Journal of Gerontological Nursing
Vol. 29 No. 6 June 2003
By Rebecca McGarry Logue, MSN, APRN-BC
ABSTRACT
The decision to place a relative in a long-term care institution is one of the most difficult processes families can go through. Family members often experience conflicting feelings of stress, shock, anxiety, fear, resistance, and guilt. In addition, many individuals, regardless of the amount of previous nursing home experiences, possess misconceptions about nursing home care (Grove, 1997; Mastrian & Dellasega, 1996; Tickle & Hull, 1995). Even after the family realizes the necessity of nursing home placement, achieving a level of comfort with such a decision and maintaining family relationships is a difficult challenge. Unfortunately, family-centered nursing care in longterm care settings is hindered by multiple barriers, including resistance to institutional change, family members’ fear and hesitation, institutional rules and protocols, lack of institutional encouragement of family involvement, insufficient programs and activities addressing the social and emotional needs of the family, and ineffective communication between the staff and families. To remedy these barriers, it is suggested the family advanced practice nurse (APN) view the families as clients and initiate family-centered policies to encourage family involvement in the caregiving experience. Ultimately, this will promote individualized care of elderly adults and encourage family processes within the walls of the nursing home.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ms. Logue is former Geriatric Clinical Nurse Specialist and current Certified Adult Nurse Practitioner, Scottsdale, Arizona.
Address correspondence to Rebecca McGarry Logue, MSN, RN, ANP-BC, 16408 N 48th Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85254-9606.
