Nurses, in partnership with families
and other health professionals, have a key role to play in the care of older
persons. The goal of nursing care in working with older persons, is to achieve
optimal health, well being, and quality of life as determined by those
receiving care or consistent with the values and wishes of the individual.
Meeting this goal requires sufficient numbers of qualified personnel.
The International Council of Nurses
(ICN) and national nurses associations (N
NAs) have a responsibility to lobby
and advocate for this, and to address the ageing of the nurse work force
itself, if future quality services for older persons are to be assured. Nursing
services constitute the largest single element in providing care for the frail,
sick and dying, while also contributing to health maintenance and disease prevention.
Supporting family-care, self-care and the right of the older person to
participate in decisions concerning life-style and treatment, are important aspects
of the nurse’s role. Older persons tend to be considered as a homogeneous
group. ICN firmly believes that older persons need and have a right to expect
individualized treatment or care plans developed with the nurse, a key member
of the health team. Nurses have a responsibility to maintain their level of
competence, plan and deliver quality care, delegate tasks safely and evaluate
services provided.
ICN and NNAs must engage in setting
the policy agenda for care of older persons, and act as advocates and
facilitators in decision-making. This includes the development of relevant
nursing education programmes and the allocation of required health and social
sector resources. Nurses and nurses’ organizations should influence debates on
global ageing, the determinants of health and the impact of the social
environment. ICN and national nurses associations have an obligation to
safeguard and promote patient safety (e.g. eliminate or reduce abuse/violence,
overcrowded facilities, adverse events)
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