Louie P. Hijalda
University of San Agustin, Philippines
Title: Experiences and Spiritual Care Perspectives of Nurses Handling Clients with Alzheimers’ Disease in an Institutionalized House of Older Persons in Iloilo City
Biography
Biography: Louie P. Hijalda
Abstract
Background: Nurses are challenged to meet the dynamic needs of older persons especially with health related disorder such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Methodology: A descriptive phenomenological qualitative research with six participants involved. Privacy and confidentiality were considered. The rigor and validity of the study was based on Lincoln and Guba. Bracketing was utilized to ensure that rigor is not compromised due to researcher bias. The Colaizzi methodological approach was selected to investigate the phenomena of interest.
Results: Most of the nurses were worn out physically yet were happy and contented because of the communication and teamwork. Dementia caring practices needs to be taught properly among nurses. Patience is very important however they involve less the older persons in praying and in religious activities. Spiritual care is also given less attention in relation to religious differences and beliefs.
Conclusion: Caring for older persons with Alzheimer’s disease is a demanding field for it requires compassion, understanding, patience, and love of work. The nurses need to widen their experiences regarding dementia care and spiritual care perspectives to allow them to render the kind of care that is suitable to the needs of their individual clients. The spiritual care perspective should be explored deeper and to review the relevance of transcultural nursing paradigm in dealing with clients.
Keywords: Spiritual care perspectives, Alzheimer’s disease, House of older persons