Chapter 6 Understanding the Resident All items and derived items © 2015, 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Caring for the Person  For effective care, you must consider the whole person.  The whole person has physical, social, psychological, and spiritual parts.  These parts are woven together and cannot be separated.  Each part relates to and depends on the others.  Disability and illness affect the whole person. * All items and derived items © 2015, 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Address the Resident Properly  Addressing the person  Call residents by their titles.  Do not call residents by their first names unless they ask you to.  Do not call residents by any other name unless they ask you to.  Do not call residents Grandma, Papa, Sweetheart, Honey, or other names. * All items and derived items © 2015, 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Basic Needs  According to Abraham Maslow:  Basic needs must be met for a person to survive and function.  The needs are arranged in order of importance.  Lower-level needs must be met before higher- level needs. * All items and derived items © 2015, 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Maslow’s Basic Needs for Life  Basic needs, from the lowest level to the highest level, are:  Physiological or physical needs (water, food, O2)  Safety and security needs (unusual/new surroundings--listen & be patient)  Love and belonging needs (meaningful relationships, acceptance)  Self-esteem needs (treat all residents with respect)  The need for self-actualization (experiencing one’s potential)  People normally meet their own needs. * All items and derived items © 2015, 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

6

Culture and Religion  Culture is the characteristics of a group of people passed from one generation to the next.  The person’s culture:  Influences health beliefs and practices  Affects behavior during illness and when in a nursing center * All items and derived items © 2015, 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Religion  Religion relates to spiritual beliefs, needs, and practices.  A person’s religion influences health and illness practices.  Many people find comfort and strength from religion during illness.  The nursing process reflects the person’s culture and religion.  Do not judge the person by your standards. * All items and derived items © 2015, 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effects of Illness and Disability  Sickness and injury have physical, psychological, and social effects.  Anger is a common response to illness and disability.  To help the person feel safe, secure, and loved:  Take an extra minute to “visit,” hold a hand, or give a hug.  Show that you are willing to help with personal needs.  Respond promptly.  Treat each person with respect and dignity. * All items and derived items © 2015, 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Highest Potential  Optimal level of function  Residents are helped to maintain their optimal level of function.  Encourage the person to be as independent as possible.  Always focus on the person’s abilities. * All items and derived items © 2015, 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Nursing Center Residents  Alert, oriented residents  Confused and disoriented residents  Complete care residents  Short-term residents  Life-long residents  Mentally ill residents  Terminally ill residents * All items and derived items © 2015, 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Behavior Issues  People who do not adjust well have some of the following behaviors:  Anger  Demanding behavior  Self-centered behavior  Aggressive behavior  Withdrawal  Inappropriate sexual behavior  A person’s behavior may be unpleasant.  You cannot avoid the person or lose control.  Good communication is needed.  Follow the care plan. * All items and derived items © 2015, 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Residents with Disabilities  A person may acquire a disability any time from birth through old age.  People with disabilities have the:  Same basic needs as you and everyone else  Right to dignity and respect just like you and everyone else * All items and derived items © 2015, 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Care of the Comatose Person  The person who is comatose is unconscious.  The comatose person cannot respond to others.  The person often can hear and can feel touch and pain.  Knock before entering the person’s room.  Tell the person your name, the time, and the place every time you enter the room.  Give care on the same schedule every day. * All items and derived items © 2015, 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Care of the Comatose Person (Cont’d)  Explain what you are going to do. Explain care measures step-by-step as you do them.  Tell the person when you are finishing care.  Use touch to communicate care, concern, and comfort.  Tell the person what time you will be back to check on him or her.  Tell the person when you are leaving the room. * All items and derived items © 2015, 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Family and Friends  Help meet safety and security, love and belonging, and self-esteem needs  Offer support and comfort  Lessen loneliness  Often help with the person’s care  The presence or absence of family or friends affects the person’s quality of life. * All items and derived items © 2015, 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Quality of Life  The resident is the most important person in the nursing center.  Learn as much as you can about a person’s religious and cultural beliefs and practices.  Illness and disability affect quality of life.  Always focus on the person’s abilities.  Always treat family and visitors with respect. * All items and derived items © 2015, 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.