' in the nursing home". Nursing Homes; Feb 1997; 46, 2; ABI/INFORM Global Lee, D. T. F., Woo, J., and Mackenzie, A. E. (2002). "The Cultural Context of Adjusting to Nursing Home Life: Chinese Elders' Perspectives". The Gerontologist; Oct 2002; 42, 5; ProQuest Psychology Journals. P. 667 Read More