520
Detailed Needs and Requirements: Nursing Home Care Unit
2. Organization
Out of bed and group activity and group interaction will be emphasized
on the unit. Social spaces therefore should provide the focus for unit
organization. Unobtrusive observation of social spaces and corridors
by nursing personnel is desirable.
526.1.4
Primary Users
1. Patients
Most patients will be elderly. Many will require the assistance of
crutches, wheelchair or walker. Dizziness or loss of balance may
occur in certain patients. Others may have irregular eating or sleeping
habits. Disorientation and temperamental dispositions are common
on the unit. Patients may leave the hospital for short periods to visit
family or friends.
The restoration of patient functions involves to a large extent,
outpatient activities. Patients are encouraged to minimize the time
spent in the bedroom during non-sleeping hours. Treatment on the
unit includes physiotherapy, occupational therapy, manual areas
therapy, vocational rehabilitation, group counseling, general exercise
and training in the activities of daily living. Most therapy programs are
conducted with groups of patients: however, treatment is also
provided for patients confined to bed. In many cases, patients are
encouraged to leave the unit for treatment in general hospital facilities.
Therapy programs on the unit may involve a considerable amount of
equipment such as looms, typewriters, sewing machines or minor
carpentry equipment.
Patient social activities assume great importance in maintaining
psychological a physical capability. Activities on the unit may range
from quiet reading or conversation to watching television or movies,
dancing or playing games such as ping-pong or pool. In many
instances, these activities will occur simultaneously. Eating food, both
regularly scheduled meals and informal snacks is usually a favorite
patient activity. The social interaction that takes place during meals is
an important contributor to the patient care process.
Certain patients may benefit from the training in the activities of daily
living during meals as well.
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