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Biomedical subjects

R R Wacker

Publications and source records attributed to R R Wacker.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

The strain of guardianship for men in the United States.

This study examined the extent to which control, commitment, and support influenced the strain experienced among men in the U.S. who were acting as guardians for aged adults, an atypical role for such men. A total of 146 male guardians responded to a questionnaire. Results of the study showed that control and commitment were associated with less strain, whereas the use of formal support systems was related to greater levels of strain. Additionally, strain was found to be less prevalent among older guardians.

Adult↗

Resident rights. Knowledge of and implementation by nursing staff in long-term care facilities.

In this study, we assessed the differences between certified nursing assistants' (CNAs) and nurses' (RNs and LPNs) level of knowledge and perceived implementation of resident rights. The CNAs and nurses responded to a series of 11 scenarios representing rights such as privacy, choice, and respect. Their responses suggested that although they knew what the appropriate response to the situation was, it was not the typical response to that type of situation within their facilities. Implications for teaching and applying resident rights are discussed.

Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice↗

Implementation of recommended guardianship practices and outcomes of hearings for older persons.

We analyzed 1,160 court records to determine whether implementation of recommended procedural safeguards and guardianship practices was associated with outcomes of hearings for older persons. The presence of the proposed ward at the hearing was not related to decisions about guardianship. Proposed wards who retained their own counsel were more likely to receive limited guardianships or have the petition denied. Wards with undefined court-appointed counsel more often received full guardianships than those without representation.

Aged↗

Guardianship reform: does revised legislation make a difference in outcomes for proposed wards?

There is a lack of critical examination of the efficacy of guardianship reform. Yet, the awarding of guardianship, especially when it is unwarranted, may deprive individuals of their most basic civil liberties. This longitudinal research investigated whether guardianship decisions differed prior to and following revision of state statutes increasing procedural safeguards. Using data from 766 petitions for guardianship of persons 60 years of age or over from Iowa and Missouri, it revealed that in most cases, a request for a full guardianship was tantamount to receiving one. Least restrictive alternatives were seldom employed, and few petitions were denied either before or after legislative changes. Reasons for the seeming discrepancy between revised statutes and guardianship decisions are suggested. No amount of statutory reform, however, will alter the tendency for society's attitudes toward aging to overshadow and shape the interpretation and implementation of legislation.

Aged↗

What do discharge planners plan? Implications for older Medicare patients.

This research examines the discharge-planning process, specifically assessing the extent to which components critical to effective discharge planning are implemented in acute-care settings. We surveyed 16 discharge planners in rural and metropolitan hospitals. The analysis examined the degree to which discharge-planning programs incorporate client-centered planning activities, collect information about the client's care deficits, use community services to support the client on discharge, and the extent of interdepartment involvement in discharge planning. Results indicated that the majority of planners were client centered in their planning; however, a complete assessment of the client's resources and care deficits did not occur on admission. We discuss implications for discharge planning.

Admitting Department, Hospital↗