Older people in care homes and the primary care nursing contribution: a review of relevant research

Abstract

Claire Goodman and Rosemary J Woolley Primary Care Nursing Research Unit, University and King’s Colleges,London, UKIn the UK, older people who are resident in care homes because of their needs forsocial support and personal care receive their health care from primary health care.Although there is increasing input from district nurses in care homes (Audit Com-mission, 1999), there is little knowledge or recognition of the primary care nursingcontribution. This paper reviews two types of research literature: studies that considerthe health care needs of older people in residential care homes that could informnursing support and interventions in care homes, and research that describes thenursing involvement with these settings. The paper argues that on the basis of theresearch reviewed many of the health problems older people in care homes experi-ence could be avoided or improved by primary care nursing support and intervention.A reassessment is needed of how the interface between community and residentialcare is managed so that older people in care homes have access to appropriate healthcare support.Key words : care homes; district nurses; older people; primary care nursing; primaryhealth care; residential homes