Complexity in caring for an ageing heart failure population: concomitant chronic conditions and age related impairments.
The complexity of caring for the ageing heart failure (HF) population is further complicated by concomitant chronic conditions (i.e., polypharmacy, depression), age related impairments (i.e., hearing, visual and cognitive impairments, impairments in activities of daily living (ADL/IADL), and other issues (e.g., health illiteracy, lack of social support). This paper provides an overview of these risk factors, outlines how they individually and in interplay endanger favourable outcome by putting patients at risk for poor self-management. Moreover, suggestions are made on how these issues could be addressed and integrated in heart failure management by applying gerontological care principles in caring for the ageing heart failure population.
De Geest
Sabina
S
Institute of Nursing Science, University of Basel, Bernoullistrasse 28, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland. Sabina.degeest@unibas.ch
Steeman
Els
E
Leventhal
Marcia E
ME
Mahrer-Imhof
Romy
R
Hengartner-Kopp
Beatrice
B
Conca
Antoinette
A
Bernasconi
Arlette T
AT
Petry
Heidi
H
Brunner-La Rocca
Hanspeter
H
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D015897:Comorbidity; D016330:Frail Elderly; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000451:nursing*; D006801:Humans; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D019338:Polypharmacy; D012944:Social Support