RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Finland has one of the oldest populations in Europe. Gerontological nursing is unfortunately not appealing to nurse students. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine nurse students' attitudes towards older adults and their suggestions about gerontological nursing course. DESIGN: A cross-sectional, descriptive study. SETTINGS: One university of applied sciences in Finland. PARTICIPANTS: A total sample of nurse students (n = 523). METHODS: Data were collected in 2015 using KAOP scale that included background questions and one open question. The data were analyzed statistically and thematized. The themes were then quantified as frequencies. RESULTS: The response rate was 47.5%. The mean age was 26.9 years. The results showed that students' attitudes were positive towards older adults. Factor analysis produced a four factor (characteristic value >1.0) model (explanation rate 44%, x2 118,770, df = 74 and p = .001). A four-factor model was however not justifiable, as only one variable loaded onto the fourth factor. The range of the communalities of the variables chosen for the factor analysis was between 0.37 and 0.99. There were seven such variables and their reliability was high (α = 0.71). The positive attitude was described by reciprocal understanding, social skills of older adults and older adults' ability to maintain their home and themselves. Of the suggestions for improving the teaching of gerontological nursing, 60% were related to the contents of teaching, 37% to didactic solutions and 3% to the capabilities of the teacher. CONCLUSIONS: Students consider older adults as individuals with their own personalities and many resources, a view that should not be lost after graduation. The study showed a demand for moving teaching away from classrooms to the real environments of older people's care. Using various methods such as lectures by experts by experience can make the topic more appealing.
RESUMO
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to describe aged home care clients' and their family members' experiences of their family functioning, family health and social support received. An additional purpose was to determine which factors are connected with social support. BACKGROUND: Increasing life expectancy and ageing of the population require consideration of the adequacy of home care services and the role of family members as care providers. The older population is a very heterogeneous group because of their variable needs and several disabilities. To ensure the quality of home care, experimental information is needed from clients and their family members. DESIGN: A survey design with convenience sampling. METHODS: The home care client and a family member of his/her answered a questionnaire together, including background questions, the Family Functioning, Health and Social Support instrument and an open question about support received from home care. Statistical methods were used to describe quantitative data, and content analysis was used in analysing the replies to the open question. RESULTS: Family health was noted as good, and family functioning and overall social support fairly good. An older person's higher basic education, higher age of the family member, better family health and male gender were connected with better social support received. The relationship of the older person and the family member as well as the duration of home care service use had an effect on social support received. The content analysis raised expectations related to time, planning of service, organisational factors and caring practise. CONCLUSIONS: Home care clients' and families' needs for support vary, and therefore, the assessment of needs, care planning and updating are important. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The variable support needs of older people and their family members require flexible and adaptable home services. Cooperation between all participants involved in care would promote the well-being of the older person and the entire family.