Caring for patients at different life stages usually differs due to distinct needs, which correspond to specific age groups. On the one hand, the health care system offers an individualized approach that considers the health status and the physiological and mental needs of people of different ages. On the other hand, age can sometimes cause various prejudices that arise when receiving health care. This paper aims to present an interview with patient A.M. regarding her experience in receiving nursing care at different life stages.
A.M., agreed to answer the questions.
Do you feel that your stage of life had any effect on your interaction with health care professionals?
Throughout my long life, I have seen different strategies in nursing and medical practice. In recent decades, I am pleased to feel that the approach has shifted towards a holistic focus on patients’ needs. Therefore, I feel a big difference in the attitude towards me because of my age and objective changes in the healthcare system. You may have heard of Thomas Armstrong’s concept of 12 life stages (Armstrong, 2019). This writer says that old age is a time of contemplation and wisdom that a person shares with others. I am pleased to know that doctors’ and nurses’ attitude towards me with age has become more attentive and caring – they are probably afraid to hurt me somehow, so they try to be extremely careful (Crago, 2016). When I was younger, unfortunately, I did not experience such attention.
Which areas of the hospital or clinic were most concerned with your well-being and feelings?
One day I was suspected of dementia and had to spend some time in a nursing home. As I was cut off from my family, it was a difficult time, an unusual environment surrounded me, and I had to pass many tests. I was horrified to think about how I would live here, remembering the coziness and comfort of my big house, and looking around my small room. I have a hobby – I love plants, and there is a small garden next to my house. I also have pets – my cats, which I had to give to friends during my nursing homestay. Despite the nurses’ attentive attitude, cleanliness, healthy food, and the objective necessity of being in the facility, it was not easy for me. But fortunately, the diagnosis was not confirmed, and I could soon return to my normal life.
Was your family with you during this hospital stay or outpatient visit?
Yes, my daughter and her husband brought me to that facility, and they were allowed to visit me. But even in everyday life, we see each other infrequently, they are busy at work and are raising three children, so I understood that we would not see each other every day. My daughter came to visit me and helped me understand doctors’ and nurses’ recommendations and supported me when I passed the tests. I was terrified, and I am very grateful for her support and the fact that the nursing home provided such an opportunity.
Was your family included in your treatment, such as post-procedure instructions?
Although the diagnosis of dementia was not confirmed, I was diagnosed with some minor health problems and recommended to lead a healthy lifestyle – spend time in the fresh air, eat healthy food, and maintain a healthy sleep schedule. These recommendations were also shared with my daughter, who found them useful both for me, for herself, and her children, except the diet, which usually has age differences. My diet included foods that support the cardiovascular system since heart problems occur in more than half of older people. Besides, the new diet was supposed to prevent the possibility of developing brain diseases in me. In addition to physical activity, I was also advised to be mentally active, and my daughter registered me in drawing classes, which we now attend together.
References
Crago, H. (2016). The stages of life: personalities and patterns in human emotional development. Taylor & Francis.
Armstrong, T. (2019). The human Odyssey: navigating the twelve stages of life. Sage.