Case Study: Defining Holism For The Elderly Population

Defining Holism for the Elderly Population

Lisa Hartman, Kimberlee Mobley, Rachel Selvaggi, Nicole Varney

Sentara College of Health Sciences Defining Holism for the Elderly Population The elderly population has specific needs and challenges regarding care that are specialized based on the individual. Individualizing care consists of assessing client factors related to their needs, conditions, and situation (Brooks, 2011, p. 6) Meeting those needs is best done by integrating the biological, phycological, social, and spiritual dimensions of a person “recognizing that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts” (Halter, 2014, p. 640). The specialty practice of holistic nursing incorporates “nursing knowledge, theories, expertise and intuition to guide nurses in becoming therapeutic partners with people in their care” (Thornton, 2015). This holistic gerontological nursing approach creates an interconnected plan addressing the mind, body, and spirit for the unique individual to identify “patient needs related to health

89). Visual changes, mobility, and changes relevant to advancing age are important to identify to make sure the environment of each client is adjusted to be compatible with their altered physical competence to promote safety. Other environmental factors regarding client comfort, adequate rest, and pain management contribute to the physiological component of the holistic model (Eliopoulos, 2014, p. 89). Older adults have at least one chronic condition challenging their health status and quality of life compounding the complexity of treatment and ongoing care. Client education regarding maintaining proper nutrition, activity level, and environmental and personal safety measures is an essential aspect of managing their health to protect