What Is Holistic Nursing Care?

Holistic care in nursing is essential, it addresses an individuals overall wellbeing in addition to their physical health. Holistic health care recognises that beyond someones medical conditions they have social, emotional and spiritual well being needs. The term ‘holistic care’ refers to providing healthcare which considers the entire individual. The concept of holistic care was first introduce by Florence Nightingale; the concept of empathetic and person-centred care, enhancing patients satisfaction. From previous qualitative research, holistic care is known to maintain not only the body of an individual but also their soul.

Why Is Holistic Care Important In Nursing?

Those who practise holistic care use a comprehensive approach, considering the individuals physical, emotional, social and spiritual well being. Some of the key components have become very important and they involve:

Physical Care - A standard medical procedure and care such as providing medication, caring for wounds and handling other physical symptoms or illnesses.

Emotional Support - Emotional support is highly important for residents, offering a listening ear, respectful communication and a safe and welcoming environment for residents to share thoughts and worries.

Psychological Care - This can include recognising and treating various mental health issues such as stress management, anxiety and sadness etc.

Spiritual Care - All nurses support and respect each individuals spiritual beliefs, providing the chance for spiritual expression through mediation and prayers.

Person-Centred Care Plans - While developing care plans values, preferences and goals are taken into consideration, by putting the resident first, their care is aligned with specific needs and requirements.

Nutrition & Lifecycle Guidance - It’s essential to give advice on diets, exercise and healthy life cycle choices to maintain and improve the individuals physical health alongside promoting preventive measures. 

Differences Between Holistic Nursing And Traditional Nursing

The main difference between holistic nursing and traditional nursing is their approach to care…

Person-Centred Care - Holistic nursing care places a strong emphasis on person-centred care, recognising the individuality of each resident. Where as traditional nursing considers patient care and the preferences following nursing practice protocols, focusing more on treating specific medical conditions.

Whole-Person Approach - Holistic nursing sees everyone as whole beings, considering all aspects of their health. Traditional nursing care focuses on the physical aspects such as medication, motioning vital signs and treating physical aliments.

Integration of Complimentary Therapies - This holistic nursing practice can include relaxation techniques, herbal remedies, mediation and acupuncture. Traditional nursing prefers to use evidence based medical and pharmaceutical treatments, along with theoretical knowledge.

Holistic Assessment - Holistic nursing administers a comprehensive assessment which goes beyond physical symptoms, exploring a residents lifestyle, emotional state, spiritual aspects and relationships to get a deeper understanding of their well being. Traditional nursing focuses on identifying physical symptoms, diagnosing medical conditions and conventional medicine.

Preventive & Wellness Focus - This is all about encouraging residents to adopt a healthier lifestyle, focusing on self care and taking control of their well being within holistic practices. Traditional nursing focuses on more chronic illnesses rather than preventative measures.

Collaborative & Interdisciplinary Care - Holistic nurses work close with other healthcare professionals such as registered nurses to provide both comprehensive and integrated care. Traditional nursing also focuses on this collaboration but also has a more hierarchical structure with a prime focus on medical doctors.

It’s important to keep in mind that both a holistic approach and traditional nursing is necessary when it comes to the aspects of healthcare. Both approaches can complement one another and can be integrated based off the needs and requirements of the resident.

Benefits For Residents

Holistic nursing heals and supports the holistic principles of an individuals overall health and quality of life and by considering these needs, values and preferences of each person, holistic nursing makes sure that their care is tailored specifically to the individual to promote health. This is a personalised approach which fosters a sense of trust, engagement and empowerment within the healing process. Holistic nursing practices also aim to promote wellness whilst preventing illnesses, by focusing on preventive measures, self-care practices and lifestyle modifications; individuals experience an improved health and quality of life. Additionally, these complementary therapies and alternative therapies (meditation, nutrition counselling, relaxation techniques etc) can compliment conventional medical treatment, enhancing wellbeing, reducing stress and supporting the body’s natural healing process.

How Does An Holistic Nursing Approach Help?

Nurses provide holistic care in different ways as it addresses their psychological, spiritual and physical needs. Here’s a breakdown of the advantages:

Psychological Well Being

Emotional Support - By addressing their emotional needs by providing empathetic and compassionate care, holistic nurses listen, validate feelings and create a safe place for one to express their feelings and worries.

Stress Reduction & Relaxation Techniques - By incorporating deep breathing exercises, meditation, mindfulness and guided imagery this helps those control and manage their anxiety, therefore promoting relaxation.

Holistic Assessment & Medical Health Considerations - By identifying emotional distress, psychosocial stressors or mental health concerns holistic healthcare nurses can collaborate with other healthcare professionals, providing appropriate interventions and referrals to mental health services.

Spiritual Wellbeing

Meaning & Purpose - A holistic nurse can recognise the importance of spirituality, providing a supporting environment where those can express and explore their beliefs, finding meaning and purpose.

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

Physical Well Being

Prevention & Wellness - By promoting preventative measures and wellness practices maintains and improves overall physical health, including education on healthy lifestyle choices, exercise recommendations, nutrition guidance and stress reduction techniques.

Integrated Approaches - These can support both physical healing and symptom management and can include alternative medicine such as acupuncture, herbal remedies, massage therapy and aromatherapy.

Pain & Management - By addressing underlying causes of an individuals pain by using techniques like relaxation, guided imagery and non-pharmacological interventions can help alleviate discomfort.

Overall, holistic therapies and nursing provides a range of benefits which impacts individuals positively, care environments an even nurses. By providing person-centred care, a comprehensive understanding which considers spiritual, physical and psychological dimensions, means improved and optimal health and well being. It enhances healthcare settings, residents satisfaction, fostering a supportive care environment for many nurses and residents, cultivating stronger relationships, prioritising self care and professional growth; reducing burnout and increasing overall job satisfaction. Holistic nursing is evidence based practice playing a pivotal role in promoting holistic health, empowering individuals and creating a effective, compassionate healthcare system with comprehensive care.

Here at Ridgeway Rise Care Home, we provide a full range of care for those who need it, from residential and nursing care and dementia care to respire care and/or palliative care. Our approach is going above and beyond, putting the health and needs of our residents first, along with embracing the latest developments in caring practices and holistic nursing. You can be confident and rest assured that your loved one will receive the very best in terms of attention and care when benefiting from our luxurious, all inclusive care home, please do get in touch with us today if you’d like to learn more about our home or even book in for a tour; we'd be happy to help!