Sound Bite
Nursing Homes Explained prepares readers for the inevitable decisions that have to be made as we and our loved ones age. The book educates readers about the long-term care industry, and the field of gerontology, with a discussion on death and dying, Alzheimer units, rehabilitation processes, elder abuse, the physician's role, and how corporations, middle management and direct care providers operate within the elder-care/medical profession.
About the Book
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.
Algora Publishing –
CHOICE, March 2014
Nursing homes will become increasingly necessary as the population lives ever longer, and the need for these facilities has resulted in seemingly labyrinthine regulations. Franklin, a nursing director in a long-term care facility, addresses various aspects of this topic for general readers.
The book begins with a loose review of the structure and responsible parties in nursing homes. Following chapters discuss the roles of staff members, e.g., nurses, nursing assistants, physicians, and dietary specialists. . . [T]he regulatory processes in these institutions, a very important issue, receive ample mention. . . Pairing chapters on rehabilitation and on death/dying respectfully acknowledges the terminal realities of nursing homes.
This book may be useful for health care consumers and students considering careers in the long-term care profession.
Summing Up: Recommended [for] General readers and lower-division undergraduates.