Holistic nursing care is essential and it is all about addressing an individuals' overall wellbeing as well as their physical health. Holistic care in nursing goes beyond medical needs, it’s about looking into their social, spiritual and wellbeing needs. Holistic care refers to providing healthcare which considers the entire individual. The concept of holistic care was introduced by Florence Nightingale, focusing on empathetic and person-centred care. 

Why is Holistic Nursing Care Important?

Holistic nursing care comes with a comprehensive approach, some of the key components are highly important and they include...

• Physical Care - Care and medical procedures such as providing medication, caring for wounds and looking after other illnesses or physical symptoms. 

• Emotional Support - This one is extremely important for residents and includes a listening ear and respectful communication all within a safe and inviting environment where residents feel as if they’re able to share their thoughts and worries.

• Psychological Care - This type of care looks into recognising and treating mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, sadness and stress management.

• Spiritual Care - All staff members respect and support one another’s spiritual beliefs, offering the chance for spiritual expression through meditation and prayers.

• Person-Centred Nursing Care Plans - When it comes to nursing care plans, an individual's values, goals and preferences need to be taken into consideration. Residents should be put first meaning their care is aligned with their specific needs.

• Nutrition & Lifecycle Guidance - Having a balanced diet, a healthy exercise routine and lifestyle means improved health alongside promoting preventive measures.

Differences Between Holistic Nursing Care And Traditional Nursing Care in Aberdeen

The main differences is their approach to care, let’s break it down a bit…

Person Centred Care - Holistic nursing care is all about person centred care; recognising the individuality of each individual. Where as traditional nursing care, follows a protocol, focusing more on medical conditions.

Whole Person Approach - Holistic nursing care is looking at an individual under all aspects of their health. Traditional nursing care focuses more on the physical aspects, motioning vital signs, treating physical aliments and medication.

Integration of Complimentary Therapies - Holistic nursing looks into relaxation techniques, meditation, acupuncture and other herbal remedies. Where as, traditional nursing care follows evidence based medical and pharmaceutical treatments.

Holistic Assessment - A holistic assessment goes beyond physical symptoms, it’s about exploring an individual’s lifestyle, emotional state, spiritual aspects and their relationships therefore gaining a better understanding of their wellbeing. Traditional nursing care plans or assessments focuses only on physical symptoms, diagnosing medical conditions and conventional medicines.

Preventive & Wellness Focus - Within holistic nursing care its about encouraging individuals to adopt a healthy lifestyle with more self care and taking more control over their wellbeing, all within holistic practices. Traditional nursing care focuses on more chronic illnesses.

Collaborative & Interdisciplinary Care - Both care types work close with other healthcare professionals such as registered nurses, providing both comprehensive and integrated care. However, traditional nursing just has more of a hierarchical structure with their prime focus being on medical doctors.

It’s highly important to bare in mind that both traditional nursing and holistic approaches are necessary when it comes to healthcare. Both approaches compliment one another and can then be integrated based off the needs of an individual.

Benefits For Residents

Holistic nursing supports an individuals overall health and quality of life. This type of personalised care fosters a sense of engagement, empowerment and trust, all within the healing process. Holistic nursing care also aims to promote wellness alongside preventing illnesses and by prioritising preventative measures, self care and lifestyle modifications it means the individual will experience an improved quality of life and health. All of these complimentary therapies (meditation, nutrition counselling, relaxation techniques etc) can compliment conventional medical treatments, reducing stress, supporting the body’s natural healing process and enhancing wellbeing.

How Does A Holistic Nursing Approach Help?

Holistic nursing can be provided in multiple ways as it addresses their spiritual, physical and psychological needs. Below is a breakdown of the advantages…

Spiritual Wellbeing

Meaning & Purpose - A holistic nurse recognises the importance of spirituality, providing a supportive environment for individuals to express their feelings and explore their beliefs, finding meaning and purpose. 

Spiritual Support - This can include facilitating religious or spiritual rituals, providing prayers or meditation sessions during times of spiritual distress or existential questioning. 

Physical Wellbeing

Prevention & Wellness - When it comes to promoting preventative measures and wellness practices, an individuals physical health improves, including their lifestyle choices, nutrition guidance, stress reduction techniques and exercise recommendations. 

Integrated Approaches - This approach can support both physical healing and symptom management, including alternative medicines such as herbal remedies, acupuncture, aromatherapy and massage therapy.

Pain & Management - By addressing the causes of an individuals pain by using techniques such as guided imagery, relaxation and non-pharmacological interventions this will then help alleviate any discomfort.

Psychological Wellbeing

Emotional Support - By addressing an individuals emotional needs through compassionate and empathetic care, holistic nurses listen, validate feelings and create a safe place for those to express their feelings.

Stress Reduction & Relaxation Techniques - When an individual incorporates meditation, deep breathing exercises, mindfullness and guided imagery this will then help individuals, control and manage their anxiety, overall promoting relaxation. 

Holistic Assessment & Medical Health Considerations - By identifying an individuals emotional distress or possible mental health concerns, holistic nurses will then collaborate with other healthcare professionals, providing appropriate interventions and referrals to mental health services.

In summary, both holistic therapies and nursing care provides a variety of benefits which therefore impacts an individual in a positive manner. Additionally, by providing person centred care and a comprehensive understanding (which considers spiritual, physical and psychological dimensions) means improved health and wellbeing for individuals. It also enhances healthcare settings, an individuals satisfaction, all whilst fostering a supportive care environment for both nurses and residents, cultivating better relationships, focusing on self care and personal growth, alongside reducing any burn out which overall means better job satisfaction. Holistic nursing care is all evidence based, which plays a big role in promoting holistic health, empowering one another and creating an effective and compassionate healthcare system. 

Here at Rubislaw Park Care Home, we offer a variety of care, from Luxury Nursing Care in Aberdeen, to Residential Care to Dementia Care and Respite Care. Our healthcare professionals provide holistic nursing care and are always going above and beyond, making sure to put the health and needs of our residents first, ensuring they keep to the latest developments in both caring practises and holistic nursing care. We can assure you, you will have peace of mind that your loved one will receive the best care and attention, all whilst benefiting from our luxurious, all-inclusive care home. Please do get in touch with us today and we would be happy to tell you more about our wonderful home, you can even book in for a tour, that way you can see for yourself how great our home really is.