THe Three COping Processes
Intrapsychic FactorsFocus on reflection and planning allowing older adults to reminisce on obstacles overcome and highlight achievements
As the awareness of mortality becomes more acute, interest in fulfilling dreams, deepening religious convictions, strengthening family ties and planning, and providing for the welfare of future generations becomes increasingly important. Nurses can help by creating a calm, comfortable environment away from a patient’s room or apartment to allow for planning and reflection. This is an important time for adults to reflect on obstacles they’ve overcome, celebrate achievements, and provide insight for younger generations. Nurses should encourage patients to complete a life review. This process can take many forms such as an oral history, scrapbook or developing a lifemap or timeline. It is not uncommon for older adults to experience feelings of guilt, unachieved aspirations, and perceived failures which can lead to emotional or psychological distress. Nurses can help by making connections or referrals to social workers or other mental health professionals who can help the older adult to resolve these issues. |
SpiritualityProvide spaces & activities that enable residents to have the feelings, thoughts, experiences, and behaviors arising from the search for the sacred.
Faith, hope, forgiveness, prayer, meditation, love, and social support are aspects of spirituality that assisted living facilities can promote by providing access to clergy and lay ministers from the resident's faith tradition as well as transportation to services and other events at local places of worship. Staff should assess the faith traditions and practices of their residents, asking them how they prefer to engage in spiritual practices. Then, facilities could also organize groups for religious study, meditation or prayer, service projects, or other events desired by residents which would could promote spirituality. |
Functional PerformacnceFocus on health promotion activities, physical health and mobility.
Factors such as self-destructive behaviors, somatic symptoms, irritability, and inappropriate use of defense mechanisms can be indicators of impaired coping related to age-related physiologic and physical changes. Programs that focus on health education such as fostering realistic expectations of aging or lifestyle changes due to a new diagnosis can help foster healthy behaviors. This includes workshops such as heart healthy cooking classes, groups that focus on meal planning and trips to the grocery store, and gardening to promote nutritious food options. Internal and external resources within assisted living facilities should be utilized to promote and manage the physical health of its residents, especially for those who may not a strong family support system. For example, ensuring that all residents work closely with case managers and community health workers to help with navigating the healthcare system, ensuring that everyone is going to scheduled doctors appointments, and transportation services are arranged when needed. Finally, activities that promote mobility and promote socialization should be intertwined into the daily lives of residents. Examples include aerobics classes of varying degrees of difficulty and dances such inter- generational prom. |