Supporting older adults living with multiple chronic conditions.
This qualitative study was conducted using focus groups to explore the strategies commonly employed by older adults (N = 37) to manage multiple chronic conditions. Key strategies identified were relating with health care providers, medicating, exercising, changing dietary patterns, seeking information, relying on spirituality and/or religion, and engaging in life. Although social support was not mentioned as a discrete strategy, the participants' social networks were embedded in all of the categories. This study supports building a partnership of care in which nurses and other health care professionals function in supportive and educative roles to enhance the older person's lifelong self-care management and ability to stay in control of multiple chronic health conditions.
Loeb
Susan J
SJ
Department of Nursing, University of Delaware, USA.
Penrod
Janice
J
Falkenstern
Sharon
S
Gueldner
Sarah Hall
SH
Poon
Leonard W
LW
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D016330:Frail Elderly / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008873:Mid-Atlantic Region / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D012648:Self Care; D012944:Social Support