Benefits of a nurse-managed wellness program. A senior center model. Using community-based sites for older adult intervention and self-care activities may promote an ability to maintain an independent lifestyle.
Recent health initiatives have encouraged the promotion of wellness and self-care among the elderly population. This research describes the effectiveness of a nurse-managed wellness program located at a multi-purpose senior center. The wellness clinic was created to provide a broad range of screening services, individual counseling services, health educational programs, and management services for chronic diseases common among older adults. Outcome measures focusing for utilization of health services, healthy behaviors, emotional well-being, and mental and physical health variables gathered from 111 older adults demonstrated significant program success. Respondents who used the wellness clinic more frequently, and in particular, those who consulted regularly with the clinical nurse, were more likely to increase their healthy behavior and subsequent health knowledge. As a result of participation in the wellness programs, respondents reported a greater psychological comfort and a more confident feeling concerning the ability to maintain an independent lifestyle.
Campbell
J
J
School of Nursing, Box 81, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN 37132, USA.
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D000368:Aged; D003152:Community Health Nursing; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D020446:Fitness Centers / Q000458:organization & administration; D005851:Geriatric Nursing; D015438:Health Behavior; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006299:Health Services for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged