Published Oct 31, 2007
yatyu
73 Posts
hello everyone...I am a nursing student and I am finding resources about the psychological impact of elderly being hospitalized....may you provide some info for me as I could only find a few journals......Thanks a lot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN
10,263 Posts
Look into something called "person-environment incongruity." It's particularly insidious with the demented elderly, who have no idea where they are or why. The adjustment can be quite difficult.
I had one guy with Parkinson's and Alzheimers who thought he was shackled - his legs didn't work - and called constantly for his wife. It was really pathetic. He kept rolling out of bed because she wasn't there next to him to keep him in, and besides, he was looking for her.
actually....i want to explore more about hospitalized-induced depression in elderly....I would like to know which key words could be used when searching journals..thanks!
marjoriemac, LPN
231 Posts
Try searching various words for the elderly eg older adult and use emotive terms such as isolation, loneliness, boredom, helplessness. Big issue with older adults coming into care is they feel they are losing control physically, psychologically and emotionally. Think of a resident who has to have her chair each day in the dining room - its about having something to call her own, to control.