Introduction. According to the conducted research, the workload results from the general involvement in the undertaken activities. It can therefore be seen that the greater the involvement, the greater the burden, and thus the greater impact on the health of both the physical and mental nurse/caregiver. It should be noted that many factors affect the degree of the load. Aim. The main aim of the conducted research was to assess the degree of workload of nursing teams while caring for elderly people diagnosed with a neurological disease. Material and Methods. The study was conducted in the Provincial Specialist Hospital in Włocławek on a group of 120 randomly selected people (nurses) caring for an elderly person with a neurological disease. The study used the method of diagnostic survey, using the survey technique. In order to obtain an answer to the main objective of the research, a questionnaire was constructed and standardized research tools were used — ADL, IADL and the Negative Care Impact Scale included in the COPE-index questionnaire. Results. The study showed that with the increase in seniority in the role of a nurse/carer in the care of the elderly, there is an increase in physical strain, weakening of relations with friends, a significant impact on family relationships and a decrease in satisfaction with the role. The data obtained indicate that a small percentage of nursing teams use equipment such as a lift or rollers for transfer. The study clearly shows that the degree of independence of an elderly person with a neurological disease has a significant impact on both the mental and physical health of the nursing teams taking care of them. Conclusions. There is a relationship between seniority and job satisfaction. People with the longest work experience do not feel satisfied. Nursing teams do not fully use material and human resources while performing their role of caring for elderly people, which may result from various reasons (lack of knowledge, lack of skills, limited access to equipment, lack of willingness for cooperation and helping others). This has an impact on the level of physical and mental burden of nurses. The degree of independence of the ward has a significant impact on the level of physical and mental burden of the nurse. With the increase in dependence of the ward, the degree of burden on nursing teams increases. (JNNN 2022;11(4):167–173)
Introduction. Caring for neurological patients in the elderly has in its scope many problems and difficulties which a modern nurse has to “pay attention to”. Patients require round-the-clock and comprehensive care, which can lead to both the physical and mental exhaustion of the nurse, lack of time for family and friends, or free time to regenerate one’s strength. It can also lead to exhaustion or depression. Then a phenomenon called loading occurs.Aim. The aim of the study was to assess the influence of the degree of independence of charges on the level of physical and mental burden of nurses caring for neurological patients in geriatric age.Material and Methods. The study included 120 people — male and female nurses from treatment and conservative departments. The Katz Scale — Basic Life Activities (ADL) and the Lawton Scale (IADL) — Complex Activities were used. A self-survey questionnaire was used as a research tool. The obtained results were analysed statistically.Results. After analysing the data, the biggest problem for the respondent is: bathing, using the toilet and getting out of bed. According to the respondents, their charges have the least problems: using the telephone, managing money and administering medications. The biggest ones, however: doing housework and washing. The study also showed that more than half of the people (73) are dependent, which is 60.8%. Attention was also paid to the most common diseases that occur among the studied group of charges. According to the respondents, a large percentage of the charges were people after stroke — 63.50% and, for example, Alzheimer’s disease — 29.17%. According to the respondents, the greatest psychological burden, such as: depression of mood 64.5% occurs when caring for dependent patients, although a large percentage of depression can also be observed among caregivers of people with moderate dependency. Statistical analysis showed significant correlation between the respondents’ opinion of how high their psychological burden is in the care of neurological patients in geriatric age and the degree of independence of the patient (p = 0.008). Most of the respondents noticed the frequent possibility of physical stress, taking care of people 82.8%.Conclusions. The degree of independence of charges has a significant impact on the phenomenon of physical and mental strain in nurses. Along with the charge’s worse efficiency and the decrease in their independence, the degree of negative influence of the care on the nurse increases. Neurological diseases (Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, dementia and strokes) are also important. This is largely due to the additional time burden, as this care must be provided continuously and uninterruptedly. (JNNN 2022;11(1):22–26)
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