<p>Relocation stress syndrome is a nursing diagnosis characterized by symptoms such as anxiety, confusion, hopelessness, and loneliness. It usually occurs in older adults shortly after moving from a private residence to a nursing home or assisted-living facility. The primary purpose of this study was to validate the symptoms of relocation stress syndrome. Eight nursing home residents and 8 assisted-living facility residents were interviewed 2 to 10 weeks after admission, when symptoms of relocation stress syndrome are most likely to appear. Results of this study indicate that the incidence of relocation stress syndrome may be overestimated. More accurate diagnosis and treatment of depression in older adults is needed.</p> <h4>ABOUT THE AUTHORS</h4> <p>Dr. Walker is Associate Professor, Dr. Curry is Professor, and Dr. Hogstel is Professor Emeritus, Harris College of Nursing &amp; Health Sciences, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas.</p> <p>The authors disclose that they have no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity. Partial funding for this study was obtained from Beta Alpha Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International.</p> <p>Address correspondence to Charles A. Walker, PhD, RN, C, Associate Professor, Harris College of Nursing &amp; Health Sciences, Texas Christian University, TCU Box 298620, Fort Worth, TX 76129; e-mail: <a href="mailto:c.walker@tcu.edu">c.walker@tcu.edu</a>.</p>

Results suggest that achieving a functional level that will support independence is possible for older women who were residing independently prior to a hip fracture.

Older adults use more prescription and OTC medications than any other age group. Because their medication regimens often are complicated by many medications and different doses, times, and administration methods, older adults are at high risk for medication mismanagement. The most common errors associated with medication mismanagement include mixing OTC and prescription medications, discontinuing prescriptions, taking wrong dosages, using incorrect techniques, and consuming inappropriate foods with specific medications. Both human and environmental factors contribute to medication mismanagement among older adults. Human factors include faulty communication between the health care provider and the patient; the patient's lack of knowledge; ADRs; alcohol-drug interactions; use of OTC medications and herbal products; cognitive, sensory, and motor impairments; and polypharmacy. Environmental factors include high cost of prescribed medications, improper medication storage, and absence of clearly marked expiration dates. Nurses need to take advantage of both formal and informal teaching opportunities in all settings to prepare a patient for medication self-management. Teaching should be individualized and based on a thorough assessment of the patient's abilities to administer medication safely and the specific medication regimen. By involving older adults as active partners in their health care, many errors and medication-related health problems can be prevented. New technologies and devices have the potential for improving the patient's self-management of medications. The role of nurses in educating older adults and their families about proper medication management is vital.

Additional educational programs might increase awareness of risk factors and behaviors likely to enhance bone health. All older women should be encouraged to initiate discussion regarding osteoporosis with their health care providers. Physicians, nurses, social workers, and others also should assess their client's knowledge of osteoporosis.

With an increased focus on wellness and health promotion, there is a need for community-based strategies to complement traditional strategies aimed at improving individual and aggregate health. An educational program on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis was provided for 188 women age 60 and older in three different community settings: churches, retirement homes, and senior citizen centers. The major purposes of the study were to determine whether a community-based program might (a) contribute to older women's knowledge about osteoporosis and (b) promote their intent to use this knowledge. Each participant completed a demographic profile, the Osteoporosis Risk Checklist, and the Osteoporosis Knowledge Questionnaire (OKQ), with the OKQ serving as a pre- and post-test. Before post-testing, a 30-min educational program was provided. Differences among the three groups were risk factors, prior knowledge about osteoporosis, and knowledge at the completion of the program. A majority of the clients indicated an intent to increase calcium in their diet, discuss osteoporosis with their health care provider, check their home environment for safety/falls, and discuss what they had learned with others. Nurses need to plan educational programs in all settings to teach older clients about the risk factors, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis.