Older people in care homes and the primary care nursing contribution: a review of relevant research

Abstract

In the UK, older people who are resident in care homes because of their needs for social support and personal care receive their health care from primary health care. Although there is increasing input from district nurses in care homes (Audit Commission, 1999), there is little knowledge or recognition of the primary care nursing contribution. This paper reviews two types of research literature: studies that consider the health care needs of older people in residential care homes that could inform nursing support and interventions in care homes, and research that describes the nursing involvement with these settings. The paper argues that on the basis of the research reviewed many of the health problems older people in care homes experience could be avoided or improved by primary care nursing support and intervention. A reassessment is needed of how the interface between community and residential care is managed so that older people in care homes have access to appropriate health care support.

Improving care in care homes: A qualitative evaluation of the Croydon care home support team

“…managing depression (Lyne et al, 2006), managing behaviour problems (Proctor et al, 1999). The emphasis placed on meeting the social, mental health and nursing needs of the residents also contrasts with previous interventions that have prioritised mental health or more commonly nursing care (Goodman & Woolley, 2004;Hayes & Martin, 2004;Szczepura et al, 2008). The inclusion of a CPN, district nurse and social worker in the CHST enabled them to work effectively with care homes with and without nursing and with different categories of care.…”

In-reach specialist nursing teams for residential care homes: uptake of services, impact on care provision and cost-effectiveness

“…In 2000, the Royal College of Physicians, together with the Royal College of Nursing and the British Geriatrics Society, highlighted specific problems with clinical care in residential homes that required resolution [ 23 ]. A recent review identifies that a reassessment of the interface between community and residential care is still required to improve access to primary nursing care by older people in care homes [ 24 ]. Some of the needs of residents can be met through the care provided by residential home staff themselves, but it is evident that they will also require care from a range of health professionals including district nurses, therapists, GPs, pharmacists and other staff.…”

District nurses’ involvement and attitudes to mental health problems: a three‐area cross‐sectional study

“…District nurses form the largest group of community nurses in the UK, delivering care primarily in patients’ homes, though an increasing proportion of contacts are with people in residential care (Goodman & Wooley 2004). Their patients may be of all ages but are predominantly older adults: half the population aged over 85 are seen by district nursing services and nearly two‐third of patients seen have multiple nursing needs (Audit Commission 1999).…”