Aging population is a global trend, and with this there is an associated increase in chronic illnesses. The need for long-term nursing care accordingly will be greater. This in turn affects the services provided by hospitals, as they will have to adapt to the needs of the society. Nursing care will no longer be restricted to within the walls of the hospital, but will move out to within the community to accommodate to the needs of the elderly.
This research aimed to understand the willingness and attitude of nursing staff to care for the elderly, as well as the factors influencing them. A questionnaire based on the Theory of Planned Behavior was
designed by the researcher then reviewed by specialists of the field. A pilot study using 30 questionnaires were performed to evaluate its efficiency, and a Chronbach’s αvalue of 0.87-0.71 was obtained.
The main study was carried in a regional teaching hospital. A total of 192 questionnaires were handed out, 178 questionnaires returned. Give a response rate of 93.2%. Results show that the attitude of the nursing personnel towards the care of the elderly is very encouraging. This is especially so if they have had prior experience in the care of the elderly.
The study suggests that by providing a sound working environment with adequate monetary
compensation, emphasizing geriatric nursing care, having courses on nursing care for the elderly and continued nursing education will ensure a high standard of nursing care.
