BACKGROUND:
Ageing is a natural process. The older adult’s population is currently the fastest growing segment of the nation. As people age they tend to suffer from problems associated with physical, physiological, emotional and social aspects. These aspects determine the wellbeing of an aged person. Wellbeing is a multifaceted experience which consists of various interdependent factors. Since, the rates of institutionalization of elderly is increasing, it is essential to address the issues and problems faced by the elderly and take remedial measures to improve their wellbeing. Geriatric nurses can play a crucial role in enhancing psychophysiological wellbeing of the elderly in old age home through exercises and counseling.
AIM OF THE STUDY:
The aim of the study was to assess the therapeutic nursing intervention on psychophysiological wellbeing among elderly residing in old age home.
METHODOLOGY:
Quasi experimental non equivalent pretest posttest control group design was used for the study. The study was conducted in selected four old age homes in Madurai. A total of 140 elderly were selected using simple random sampling technique, out of which 70 were in the experimental group
and control group each. Tools used were structured interview schedule on physiological problems, general health questionnaire-12 and psychophysiological wellbeing assessment tool. The Therapeutic Nursing Intervention which includes exercise and geriatric counseling (life review and need based counseling) were administered over 4 days in a week for 4 consecutive weeks. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
RESULTS:
The therapeutic nursing intervention was effective in improving physiological wellbeing of the elderly residing in old age home (pre test post test comparison t = 22.01, P < 0.001) post test comparison t = 9.32, P < 0.001), psychological wellbeing (pre test post test comparison t = 46.58, P < 0.001, post test comparison t = 17.19, P < 0.001). The problems reported by the elderly were, physiological problems such as arthralgia, back pain, dyspnoea, insomnia, anorexia, fatigue and psychological problems like feeling of loneliness, sadness, problems with adjustment, lack of love and affection. There was a significant positive relationship found between physiological wellbeing and psychological wellbeing (r = 0.49).
CONCLUSION:
The problems of the aged vary from society to society, study findings concluded that, therapeutic nursing intervention such as exercise and counseling are effective intervention to improve psychophysiological wellbeing among the elderly in old age home. There is a real need for nurses to provide physical, mental and social support to treat the health problems and to heighten their spirit
