Visual functioning in nursing home residents: information in client records

Abstract

In this study, one-third of nursing homes residents have visual problems, needing examination by an ophthalmologist. Problems with visual functioning should be assessed and captured in client records. Awareness of residents' visual functioning is a prerequisite for adapting basic daily care to the residents' needs.

Age Related Visual Pathologies among Nursing Home Residents: An Evaluation of Light Conditions and Recording in Client Files

“…Four different nursing home organizations (with seven nursing home buildings) in the central region of the Netherlands participated in both previous studies (Sinoo, Van Hoof, & Kort, 2011;Sinoo, Kort, & Duijnstee, 2012). These organizations were motivated to improve the awareness of adequate eye care among their caregivers.…”

“…In this first study no information about client records was given. The second study (Sinoo, Kort, & Duijnstee, 2012) addressed the recording of general eye care information in client records in the seven nursing homes. The findings of this second study showed that a significant proportion of client records showed no recorded information on visual functioning (the use of spectacles; normal vision, low vision or blindness).…”

“…According to the current knowledge of the Dutch nursing home population, the ratio of residents residing in psychogeriatric and somatic wards is 1:1 (Ten Draak, 2010). According to the WHO criteria for vision impairment, 74% of the assessed residents had "normal vision" and 26% were assessed as having "low vision or blindness" (Sinoo, Kort, & Duijnstee, 2012).…”

“…As described in Sinoo, Kort and Duijnstee (2012), the screening of the client records was performed by the researcher a few days before the optometric examinations took place. During the optometric examination of the resident, the optometric assistant completed, if needed, the information found by the researcher.…”

A nursing home staff tool for the indoor visual environment: The content validity

“…[8,[12][13][14] The importance of awareness of nursing home residents' visual functioning has been addressed by former studies. [6,[13][14][15][16] A supporting tool might raise professional caregivers' awareness of these environmental factors, indicated as (building) physical aspects in Figure 1. In a pilot study, [17] the content and layout of the Environmental Observation tool for the Visually Impaired (EOVI-63) was determined by use of a literature search and open observations in seven nursing homes.The tool was developed because previous studies howed that nursing homes had poor light conditions and because of professional caregivers' lack of awareness of these light conditions and their effect on the residents.…”