Explanation of Theory
What is the person-environment fit theory?
This theory focuses on the interaction between an individual and the environment. The environment can affect an individual and vice versa.
What would be an intervention for an individual that may live in a nursing home, whose room is cluttered, making it harder for them to move around?
Assist the residents in cleaning up or making a clear path for them in order to allow them room to walk around. This can prevent the deterioration of muscles.
Awareness and attention to an individual's environment is often _______, creating a positive outcome for an individual
increased
An older adult transitioning later in life to a new environment can cause extra ______, causing them to feel like the environment does not fit, even if it is right for them.
stress
References
Holmbeck, Grayson N, and Lauren Zurenda. “Person-Environment Fit.” Person-Environment Fit - an Overview | ScienceDirect Topics, 2008, www.sciencedirect.com/topics/psychology/person-environment-fit.
Lien, L. L., Steggell, C. D., & Iwarsson, S. (2015). Adaptive Strategies and Person-Environment Fit among Functionally Limited Older Adults Aging in Place: A Mixed Methods Approach. International journal of environmental research and public health, 12(9), 11954–11974. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph120911954
Writers, R. N. S. (2021, July 30). Home safety: NCLEX-RN. RegisteredNursing.org. Retrieved September 20, 2021, from https://www.registerednursing.org/nclex/home-safety/#assessing-need-client-home-modifications.
Young, H. M., Sikma, S. K., Johnson Trippett, L. S., Shannon, J., & Blachly, B. (2006). Linking theory and gerontological nursing practice in senior housing. Geriatric Nursing, 27(6), 346–354. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gerinurse.2006.08.014
How is this theory relevant to the nursing care of older adults?
This theory is relevant to nursing because a nurse can alter a patient's environment to improve their mental/physical health and lead to better outcomes.
What would an intervention be for an older adult who is having trouble hearing music that is being played on a piano?
Encourage or assist them in moving to a position in the room where they can comfortably hear the music that is being played.
Nurses can focus on a more ______ approach to care.
holistic
An older adult could feel an _______ in physical and mental exhaustion and stress when living in a poor fit environment and it could lead to a lack of motivation.
increase
Example of the Theory
If an older adult were to be in an environment that is cluttered, making it hard for them to get around, their physical health is more likely to deteriorate. This is because the environment that they are in makes it hard for them to get up and walk around.
What would an intervention be for an older adult who prefers to live in their home but lacks home safety knowledge?
Encourage the use of visual smoke alarms for patients with impaired auditory senses, provide a large print list of emergency phone numbers, evaluate the patient’s environment for fire and environmental hazards.
Older adults prefer to _____ in their current residence and age in place.
stay
What would be an intervention for an older adult who enjoys being outdoors gardening, but can no longer bend or sit on the ground for long periods of time?
Assist the resident with finding alternatives to gardening on the ground, such as using raised flower beds, or potted outdoor plants that are on stools or shelves.