Cancer symptom management in the elderly.

Clear and concise written guidelines must designate accountability for coordination of the persons involved. As might be assumed by the preceding discussion, the process takes considerable time and effort. The development of clear guidelines is a long term venture and usually does not occur quickly.

Medication regimens and the home care client: a challenge for health care providers.

This paper synthesizes literature related to medication-taking behaviors of the elderly population and examines factors related to medication compliance problems. A review and critique of the literature focused on interventions and strategies for improving medication compliance is also presented. This analysis provides direction for developing assessment guides, intervention strategies, and educational materials which may be helpful for health providers in assisting patients and families to manage medication regimens.

The mutual-participation relationship: key to facilitating self-care practices in clients and families.

The relationship among formal providers, clients, and families in home care is critical. If clients and family care givers are to develop adequate and safe self-care practices, they must be involved in mutual decision making concerning issues related to the illness and the care to be given. A relationship of mutual participation involves facilitating and negotiating goals with clients and their family members.

Home health services in a climate of cost containment.

A survey of medicare certified agencies in the Northwest Region conducted to identify clinical problems of patients and families resulting from early discharge from hospitals revealed many concerns related to health care delivery. Major areas of concern were: Home Care and Community Services; Reimbursement and Funding; Rules and Regulations; Continuity of Care; Quality of Care; and Legal and Ethical Issues. Specific problems in each of the categories are discussed and strategies that home health agencies may utilize in addressing these areas are presented.