The residents of long term care facilities require competent care so as to enjoy a good quality of life. Long term care facilities provide range of physical and mental conditions for the residents, keeping in view the individual needs of the inmates. A brief review of the growth of long term care facilities may offer some insights into current challenges confronting this care setting.
Definition: Long term care consists of a variety of services which help to meet both the medical and non-medical needs of people with a chronic illness or disability who cannot care for themselves for long period of time.
By the end of the 17th century, most European countries had created institutions to care for the mentally ill, aged, developmentally disabled, orphaned, poor, criminals and people with contagious diseases. The intention was not to provide highly specialised and individualised care but rather to segregate these people from the rest of society. Until 19th century, the United States had few institutions of this kind. People who were sick, old or disabled were expected to receive care at home through private help or family members. As the population grew, there was also increase in number of people without the financial or family resources to be provided care, and hospitals and other forms of in-patient care were needed. An informal long term care system began to evolve as people rented rooms of their homes to older adults who needed accomodation, board and perhaps some basic personal care assistance. In 1946, the federal development took a noticeable step in promoting nursing home growth through the HillBurton Hospital Survey and Construction Act. The Act provided funds for hospital construction, but other institution, such as nursing homes, could also obtain funds if they met certain conditions.
Residents of long term care
Residents of long term care organisations can be of& any age, although most are older adults. The risk of being in long term care facilities increases with each decade of life, the average age of residents is 82 years.
Staff of long term care facilities
Nearly 1 million nursing employees work in long term care facilities in the United States. However, most of these are unlicensed personnel.
Nursing responsibilities
1. Assessment
To have a comprehensive assessment conducted within the first 14 days of admission and at least annually; to have a comprehensive care plan developed within 7 days after completion of assessment.
2. Care planning
Regulation requires that a care plan be drawn for each resident within 7 days after completion of the assessment. The care plan is an interdisciplinary one.
3. Care giving
The direct care giving role of nurses varies from one facility to another. Residents face many adjustments in terms of Environment, Routine, People, Independence and Communication
4. Management
Nurses hold a variety of administrative and managerial positions in long term care facilities.
Functions of nurse
- Delegating assignments
- Supervising other staff
- Evaluating performance
- Completing reports
- Reviewing and auditing records
- Investigating, reporting and recording incidents and accidents
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