{"title":"How to develop nursing student practice placement opportunities in care homes.","authors":"Melanie Stephens, Claire Pryor, Craig Priestley, Liz Williams, Barbara Johnson, Karen Davies, Michelle Howarth","doi":"10.7748/nop.2026.e1545","DOIUrl":"10.7748/nop.2026.e1545","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Rationale and key points: </strong>Historically, care homes have been underused as practice placement settings for preregistration nursing students. However, care homes can provide valuable learning opportunities for students, while hosting students can be beneficial for staff and residents. There has been a move by NHS England to expand placements to non-traditional settings such as care homes. To support this expansion, Skills for Care has published a strategy which aims to ensure high-quality placements in social care settings for nursing students. This article provides nurses working in care homes and care home managers with a step-by-step guide to developing placement opportunities in their care home. • For the care home, preparing to become a placement provider involves collaborating with the local approved education institution and working with staff to create an optimal learning environment for students. • For students, the benefits of placements in care homes include learning in a multiprofessional environment and developing an awareness of older people's holistic needs. • Hosting nursing students can energise the care home workforce, while interacting with students can make residents feel valued and engaged. REFLECTIVE ACTIVITY: 'How to' articles can help to update your practice and ensure it remains evidence based. Apply this article to your practice. Reflect on and write a short account of: • How this article might enhance how you develop nursing student practice placement opportunities in your care home. • How you could use this information to support your care team to provide an optimal learning environment for nursing students during practice placements in your care home.</p>","PeriodicalId":94162,"journal":{"name":"Nursing older people","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148045389","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Recognition and management of hearing loss in older adults in care homes.","authors":"Alexander Cushny","doi":"10.7748/nop.2026.e1536","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.7748/nop.2026.e1536","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Most people aged over 70 years have hearing loss, yet hearing impairment in older adults is frequently under-recognised and often inadequately managed in care settings. The adverse effects of untreated hearing loss include increased risks of falls and cognitive decline; therefore, it is essential that nurses and care home staff are able to recognise and manage hearing loss in older adults. In this article, the author provides an overview of the anatomy and physiology of the auditory system, types and causes of hearing loss and the adverse effects of hearing impairment in older adults. The author also provides a checklist to support best practice in the management of hearing loss in older adults living in care homes.</p>","PeriodicalId":94162,"journal":{"name":"Nursing older people","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147793493","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nursing older peoplePub Date : 2026-03-30Epub Date: 2025-12-10DOI: 10.7748/nop.2025.e1523
James Rushton, Jonathan Webster, Anca Manea, Gail Meers, Victoria Dawson
{"title":"Enhancing care for older people with learning disabilities in the emergency department.","authors":"James Rushton, Jonathan Webster, Anca Manea, Gail Meers, Victoria Dawson","doi":"10.7748/nop.2025.e1523","DOIUrl":"10.7748/nop.2025.e1523","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Overcrowding in emergency departments (EDs) result in longer hospital stays, higher rates of adverse events and increased mortality. In overcrowded EDs, older people with learning disabilities are particularly at risk of negative outcomes, partly due to a lack of awareness and knowledge of their needs among staff. This article examines the unique health challenges experienced by people with learning disabilities and discusses systemic issues in EDs which can lead to poor care for this vulnerable patient group. The authors provide some essential nursing considerations when caring for this patient group in the ED, including adapted communication, shared decision-making and reasonable adjustments that can ensure effective, person-centred care.</p>","PeriodicalId":94162,"journal":{"name":"Nursing older people","volume":" ","pages":"22-27"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145717189","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Starting your research, innovation and quality improvement journey in the nursing care of older people.","authors":"Melanie Stephens, Claire Pryor, Craig Priestley, Liz Williams, Barbara Johnson, Karen Davies, Michelle Howarth","doi":"10.7748/nop.2026.e1545","DOIUrl":"10.7748/nop.2026.e1545","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A common misconception is that research, innovation and quality improvement are not part of nurses' role in the care of older people. However, nurses' role does involve evaluating care, contributing to evidence-based practice and informing local, regional and national policy and guidelines - all of which is linked to research, innovation and quality improvement. Some nurses specialise in research and hold research roles, while others will conduct activities such as audits and quality improvement projects (QIPs) and deliver evidence-based care in residential, community and hospital settings. Barriers to engaging in such activities include lack of time, workload pressures and lack of confidence in one's abilities. This article describes the practical applications of research, innovation and QIP activities in the care of older people using a worked example. The authors aim to provide readers with a platform to start their research, innovation and quality improvement journey by identifying a clinical challenge that is relevant to their practice setting.</p>","PeriodicalId":94162,"journal":{"name":"Nursing older people","volume":" ","pages":"12-17"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146159556","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nursing older peoplePub Date : 2026-03-30Epub Date: 2026-01-28DOI: 10.7748/nop.2026.e1525
Tommy Dickinson, Joanne Fitzpatrick, Brendan Greaney, Shelley Peacock, Sarah Harris, Leanne Dolman, Joseph Ogle, Shona Duffy, Stephanie Haase, Clive Tobutt
{"title":"Cultivating interest in gerontological nursing among nursing students: evaluation of an educational initiative.","authors":"Tommy Dickinson, Joanne Fitzpatrick, Brendan Greaney, Shelley Peacock, Sarah Harris, Leanne Dolman, Joseph Ogle, Shona Duffy, Stephanie Haase, Clive Tobutt","doi":"10.7748/nop.2026.e1525","DOIUrl":"10.7748/nop.2026.e1525","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Interest in gerontological nursing among nursing students remains low, with few choosing to work in this specialty on registration. The Master of Nursing (MNurs) preregistration programme at King's College London, England, includes a module that incorporates a gerontological nursing theme which aims to enhance students' teaching, learning and clinical placement experiences, as well as their attitudes towards gerontological nursing as a career option. This article details an evaluation that aimed to understand students' attitudes towards working with older adults and pursuing a career in gerontological nursing following completion of the gerontological nursing theme. Two focus groups were held with 18 students, and the data were thematically analysed. Overall, the findings suggest that targeted educational initiatives can strengthen students' engagement with gerontological nursing and foster more positive attitudes towards this field of practice. Nurse education leaders should prioritise the integration of gerontological content into preregistration curricula and support students to consider gerontological nursing as a valued and viable career pathway.</p>","PeriodicalId":94162,"journal":{"name":"Nursing older people","volume":" ","pages":"35-41"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146068970","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Why is collateral history vital for older people with frailty?: With more older, frail people being admitted to hospital it is essential to obtain their background to support diagnosis.","authors":"Wendy Mashlan, Kristianne Hawkins","doi":"10.7748/nop.38.2.21.s11","DOIUrl":"10.7748/nop.38.2.21.s11","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A rising number of older, frailer people are being admitted to acute hospital care who present with complex, multifactorial health issues (British Geriatrics Society 2023). In this population, understanding the person's presentation is key to supporting appropriate diagnosis and management through a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) (Turner 2014, Centre for Reviews and Dissemination 2017).</p>","PeriodicalId":94162,"journal":{"name":"Nursing older people","volume":"38 2","pages":"21"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147577365","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A structured pathway for supporting carers of people living with dementia in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.","authors":"Caroline Ellis, Alison Ward","doi":"10.7748/nop.2026.e1538","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.7748/nop.2026.e1538","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Many people living with dementia are supported by unpaid carers, whom the social care system heavily relies on. Carers of people living with dementia tend to experience high levels of psychological morbidity as well as social isolation, physical ill-health and financial hardship. Many require relationship-centred, specialist support such as that provided by Admiral Nurses. An Admiral Nurse service in the southwest of England has implemented a care pathway structured around a six-week telephone intervention, which is responsive to each carer's needs and provides tailored psychological support, education about dementia, practical problem-solving and advice on coping strategies. This article explores the development, structure and principles of this care pathway as well as its benefits for carers and nurses.</p>","PeriodicalId":94162,"journal":{"name":"Nursing older people","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147518034","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"How to assess patients in the six key domains of a comprehensive geriatric assessment.","authors":"Vivian Zinyemba","doi":"10.7748/nop.2026.e1530","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.7748/nop.2026.e1530","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Rationale and key points: </strong>Comprehensive geriatric assessments (CGAs) are considered the cornerstone of modern geriatric medicine. A CGA is a holistic and person-centred process involving the assessment of an older person's health and care needs, formulation of a care plan to address those needs, implementation of the care plan, and regular review of the person's progress. It is designed to help manage complex care needs and improve overall health and well-being. Older people's nurses will inevitably be involved in conducting or coordinating CGAs as part of the multidisciplinary team (MDT). • A CGA encompasses six key domains: physical, psychological, functional, social, environmental and future wishes. • A CGA usually involves more than one professional or team, so meticulous documentation of findings and efficient communication within the MDT are particularly important. • CGAs are crucial in the management of frailty for identifying and addressing the risk of falls, reduced mobility, confusion and incontinence. REFLECTIVE ACTIVITY: 'How to' articles can help to update your practice and ensure it remains evidence based. Apply this article to your practice. Reflect on and write a short account of: • How this article might improve your practice when assessing older people in the six key domains of a CGA. • How you could use this information to educate nursing students or your colleagues on the appropriate procedures and tools for assessing older people in the six key domains of a CGA.</p>","PeriodicalId":94162,"journal":{"name":"Nursing older people","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147438559","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Providing acute care at home to older adults with frailty: nurses' experiences of working with a hospital at home service.","authors":"Philippa Nash, Lucy Lewis","doi":"10.7748/nop.2026.e1529","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.7748/nop.2026.e1529","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Providing acute care at home for older people, who often have complex health needs and frailty, can prevent hospital-associated harms. This requires an appropriately skilled and experienced multi-professional workforce. This article describes how a newly established consultant practitioner-led (nurse and physiotherapist) hospital at home model in Wiltshire, England, provides acute care for older adults with frailty. The authors also detail the experiences of nurses at varying levels of practice who work in the service, based on their responses to an informal questionnaire. Their experiences illustrate the potential of acute care hospital at home services to support community-based nurses' professional development and career progression.</p>","PeriodicalId":94162,"journal":{"name":"Nursing older people","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147286868","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nursing older peoplePub Date : 2026-02-02Epub Date: 2025-10-23DOI: 10.7748/nop.2025.e1532
Lynn Chenoweth
{"title":"Facilitating shared decision-making in rehabilitation planning with people with dementia.","authors":"Lynn Chenoweth","doi":"10.7748/nop.2025.e1532","DOIUrl":"10.7748/nop.2025.e1532","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>While impaired cognitive dysfunction is a primary feature of dementia, an individual's ability to make decisions is either allowed or denied according to the level of support and advocacy they are afforded. When undergoing rehabilitation following a health event, recovery can be complicated and protracted for an older person with dementia, and they may be deprived of opportunities to determine their rehabilitation goals and express preferences throughout their rehabilitation programme. Furthermore, nurses may face challenges in proactively supporting the person's self-determination in choosing rehabilitation goals, as well as in advocating for and enabling the person to make decisions about their rehabilitation programme. This article provides guidance on how nurses can create an enabling environment by using person-centred communication techniques to assess an individual's capacity for making choices, building their confidence and supporting them to make decisions about rehabilitation goals and activities. These approaches aim to place each person at the centre of decision-making during their rehabilitation journey.</p>","PeriodicalId":94162,"journal":{"name":"Nursing older people","volume":" ","pages":"24-29"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145351129","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}