Clinical gerontologist
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Clinical gerontologist · Mar 2019
Case ReportsFocus on the family: A case example of end-of-life care for an older LGBT veteran.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is likely the largest provider of health care for LGBT persons in US. However, histories of homophobia, stigma, discrimination, and past military policies have all had a lasting impact on the health of LGBT veterans. Effects can be seen across healthcare needs, disparities, access, and utilization for or by LGBT veterans. ⋯ However the wife was reticent to accept referrals for help or services due to past negative experiences with social service agencies related to her sexual orientation. The interdisciplinary team collaborated to care for the veteran's medical needs, and the wife's emotional and psychosocial needs, until after the veteran's death. This case highlights many of the unique needs and challenges that may arise in caring for LGBT veterans and their families at end-of-life.
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Clinical gerontologist · Oct 2018
Bringing Creative Writing Instruction into Reminiscence Group Treatment.
This article describes the program evaluation of a group intervention combining reminiscence with literary creative writing instruction. ⋯ Clinicians may consider ways to augment or adapt reminiscence interventions to meet the needs of their patient population. Clinicians may find it useful to integrate creative writing instruction into reminiscence interventions.
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Clinical gerontologist · Jan 2018
Case ReportsIdentifying Cognitive Impairment in Hospitalized Older Adults to Prevent Readmission: Two Case Studies.
To describe two patient outcomes post-discharge from an acute hospital admission. Both patients underwent cognitive testing during hospitalization. ⋯ Risk factors for readmission should be identified so the discharge team can develop a tailored plan of care. Including both the patient and an informal caregiver may reduce the chance of a hospital readmission in older adults with cognitive impairment regardless of the etiology.
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Clinical gerontologist · Oct 2017
PRN Medication Administration in a Geriatric Psychiatric Hospital: Chart Review and Nursing Perspective.
To improve patient care/outcome, an evaluation was conducted of nursing procedures and protocols for pro re nata (PRN) medications. ⋯ It would be worthwhile to train all staff in a patient-centered or ecopsychosocial (i.e., non-pharmacological) model of care, which would provide staff alternatives to PRNs. In that context, it would be important to implement standards of practice into geriatric psychiatry inpatient settings for PRN administration and documentation.