Feelings of guilt and worry among family members of patients in need of long-term care are a natural reaction. As a charge nurse, I would thus start from addressing the emotional part of the issue by explaining to Suzanne that the reason behind her mother’s condition is not in any way caused by Suzanne’s actions and is a result of an inevitable biological process.
I would then proceed to arguing that such condition requires high-quality care and that professional care will most likely produce better results. Next, I would point out that becoming a caregiver for her mother would likely seriously impact her own well-being, which is not only avoidable but is actually in Ethel’s best interests. Finally, could appeal to findings of the researchers who studied the patient outcomes for people receiving long-term care at home and in specialized facilities.
Three main points should be prioritized in the process of Suzanne’s education. First, both she and Ethel would benefit from a program that would decrease the risk of falling. This program should include information on strengthening exercises that would decrease the likelihood of falling, as well as safety guidelines aimed at preventing high-risk scenarios. The second issue that requires extensive coverage is the information on the aging process and the expected changes in Ethel’s health.
This would minimize the stress experienced by Suzanne upon encountering the unexpected changes and, by extension, ensure her cooperativeness with the facility’s staff. It will also save dedicated to the interaction between the patient, family members, and the nurses. Finally, it would be necessary to familiarize Suzanne with principles of medication prescription to add a layer of safety to Ethel’s treatment and increase trust between her and the nursing home’s personnel.
References
Fick, D. M., Cooper, J. W., Wade, W. E., Waller, J. L., Maclean, J. R., & Beers, M. H. (2003). Updating the Beers criteria for potentially inappropriate medication use in older adults: Results of a US consensus panel of experts. Archives of Internal Medicine, 163(22), 2716-2724.
Sink, K. M., & Atkinson, H. H. (n.d.). Principles of rational prescribing.