Chapter 6

Understanding the Resident

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Caring for the Person For effective care, you must consider the

whole person. The whole person has physical, social,

psychological, and spiritual parts. These parts are woven together and cannot be

separated. Each part relates to and depends on the others.

Disability and illness affect the whole person.

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Address the Resident Properly Addressing the person

Call residents by their titles. Do not call residents by their first names unless

they ask you to. Do not call residents by any other name unless

they ask you to. Do not call residents Grandma, Papa, Sweetheart,

Honey, or other names.

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Basic Needs According to Abraham Maslow:

Basic needs must be met for a person to survive and function.

The needs are arranged in order of importance. Lower-level needs must be met before higher-level

needs.

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Maslow’s Basic Needs for Life Basic needs, from the lowest level to the

highest level, are: Physiological or physical needs (water, food, O2) Safety and security needs (unusual/new

surroundings--listen & be patient) Love and belonging needs (meaningful

relationships, acceptance) Self-esteem needs (treat all residents with

respect) The need for self-actualization (experiencing one’s

potential) People normally meet their own needs.

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6

Culture and Religion Culture is the characteristics of a group of

people passed from one generation to the next. The person’s culture:

Influences health beliefs and practices Affects behavior during illness and when in a nursing

center

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Religion Religion relates to spiritual beliefs, needs,

and practices. A person’s religion influences health and illness

practices. Many people find comfort and strength from

religion during illness. The nursing process reflects the person’s

culture and religion. Do not judge the person by your standards.

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Effects of Illness and Disability Sickness and injury have physical,

psychological, and social effects. Anger is a common response to illness and

disability. To help the person feel safe, secure, and loved:

Take an extra minute to “visit,” hold a hand, or give a hug.

Show that you are willing to help with personal needs. Respond promptly. Treat each person with respect and dignity.

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Highest Potential Optimal level of function

Residents are helped to maintain their optimal level of function.

Encourage the person to be as independent as possible.

Always focus on the person’s abilities.

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Nursing Center Residents Alert, oriented residents Confused and disoriented residents Complete care residents Short-term residents Life-long residents Mentally ill residents Terminally ill residents

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Behavior Issues People who do not adjust well have some of the following

behaviors: Anger Demanding behavior Self-centered behavior Aggressive behavior Withdrawal Inappropriate sexual behavior

A person’s behavior may be unpleasant. You cannot avoid the person or lose control. Good communication is needed. Follow the care plan.

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Residents with Disabilities A person may acquire a disability any time

from birth through old age. People with disabilities have the:

Same basic needs as you and everyone else Right to dignity and respect just like you and

everyone else

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Care of the Comatose Person The person who is comatose is unconscious. The comatose person cannot respond to

others. The person often can hear and can feel touch

and pain. Knock before entering the person’s room. Tell the person your name, the time, and the

place every time you enter the room. Give care on the same schedule every day.

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Care of the Comatose Person (Cont’d)

Explain what you are going to do. Explain care measures step-by-step as you do them.

Tell the person when you are finishing care. Use touch to communicate care, concern,

and comfort. Tell the person what time you will be back to

check on him or her. Tell the person when you are leaving the

room.

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Family and Friends Help meet safety and security, love and

belonging, and self-esteem needs Offer support and comfort Lessen loneliness Often help with the person’s care The presence or absence of family or friends

affects the person’s quality of life.

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Quality of Life The resident is the most important person in

the nursing center. Learn as much as you can about a person’s

religious and cultural beliefs and practices. Illness and disability affect quality of life.

Always focus on the person’s abilities. Always treat family and visitors with respect.

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