A person-centred lifestyle change intervention model: working with older people experiencing chronic illness.

ABSTRACT

A person-centred health promotion model of care to improve self-care and lifestyle changes for older people with chronic illnesses is conceptualized in this paper. The model supports effective interpersonal communication with nurses and health-care consumers and is developed to concept stage. Older people with chronic illnesses who experience stress, anxiety or social isolation are more likely to be admitted and re-admitted to acute hospitals. Interventions to decrease the risk factors are frequently unsuccessful in this patient group. Programmes, led by nurses, aimed at reducing stress, anxiety and social isolation while supporting older people postdischarge from hospital might be successful. The model integrates research from synthesized case studies and a critical literature review. The practices of interrelating four key elements-'construct', 'context', 'process' and 'outcome'-are proposed for nurses to assist patients advancing self-care and lifestyle change. The model is designed for implementation in outpatient, clinic or community settings.