Delia Franklin, RN, has risen through the ranks in Gerontological Nursing, advancing from a staff nurse to a charge nurse, then to an MDS coordinator, and a Director of Nursing position in the long-term care industry. Her experience and knowledge base about nursing homes and gerontological nursing led her to produce this book with the aim of informing families about the realities they face and the options they have in taking care of the aged, while offering ideas to help everyone involved to make the experience more satisfying for patients and practitioners alike.

This book will help readers understand more about gerontological nursing, how the different nursing specialties interact, and the necessity for multidisciplinary team approaches to improve systems in the industry.�  The book also highlights...

This book will help readers understand more about gerontological nursing, how the different nursing specialties interact, and the necessity for multidisciplinary team approaches to improve systems in the industry.�  The book also highlights some of the many individuals who have contributed to reaching for higher care levels in nursing homes. Innovative processes such as the Eden Alternative and the Quality Indicator Survey process are introduced, which will assist people to understand the wide range of ways in which the system can be improved. As the author emphasizes throughout the book, the psychology of "kindness" is essential and needs to be demonstrated by everyone in the gerontological field, from care-providers to families and patients. Emotions can run high as patients and families may be frightened, confused, and concerned about making good decisions, while the care providers are themselves working hard to provide appropriate care while coping with multiple demands. Consideration and humor are, in fact, most important for creating a positive atmosphere for those in nursing homes.