Deborah Sturdy
Two thirds of hospital beds are occupied by people over 65 years old and of this group as many as 60% will have or will develop a mental health problem during their admission. This poses a real challenge to contemporary practice for nurses working across adult care. That is why we have brought together a group of clinicians to develop some practical help for working with older people with mental health problems in acute care settings. Focusing on three common issues faced by older people namely depression, dementia and delirium.The Let’s Respect project was set up to improve the care experience for older people and promote better care for older people with mental health problems. The practical guide gives practitioners a greater understanding of the clinical features, presenting symptoms and interventions, which can improve outcomes for patients and ensure a better and dignified experience within the challenging environment of an acute hospital. Recognising the complexity of care for this group and managing symptoms can minimise decline and ensure a better longer-term outcome in promoting independence for individuals. Your knowledge and skill has a profound impact on patient experience so using this guide to gain a better understanding will make a real difference.
