A comprehensive guide to delivering high-quality care for older adults

As older adults increasingly become the primary users of health and social care services, the need for health and social care professionals with specific knowledge in this area has never been greater. Fundamentals of Caring for the Older Person equips nursing students and healthcare professionals with the essential skills, knowledge, and attitudes needed to provide compassionate, evidence-based care for older individuals with complex needs.

With real-world narratives, this practical guide offers a holistic approach, recognising that older people are not a homogenous group but individuals with unique experiences, strengths, and requirements. Written by experienced clinicians and academics, the book integrates key considerations across physical, psychological, and social dimensions of care, offering a clear and engaging foundation for anyone committed to enhancing the quality of care for older adults in diverse settings.

  • Presents a person-centred approach to caring for older adults, featuring episodes of care, examples, and narratives to amplify the voice of older individuals in their own care and ensure practical application of theory
  • Utilises a three-unit structure for ease of learning: key aspects of ageing, altered pathology and disease management, and care practices
  • Addresses key policies and professional literature recommendations to improve care for older people
  • Includes pedagogical tools such as key points, clinical investigations, pharmacology insights, and red/orange/green flags for pathological, psychological, and social considerations

Designed for flexibility, with chapters functioning as standalone units, Fundamentals of Caring for the Older Person supports students and newly qualified practitioners alike. It is ideal for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in nursing, allied health, and social care, particularly for courses in adult nursing and gerontology.

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Contributors xiii

Foreword xvi

Acknowledgements xvii

Unit 1 Principles of Caring for the Older Person 1

Chapter 1 Ageing and Ageing Populations 3
Elaine Francis

Introduction 3

What Is Ageing? 4

What Age Is ‘Old Age’? 4

Trends in Population Ageing 4

Exploring Representations of Ageing and Older People 6

Interpersonal Ageism 7

Self- directed Ageism 8

Institutional Ageism 8

Ageing, Health and Society 9

Conclusion 10

References 10

Chapter 2 Healthy Ageing 13
Stuart Nicholson and Laura Graham

Introduction 13

Healthy Ageing and Ageing Well 14

Public Health Approaches 16

Psychological Well- being 17

Positive Relationship Support (Sexuality and Sexual Relationships) 19

Social Prescribing 21

Conclusion 22

References 22

Further Reading 24

Chapter 3 Person- Centred Care – Caring for Older People 25
Sue Tiplady, Jane Murray, and Isabel Quinn

Introduction 25

Person- Centred Care 26

Personhood 28

Person- Centred Communication 29

Cultural Considerations 32

Becoming More Person- Centred 33

Conclusion 33

References 34

Further Reading 35

Chapter 4 Legal and Professional Context of Care 37
James Mingham, Esther Clift, and Isabel Quinn

Introduction 37

Professional Regulation 38

Professional Codes of Conduct 40

Duty of Care 40

Information Governance 40

Confidentiality 40

Information Sharing 41

Consent 41

Mental Capacity Act 42

Lasting Power of Attorney 43

Best Interest Decision- Making 44

Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards 44

Health and Social Care Act (2012) 44

The Care Act (2014) 45

Safeguarding and Raising Concerns 45

Conclusion 46

References 46

Further Reading 47

Chapter 5 Communication 49
Eilaine White

Introduction 49

Communication, Ageing and Health 50

Cultural Considerations 52

Good Communication Practice When Assessing Older Adults 52

Shared Decision- Making 52

Health Literacy 53

Advocacy 54

Caring Conversations 55

Professional Communications Across Teams 56

Transitions of Care 57

Conclusion 57

References 58

Further Reading 58

Chapter 6 Approaches to Care for Working with Older People 59
Donna Massey, Hayley Bamber, Ursula Roberts, and Kirsty Marshall

Introduction 59

An Outline of the Approaches to Care of the Older Person 60

Co- production 60

Multidisciplinary 60

Interdisciplinary 61

Transdisciplinary 61

Integrated Care 61

Technology- Enhanced Care and Its Role in Models of Care 62

Caring for a Person Living with Dementia in the Community: Discussion 63

The Importance of Comprehensive Assessment: Discussion 65

Conclusion 67

References 67

Chapter 7 Settings of Care 69
Stacey Louise Finlay, Philip Hodgson, and Kevin Murphy

Introduction 69

Place and Importance of Place 70

Enablers of Ageing in Place 72

Adult Social Care 72

Alternative Housing 73

Community Support 73

Intermediate Care and Reablement 74

Emergency and Urgent Care for Older People 75

Urgent Community Response 75

Hospital at Home 75

Emergency Department 76

Same Day Emergency Care 76

Care Homes 76

Care of Older People in Prison 78

Conclusion 78

References 79

Further Reading 81

Chapter 8 Carer and Family Support 83
Elaine Francis and Judy Mattison

Introduction 83

Definition 84

What Matters to Carers? 85

Caring for Carers 87

Wider Health and Care Issues 89

Health Care Costs and Accessibility 89

Conclusion 91

References 91

Further Reading 92

Chapter 9 Multimorbidity 93
Jenny Allen and Esther Clift

Introduction 93

Definitions 93

Prevalence 94

Impact of Multimorbidity 94

Research and Impact on Care Guidelines 95

Conclusion 99

References 100

Further Reading 102

Chapter 10 Frailty and Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment 103
Stacey Louise Finlay and Claire Pryor

Frailty as a Syndrome 103

Risk Factors 104

Ageism 105

Biological Sex and Frailty 106

Identification and Assessment of Frailty 106

Assessing Frailty 108

The Domains of the CGA 109

The Problem List 111

Care and Support Planning 112

Conclusion 113

References 113

Further Reading 114

Unit 2 Anatomy and Physiology of Ageing 115

Chapter 11 The Anatomy and Physiology of the Brain and Nervous System 117
Barry Hill and Alison Young

Introduction 117

Structural Changes in the Ageing Brain 118

Functional Changes in the Ageing Brain 118

Clinical Implications 119

Delirium 120

Dysphasia 122

Altered Pathophysiology in the Older Person 122

Considerations of the Impact for People and Care 124

Caring for Carers 124

Epilepsy in Older People 125

Medicines Management 125

Stroke in Older People 126

Conclusion 128

References 128

Chapter 12 The Anatomy and Physiology of the Senses 131
Debbie Findlay

Introduction 131

Anatomy and Physiology of Ageing on Hearing 131

Anatomy and Physiology of Ageing on Taste 133

Anatomy and Physiology of Ageing on Smell (Olfaction) 134

Anatomy and Physiology of Ageing on Touch 135

Anatomy and Physiology of Ageing on Vision 135

Anatomy and Physiology of Ageing on Cranial Nerves which Impact the Senses 136

The Impact of Sensory Changes with Ageing 137

Considerations of the Impact on People and Care 138

Conclusion 139

References 139

Chapter 13 The Anatomy and Physiology of the Cardiovascular System 143
Stuart Barker

Introduction 143

The Heart 143

The Ageing Heart 144

The Conduction System of the Heart 145

The Ageing Conduction System 146

The Vascular System 147

Peripheral Vascular Disease 149

Coronary Artery Disease 149

Regulation of Blood Pressure 150

The Baroreceptor Reflex 150

Heart Failure 152

Conclusion 153

References 153

Chapter 14 The Anatomy and Physiology of the Respiratory System 155
Karen Corder and Elaina Henderson

Introduction 155

The Respiratory System 155

Gas Exchange 156

Changes in the Ageing Body that Affect the Respiratory System 159

Psychological Considerations for People with Respiratory Diseases 161

The Impact for People and Care 163

Conclusion 164

References 164

Chapter 15 The Anatomy and Physiology of the Gastrointestinal System 167
Claire Norman

Structures 168

The Small and Large Intestines 170

The Processing of Food 174

Circulation 175

Dysphagia 175

Bowel Care 176

Constipation 176

Conclusion 177

References 177

Chapter 16 The Anatomy and Physiology of the Renal and Genitourinary System 179
Barry Hill and Claire Pryor

Introduction 179

The Renal System 180

Age- Related Changes 180

Renal Blood Flow and Filtration Efficiency 181

Electrolyte Imbalances and Fluid Overload 181

Excretion and Waste Management in Ageing 182

Anatomy and Physiology of an Ageing Genitourinary System 183

Reproductive Health and Sexual Health in Ageing 184

Medicines Management 185

Discussion 187

Conclusion 187

References 188

Chapter 17 The Anatomy and Physiology of the Endocrine System 191
Barry Hill and Dominic Simpson

Introduction 191

Changes to the Endocrine System in Ageing 192

Understanding Hormonal Changes in Older People 193

Diabetes in Older People 196

Principle of Pharmacology 199

Conclusion 202

References 203

Chapter 18 The Anatomy and Physiology of the Immune and Haematological Systems 205
Helen Evans and Claire Pryor

Introduction 205

The Ageing Immune System 206

B- Cell and T- Cell Lymphocytes 206

Dendritic Cells 207

Macrophages 207

Natural Killer Cells 208

The Innate and Acquired Immune System 209

Vaccinations in Older People 209

The Ageing Haematological System 210

Conclusion 212

References 212

Chapter 19 The Anatomy and Physiology of the Musculoskeletal System 215
Alex Hemsley and Sue Tiplady

Introduction 215

The Musculoskeletal System and Age-Related Changes 215

Sarcopenia 216

Osteoporosis 220

Osteo-sarcopenia 223

Osteoarthtritis 224

Conclusion 226

References 227

Further Reading 228

Chapter 20 The Anatomy and Physiology of the Integumentary System 229
Sue Tiplady

Introduction 229

Effects of Ageing on the Skin 229

Skin Care 234

Skin Assessment 234

Skin Tears 237

Moisture- Associated Skin Damage 238

Personal Hygiene 238

Considerations for Personalised Care Planning for Personal Hygiene 239

Conclusion 240

References 240

Further Reading 241

Unit 3 Care Management 243

Chapter 21 Assessing and Managing Pain in Older People 245
Isabel Quinn

Introduction 245

Pain Classification 246

Pain Assessment in Older People 250

Pain Management 252

Conclusion 255

References 255

Chapter 22 Mental Health and Learning Disability in Ageing 257
Lynette Harper and Sarah Mackay

Introduction 257

Functional Mental Health 257

Substance Misuse 259

Pain Assessment 260

Neurodiversity in Older Adults 263

Capacity and Consent for All 264

Conclusion 265

References 266

Chapter 23 Dementia 269
Shibley Rahman and Claire Pryor

Introduction 269

Diagnosis 271

Prevention and Risk Reduction 273

Communication 274

Meaningful Activities and Independence 274

Living Well with Dementia 275

Carer Support 275

Distress and Communication 277

Medicines Management 277

Conclusion 279

References 279

Chapter 24 Nutrition and Hydration Care 281
Philip Hodgson, Sarah Docherty, and Glenda Cook

Introduction 281

Nutrition Care: Assessment 282

Nutrition Care: Practices 284

Hydration Care: Assessment 285

Hydration Care: Practices 286

Conclusion 288

References 288

Chapter 25 The Recognition and Assessment of the Acutely Ill Older Person 291
Tony Conner, Deborah Leetham, and Sue Tiplady

The Importance of Recognising Acute Illness in the Older Person 291

Atypical Presentation 292

The Influence of Comorbidities 293

The Importance of Social Support 293

The Assessment of the Acutely Unwell Older Person 293

Sepsis in the Older Person 297

Typical and Atypical Presentation of Sepsis in Older People 298

The Assessment of Sepsis 299

The Treatment of Sepsis 300

Prevention of Sepsis 302

Conclusion 303

References 303

Further Reading 305

Chapter 26 Pharmacology and Medicines Management 307
Joanne Dunn, Claire Pryor, Janet Wilkinson, and Patrick Dawodu

Introduction 307

Anticholinergic Burden 312

Deprescribing 312

Screening Tool of Older Persons’ Potentially Inappropriate Prescriptions (STOPP) and the Screening Tool to Alert to Right Treatment (START) 313

Concordance Support 313

Social and Support Consideration for Medication and Medication Optimisation 314

Conclusion 315

References 315

Chapter 27 End- of- Life Care 317
Nicola Payne and Isabel Quinn

Introduction 317

Death and Dying in Older People 317

End- of- Life Care 318

The Relationship Between Supportive Care, Palliative Care and Terminal Care 318

When Is ‘End of Life’ 319

Advance Care Planning 321

Preferred Place of Death 322

Ethical Challenges 323

Emotional Support 323

End- of- Life Symptoms 324

Care in the Last Days and Hours of Life 324

Care After Death 326

Conclusion 326

References 326

Further Reading 327

Index 329

Les mer

A comprehensive guide to delivering high-quality care for older adults

As older adults increasingly become the primary users of health and social care services, the need for health and social care professionals with specific knowledge in this area has never been greater. Fundamentals of Caring for the Older Person equips nursing students and healthcare professionals with the essential skills, knowledge, and attitudes needed to provide compassionate, evidence-based care for older individuals with complex needs.

With real-world narratives, this practical guide offers a holistic approach, recognising that older people are not a homogenous group but individuals with unique experiences, strengths, and requirements. Written by experienced clinicians and academics, the book integrates key considerations across physical, psychological, and social dimensions of care, offering a clear and engaging foundation for anyone committed to enhancing the quality of care for older adults in diverse settings.

  • Presents a person-centred approach to caring for older adults, featuring episodes of care, examples, and narratives to amplify the voice of older individuals in their own care and ensure practical application of theory
  • Utilises a three-unit structure for ease of learning: key aspects of ageing, altered pathology and disease management, and care practices
  • Addresses key policies and professional literature recommendations to improve care for older people
  • Includes pedagogical tools such as key points, clinical investigations, pharmacology insights, and red/orange/green flags for pathological, psychological, and social considerations

Designed for flexibility, with chapters functioning as standalone units, Fundamentals of Caring for the Older Person supports students and newly qualified practitioners alike. It is ideal for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in nursing, allied health, and social care, particularly for courses in adult nursing and gerontology.

Les mer

Produktdetaljer

ISBN
9781394271115
Publisert
2025-08-07
Utgiver
John Wiley & Sons Inc
Vekt
822 gr
Høyde
252 mm
Dybde
24 mm
Aldersnivå
P, UP, UU, 06, 05
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Heftet
Antall sider
352

Biografisk notat

Claire Pryor is a Professor of Adult Social Care Nursing at the University of Salford. A registered nurse and independent and supplementary prescriber, she holds a PhD, an MSc in Advancing Healthcare Practice, and a BSc in Nursing Science. With extensive experience in both clinical practice and education, she supports both student nurses and nurses in their professional development, and works to enhance care for older adults through research and teaching.

Sue Tiplady has had an extensive nursing career leading and managing the care of older people. Within her senior management roles in the NHS, she commissioned and designed services to improve care delivery for older people and their carers. As an Assistant Professor at Northumbria University, she contributed to a range of research focussed on Gerontology and Dementia Care, embedding the care of older people into the pre-registration nursing curriculum and designing specialist programmes for post-registration education delivery.