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Purpose: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic impacted life for older adults living in residential settings, affecting their psychosocial well-being. Risk for COVID-19 is associated with increasing age and pre-existing health conditions. The current study aimed to describe the challenges of COVID-19 and post-traumatic growth (PTG) for residents of a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) in South Florida. Method: A parallel mixed methods approach was used to explore the experience of older adults with PTG. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis to identify emergent themes. Results: Ninety-eight older adults living in a single CCRC completed a survey. Age ranged from 67 to 99 years (mean age = 86 years), with >90% identifying as non-Hispanic White and female (78%). Using the PTG theoretical framework, experiences were categorized into five dimensions: new possibilities, relating to others, personal strength, spiritual growth, and appreciation for life. Conclusion: The current study focused on the challenges and growth experienced by older adults, as framed by PTG theory. Findings shed light on the capacity of this demographic, with an average age of 86 years, to overcome obstacles and achieve PTG. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 50(6), 25–33.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As primary consumers of health care and prescription medication, older adults are more susceptible to potential drug-related adverse effects and medication interactions. With growing diversity among the older adult population, understanding ethnic differences in medication use becomes increasingly important. The current study describes polypharmacy and the occurrence of underprescribing among community-dwelling, low-income individuals 55 and older from four ethnic groups: (a) African American, (b) Afro-Caribbean, (c) European American, and (d) Hispanic American. Results revealed that number of illnesses, income level, and age were three major predictors associated with polypharmacy. No underprescription was identified. Overall, prevalence of polypharmacy was 47.5%. European American individuals had the highest prevalence followed by Hispanic American, African American, and Afro-Caribbean individuals. When caring for older adults from various ethnic groups, nurses should focus their efforts on those who have multiple illnesses and sufficient income to purchase medications to reduce the risk of polypharmacy. [Res Gerontol Nurs. 2015; 8(6):273-285.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A hospital in Taiwan implemented a framework of caring in clinical practice. After the pilot study, the current study was conducted to implement and evaluate the effectiveness of the program. Method: One hundred four nurses from two hospitals were recruited for the intervention (n = 50) and comparison (n = 54) groups in a mixed-method, quasi-experimental pre- and postintervention design. Audiovisual materials based on the authentic caring and uncaring experiences of nurses and patients were created as the curriculum content. Role modeling and reflective practice were used as learning strategies. Both groups of nurses and patients completed a pre- and postintervention evaluation of nurse caring behaviors, using the SHARE (Sense patients' needs before they ask, Help patients out, Acknowledge patients' feelings, Respect the dignity and privacy of patients, Explain what is happening) caring behavior measurement. A focus group interview was conducted. Results: The intervention group exhibited higher frequency of caring behavior than the comparison group (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Authentic experiences, reflective practice, and online videos were effective teaching strategies in enhancing nurse caring behavior in an online continuing education program. J Contin Educ Nurs. 2015;46(9):416-424. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]