Holistic care facilitates seamless transitions for a community-dwelling elder: a case study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Nursing Science
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Community-dwelling seniors with diminishing self-sufficiency face risks of early institutionalization.
• Proactive interventions are crucial for guiding elders toward suitable long-term care options.
• Maintaining quality of life necessitates timely and appropriate support systems.

Observation:

• A gerontological nurse acted as a facilitator of healing for a senior experiencing functional decline.
• The intervention focused on leveraging the elder's remaining capabilities.
• The goal was to guide the senior toward achieving optimal quality of life within their community setting.

Findings:

• The gerontological nurse's facilitative role was instrumental in the healing process.
• Early and personalized support enabled the elder to maintain a higher degree of autonomy.
• The elder successfully navigated care options, enhancing their overall quality of life.

Implications:

• Gerontological nurses can play a vital role in preventing unnecessary institutionalization.
• Facilitating healing and leveraging existing capabilities are key strategies for elder care.
• This approach supports aging in place and enhances the well-being of seniors.