Abstract

People with dementia are hospitalized for a variety of reasons. The combination of dementia with additional health conditions creates a unique challenge to caregivers in acute care settings. There is a dearth of information available to provide guidance to the nursing staff caring for these patients. This integrated review of the literature examined the experiences of hospitalization from the perspective of the older adult with dementia, the family caregiver, and the patient care staff. Results showed a limited body of literature that addressed hospital experiences of people with dementia and those of family and professional caregivers. Additionally, few studies addressing this topic have been conducted in the United States. The primary finding from this study is that better communication is needed between nursing staff, patients, and their family caregivers. Nurses should carry out detailed assessments of cognition and pain in all elderly patients, and strive to provide appropriate palliative and end-of-life care. Dementia- specific training for all staff members may help to promote a better understanding of patients with dementia. Lastly, further research into the experiences of hospitalized dementia patients is needed, with a focus on acute care settings within the United States.

Notes

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Thesis Completion

2012

Semester

Spring

Advisor

LaManna, Jacqueline

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.)

College

College of Nursing

Degree Program

Nursing

Subjects

Dissertations, Academic -- Nursing;Nursing -- Dissertations, Academic

Format

PDF

Identifier

CFH0004146

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Document Type

Honors in the Major Thesis

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Included in

Nursing Commons

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