Flexibility important for nursing home residents

Flexibility and individuality important for nursing home residents

Wednesday 7 October 2009, embargoed to 12 noon

An international expert on ageing and psychology says nursing home residents are far more likely to be happy and positive if they live in a flexible environment and are valued as individuals.

Associate Professor in the School of Psychology at The University of Queensland, Dr Nancy Pachana, was speaking at the Age Concern New Zealand/New Zealand Association of Gerontology conference, Living in an Ageing Society - Shaping Tomorrow Today.

Dr Pachana says a lot of research has been carried out on the best ways to care for people in nursing homes; now we need to put our knowledge into practice.

“In successful nursing homes, scheduling is flexible and people are treated as individuals, with their own interests and preferences acknowledged.

“We need to take account of the environment, listen to what people are saying – including when they ask for help, and ensure individuals are at the centre of the care being provided.”

Dr Pachana says a positive psychology approach looks at what gives people pleasure in life.

“If you are in a nursing home, you can still enjoy some of the same things you enjoyed before. The challenge then is to get people in nursing homes more engaged in things that interest them and make their life meaningful.”

She says that sadly, in some nursing homes, people are rewarded for being dependent.

“Residents are not allowed to participate in every day life – things like making their own beds or setting the table. The environment is so bland that there is no stimulation, and that’s when you see older people slumped in their chairs, looking blank.”

Dr Pachana holds up as a good example small group nursing homes in the Netherlands that practice positive psychology.

“There are smaller group nursing homes, in which the residents help with every day activities like making lunch and folding clothes. There is no need for ‘diversional’ activities because residents are busy undertaking meaningful tasks.”

She says for psychological wellbeing, older adults need a sense of control or autonomy, a feeling of meaning, purpose and belonging, social contribution, the ability to express themselves, and self-acceptance.

“Nursing homes that treat residents as individuals and cater for their interests encourage all these things.”

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