Nursing Case Studies on Improving Health-Related Quality of Life in Older Adults

This globally focused resource integrates sound research evidence, real-life case scenarios, and effective, practical strategies to address a key health care initiative of the 21st century--optimal quality of life for older adults. Distinguished by its broad and global outlook, the book includes contributions from an international cadre of widely published scholars and is designed for easy integration into traditional nursing education curricula. The book explores the experiences of older adults at home, and in acute and primary care, assisted living, nursing home and hospice environments and examines their needs for dealing with multiple, differentiated health, spiritual, and emotional considerations. The book addresses all four domains of quality of life as set forth by the World Health Organization. A detailed and multi-dimensional case study opens each chapter, followed by subjective and objective data focusing on the quality of life domain addressed. Articulation and definition of each quality of life issue is presented along with the incidence and prevalence of the problem. Several cases addressing issues older adults encounter in preventing and managing acute and chronic disease serve as a clinical resource guide, with their emphasis on clinical reasoning. Another outstanding feature of the book is its comprehensive, synthesized literature reviews with approximately 20 references for each issue. These reviews deliver the best evidence in the field and offer effective strategies. Generalist and advanced practice (AP) nursing roles in promoting quality of life as well as cultural considerations are also covered. Each chapter concludes with a bulleted summary of tips for promoting quality of life accompanied by clinical reasoning questions. Content is organized compatibly with the Adult/Gero Nurse Practitioner Certification Test Plan. Key Features: Addresses key quality of life education and practice initiatives advanced by leading gerontology organizations worldwide Includes detailed, multi-faceted case studies reflecting extensive, current evidence-based literature Describes practical, cost-effective strategies aimed at maintaining health Disseminates the universally applicable perspectives of international scholars of global aging Provides content compatible with the Adult/Gero Nurse Practitioner Certification Test Plan