Geriatric Nursing RSS feed: Current Issue. Geriatric Nursing is a comprehensive source for clinical information and management advice relating to the care of older adults. The journal's peer-reviewed articles report the latest developments in the management of acute and chronic disorders and provide practical advice on care of older adults across the long term continuum. Geriatric Nursing addresses current issues related to drugs, advance directives, staff development and management, legal issues, client and caregiver education, infection control, and other topics. The journal is written specifically for nurses and nurse practitioners who work with older adults in any care setting. Geriatric Nursing is the official journal of the American Assisted Living Nurses Association, National Gerontological Nurses Association, Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association and is indexed in Medline, ISI and CINAHL.http://www.gnjournal.com/?rss=yesElsevier Inc.en © 2009 Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Geriatric Nursing0197-4572306November 2009 © 2009 Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. healthpermissions@elsevier.comhttp://www.gnjournal.com/article/PIIS0197457209004194/abstract?rss=yesTable of Contents10.1016/S0197-4572(09)00419-4Geriatric Nursing 30, 6 (2009)2009-11-01Geriatric Nursing2009-11-01306S0197-4572(09)X0008-X371372http://www.gnjournal.com/article/PIIS0197457209004200/abstract?rss=yesEditorial Board10.1016/S0197-4572(09)00420-0Geriatric Nursing 30, 6 (2009)2009-11-01Geriatric Nursing2009-11-01306S0197-4572(09)X0008-X373373http://www.gnjournal.com/article/PIIS0197457209004224/abstract?rss=yesInformation for Readers10.1016/S0197-4572(09)00422-4Geriatric Nursing 30, 6 (2009)2009-11-01Geriatric Nursing2009-11-01306S0197-4572(09)X0008-X374374http://www.gnjournal.com/article/PIIS0197457209004212/abstract?rss=yesInformation for Authors10.1016/S0197-4572(09)00421-2Geriatric Nursing 30, 6 (2009)2009-11-01Geriatric Nursing2009-11-01306S0197-4572(09)X0008-Xe1e2http://www.gnjournal.com/article/PIIS019745720900408X/abstract?rss=yes There is no question but that nursing has responded to the issues and queries around health care reform and has been proactive in getting policy statements out to the appropriate individuals in a timely manner. Examples of this abound such as the development of the Commitment to Quality Health Reform: A Consensus Statement by the Nursing Community signed and supported by the follow organizations:Updates on Health Policy Activities: Geriatric Nursing Input and Involvement10.1016/j.gerinurse.2009.09.005Geriatric Nursing 30, 6 (2009)2009-11-01Geriatric Nursing2009-11-01306S0197-4572(09)X0008-XEditorial375377http://www.gnjournal.com/article/PIIS0197457209003024/abstract?rss=yesThe population is aging leading to an increase of potential retirees. However, in light of current financial constraints, many people who might have retired may remain in the workforce. Others will nonetheless retire and may be interested in volunteering their skills and knowledge to help others.The Benefits to Working for Retired RNsLeslie Neal-Boylan, Katherine Cocca, Bart Carnoali10.1016/j.gerinurse.2009.07.002Geriatric Nursing 30, 6 (2009)2009-09-22Geriatric Nursing2009-09-22306S0197-4572(09)X0008-XFeature Articles378383http://www.gnjournal.com/article/PIIS0197457209003139/abstract?rss=yesAs more and more Baby Boomers are growing into their senior years, technology applications are being developed and marketed to increase their ability to remain independent in their own homes for as long as possible. This article reviews currently available devices and products that are intended to meet home safety needs of the elderly. The purpose of the article to share with nurses who care for elderly patients and their families some of the products and services that are currently available. Data regarding acceptability and efficacy of these products are still needed.Emerging Technologies to Enhance the Safety of Older People in Their HomesKathryn M. Daniel, Carolyn L. Cason, Sherry Ferrell10.1016/j.gerinurse.2009.08.010Geriatric Nursing 30, 6 (2009)2009-11-01Geriatric Nursing2009-11-01306S0197-4572(09)X0008-XFeature Articles384389http://www.gnjournal.com/article/PIIS0197457209003899/abstract?rss=yesSocial connectedness—that is, the relationships people have with family friends and others—is an important aspect of resident's adjustment to and participation in community living. Little is known about older adult's perceptions of social connectedness in long-term care. The aim of this study was to explore the relationships older adults living in long-term care have with family, friends, the outside world, other residents, and staff. A qualitative phenomenological approach was used to collect data from a purposive sample of 10 older adults using audiotaped semi-structured interviews. Findings revealed 6 themes: superficial relationships, substitution, outside world connection, mental ability, attitudes/actions of carers, and isolation. The study supports the understanding that the more social ties people have, the more socially connected they feel. Preventing social isolation among older people is an important area for practice, and older peoples' services should be shaped around maintaining connectedness and promoting integration of residents in long-term care.An Exploration of Social Connectedness as Perceived by Older Adults in a Long-Term Care Setting in IrelandCatherine Buckley, Geraldine McCarthy10.1016/j.gerinurse.2009.09.001Geriatric Nursing 30, 6 (2009)2009-11-01Geriatric Nursing2009-11-01306S0197-4572(09)X0008-XFeature Articles390396http://www.gnjournal.com/article/PIIS0197457209003954/abstract?rss=yesGuided by a phenomenological theoretical perspective, 6 young adult-child caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease were interviewed. The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of the experiences of young adult-child caregivers, with the key focus being the use of humor as a coping strategy in this caregiving circumstance. Qualitative analysis revealed a unique young adult-child caregiver experience in relation to humor including an acknowledgment of 3 key determinants that must be considered if humor is to be effective as a coping strategy, the identification of 4 factors that influence humor use, and finally a description of the perceived benefits of humor. Moreover, these research findings highlight the potential for the use of humor to be incorporated as a coping strategy for caregivers in the hope of preventing caregiver burnout and optimizing patient care.Humor as a Coping Strategy for Adult-Child Caregivers of Individuals with Alzheimer's DiseaseTracy Tan, Margaret A. Schneider10.1016/j.gerinurse.2009.09.004Geriatric Nursing 30, 6 (2009)2009-11-01Geriatric Nursing2009-11-01306S0197-4572(09)X0008-XFeature Articles397408http://www.gnjournal.com/article/PIIS0197457209004091/abstract?rss=yes Nursing home residents with respiratory disorders are increasingly being treated with combinations of short- and long-acting beta-agonists, anticholinergic agents, leukotriene antagonists, and corticosteroids. It is not unusual to find a diagnosis of asthma in the medical records of a nursing home resident with dyspnea. Yet how often is chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) the real diagnosis, and, from the perspective of management (including drug selection, dosage, goal setting, and monitoring), does it matter?Is That Case of Asthma Really COPD, and Does the Diagnosis Matter?Allen L. Lefkovitz, Barbara J. Zarowitz10.1016/j.gerinurse.2009.09.006Geriatric Nursing 30, 6 (2009)2009-11-01Geriatric Nursing2009-11-01306S0197-4572(09)X0008-XPharmacy Column409413http://www.gnjournal.com/article/PIIS0197457209004108/abstract?rss=yes Bed rails (also referred to as side rails) have been the subject of continuing interest and government oversight, whether in a hospital or skilled nursing facility setting. When used in a Medicare- or Medicaid-certified skilled nursing facility (SNF) or nursing facility (NF), the use of side rails is the subject of particular scrutiny. This not only takes into account the actual use of the side rail but also the process by which a determination is made that side rails are clinically appropriate and properly authorized.Bed Rails—Be Vigilant, but Know the Rules and GuidelinesHoward L. Sollins10.1016/j.gerinurse.2009.09.007Geriatric Nursing 30, 6 (2009)2009-11-01Geriatric Nursing2009-11-01306S0197-4572(09)X0008-XLegal Column414416http://www.gnjournal.com/article/PIIS019745720900411X/abstract?rss=yesFew states require assisted living communities (ALCs) to have an infection control plan (ICP), nor do they provide guidelines about infection control practices in ALCs or require communicable disease reporting to appropriate health agencies or even within the community itself. Most communities do not have an ICP that addresses prevention, detection, investigation, control, monitoring, or communication of an infectious outbreak. This article discusses the presentation and management of pneumonia, influenza, tuberculosis, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and Clostridium difficile infection; describes common (i.e., standard) infection control practices in long-term care; and provides the most recent information and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and other sources regarding prevention and treatment of the H1N1 viral influenza. The key to prevention is education and appropriate handwashing and respiratory hygiene practices. Internet sources for up-to-date information are also provided.Infection Control Practices in Assisted Living CommunitiesEthel Mitty10.1016/j.gerinurse.2009.09.008Geriatric Nursing 30, 6 (2009)2009-11-01Geriatric Nursing2009-11-01306S0197-4572(09)X0008-XAssisted Living Column417423http://www.gnjournal.com/article/PIIS0197457209004121/abstract?rss=yes How often do we hear “nothing can be done” pronounced in conversations with older patients, often too ill to respond beyond silent pain? If your experience is like mine, practicing in a hospital for some 20-odd years, you have heard it all too often. The patient or family members are stunned, reduced to mute confusion or elemental emotions, and surprised by a pronouncement that comes without context or warning. Unless they are among the few who have prepared for the declaration, most patients and their families are left grasping for the biomedical answer—that which they are socially conditioned to expect—and oblivious to the idea that not all treatment needs to aim for cure or control.“Nothing Can Be Done”—A Reply to Thoughtless Prognostic DeclarationsSarah H. Kagan10.1016/j.gerinurse.2009.09.009Geriatric Nursing 30, 6 (2009)2009-11-01Geriatric Nursing2009-11-01306S0197-4572(09)X0008-XAcute Care of the Elderly Column424425http://www.gnjournal.com/article/PIIS0197457209004133/abstract?rss=yesFamily caregivers of older adults with significant cognitive and/or physical impairment are at increased risk for both psychiatric and physical morbidity. This article examines the research literature dedicated to the development of effective interventions to reduce distress and enhance well-being for these caregivers. Using a recent empirically based treatment (EBT) review of the literature as a backdrop, 3 overarching types of interventions were described as effective: psychoeducational skill building, psychotherapy (cognitive-behavioral in focus), and multicomponent (using a combination of at least 2 approaches such as education, family meetings, and skill building). Suggestions are made to facilitate future caregiver intervention research and translation of EBTs into the community including the need to expand rigorous research with caregivers of older adults facing problems other than dementia, including older patients with psychiatric problems; develop and test interventions designed for transitions into and out of the caregiving roles, as well as interventions designed to improve physical health outcomes and promote health behaviors; create linkages between interventions at multiple levels of delivery; extend caregiver intervention work with underrepresented ethnic and racial populations; and investigate the cost-effectiveness of caregiver interventions.Empirically Based Treatments for Family Caregiver Distress: What Works and Where Do We Go from Here?David W. Coon, Bronwynne Evans10.1016/j.gerinurse.2009.09.010Geriatric Nursing 30, 6 (2009)2009-11-01Geriatric Nursing2009-11-01306S0197-4572(09)X0008-XNGNA Section426436http://www.gnjournal.com/article/PIIS0197457209004145/abstract?rss=yesAdvanced Practice Nurses (APNs) are able to bill for the services they provide at Nursing Homes. Coding is an integral part of charging for these services and can be a complex procedure. It is important to understand the billing process because APNs are responsible for the accuracy and adherence to regulations for all billing claims submitted under their individual APN Medicare provider number. Medicare covers services an APN is “legally authorized to perform in accordance with State law.” The following conditions must be met:Standard Service Codes in Nursing HomesLisa Byrd10.1016/j.gerinurse.2009.09.011Geriatric Nursing 30, 6 (2009)2009-11-01Geriatric Nursing2009-11-01306S0197-4572(09)X0008-XGAPNA Section437443http://www.gnjournal.com/article/PIIS0197457209004157/abstract?rss=yesThe voice of assisted living (AL) nursing is heard loud and clear in public policy debates and developments at local, state, and national levels. As a founding member of the Center for Excellence in Assisted Living (CEAL), the assisted living nurses association (AALNA) is on the Advisory Board and the Research Board. AALNA was a partner in the CEAL–University of North Carolina/Chapel Hill federally funded study on medication management in assisted living. The research design was “community-based participatory research,” or CBPR, which requires and engages the full participation of investigators from academia and service; they are equal “partners.” CBPR means greater opportunity for AL communities and nurses to participate in and use best practices research. AALNA was also instrumental in developing the CEAL Clearinghouse, a place to find articles and commentaries on a variety of subjects pertinent to assisted living.Voice of Assisted Living Nursing10.1016/j.gerinurse.2009.09.012Geriatric Nursing 30, 6 (2009)2009-11-01Geriatric Nursing2009-11-01306S0197-4572(09)X0008-XAALNA Section444445