Support of the experience of health in lucid elderly nursing home patients--registered nurses' perceptions

As peace of mind has been reported by elderly nursing home patients to be an important aspect of health, registered nurses were asked how they could support the attainment of this state of mind in elderly, lucid patients. Four aspects of nursing support were found: support through instrumental activities, through daily coexistence, through genuine encounters and through empowering supportive interventions. Included in professional nursing was not only the responsibility for all nursing performed in the ward, but also the empowering support, health education (support to acquire a realistic picture of the situation) and support in dealing with situations at hand. It was concluded that these functions in nursing home care needed further attention and research.