Related Experiment Videos
Keeping nursing home residents hydrated.
Janet C Mentes1, Betty L Chang, Joseph Morris
1School of Nursing, University of California Los Angeles, 90095-6919, USA. jmentes@sonnet.ucla.edu
Western Journal of Nursing Research
|May 5, 2006
Summary
Nursing home staff identified complex factors contributing to resident dehydration, including resident refusal, communication issues, and family involvement. They proposed practical strategies to improve fluid intake and prevent dehydration in skilled nursing facilities.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Nursing Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Dehydration is a significant health concern for nursing home residents, potentially leading to adverse health outcomes.
- Ensuring adequate fluid intake is a complex challenge within the skilled nursing facility environment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore nursing home staff perspectives on the problem of dehydration among residents.
- To identify clinically practical interventions for improving resident hydration.
Main Methods:
- Four focus groups were conducted with 28 nursing home staff members in metropolitan Los Angeles.
- Participants included certified nursing assistants, licensed vocational nurses, registered nurses, and other staff.
- Content analytic techniques were employed to analyze the qualitative data.
Main Results:
- Three emergent themes: residents' reasons for inadequate fluid intake, signs and symptoms of dehydration, and strategies for enhancing hydration.
- Staff highlighted the intricate nature of ensuring adequate hydration, influenced by resident-family dynamics and staff communication.
Conclusions:
- Nursing home staff possess valuable insights into the multifaceted issue of resident dehydration.
- Interventions must address resident-specific factors, staff communication, and family engagement to effectively improve hydration status.