Humans go through different life stages that begin with infancy and proceed to childhood, youth, adulthood, and old age. In each of the five stages, the individual interacts with the healthcare system and professionals uniquely. From the interview with an older person aged 66 years, I gathered that her interaction with the healthcare system is fundamentally different from the way it was when she was younger. She indicated that she has more frequent interactions with healthcare professionals than she did many years ago. Most interactions focus on her well-being and managing illnesses that inevitably accompany aging. The interview was insightful in revealing the link between age and access to healthcare and demonstrated how it impacted the quality of interactions and the care patients receive.
The interview showed how nurses have developed the skills to care for older patients. From the interview, I realized that bedside nurses were most concerned about the patient’s needs. They ensured she was safe from falls, assisted her in visiting the washroom, and ensured that she stuck to the treatment regimen. Further, they were kind and willing to engage her in conversations and during the handover session. It was refreshing to learn that nurses have a willing spirit and the devotion to cater to the needs of all patients. Research indicates caring for older patients is challenging since it is associated with mental, physical, and social challenges that compound existing difficulties (Abdi et al., 2019). Thus, I commend the nurses who go out of their way to provide quality care for all patients, especially the older ones.
The family is indispensable in care delivery since it provides the requisite support structures that facilitate the healing process. My interviewee was lucky to have her family members during her hospitalization and outpatient visits. The visits were crucial since they gave her the assurance she needed, boosting her confidence. Research shows family involvement in care for older patients is crucial since it enables them to maintain autonomy, provide emotional support, and improve their quality of care (Ris et al., 2019). Furthermore, the family provides additional support for nurses and other healthcare providers by facilitating communication, coordination, or highlighting the patient’s medical history. Thus, family members must normalize their involvement in care for seniors to enhance their patient experience and outcomes.
My interviewee’s family was involved in the treatment and given instructions regarding post-procedure instructions. The patient is of sound mind and capable of making relevant decisions. However, the family needed to be consulted before the care team made any significant decisions. The approach aligns with the patient-centered care model that emphasizes respect and dignity for the patient and safeguarding their rights. Equally, the family was given post-procedure instructions to avoid complications that might require re-hospitalization. Thus, family involvement is vital at every stage of care to enhance the chances of receiving optimal outcomes.
The interview was a valuable learning opportunity that demonstrated the impact of age on the quality of interactions with health professionals and the importance of family involvement in care delivery for all patients. Every patient is unique, with exceptional demands and expectations. However, children and seniors require the utmost care and attention because of the complications that come with their ages. Family members need education and empowerment to enable them to contribute positively to patient care plans to boost the patient experience and guarantee desirable outcomes.
References
Abdi, S. et al. (2019). Understanding the care and support needs of older people: a scoping review and categorisation using the WHO international classification of functioning, disability and health framework (ICF). BMC Geriatrics 19(195); 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-019-1189-9
Ris, I., Schnepp, W., & Imhof, R. M. (2019). An integrative review on family caregivers’ involvement in care of home-dwelling elderly. Health and Social Care in the Community 27(3); 95-111. https://doi.org/10.1111/hsc.12663
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