Staff Attitudes Toward the Aged in Nursing Homes: A Review and Suggestions for an Alternate Approach to Training

A review of staff attitudes toward the aged in nursing homes suggests the presence of a negative feedback situation between staff and patients that promotes negative attitudes toward aging by both parties. Attitudes are reviewed in relation to the level of training of professional and paraprofessional personnel, to include nurse's aides, the nursing staff, and consulting physicians. Suggestions for improvement in the nursing home environment include increased emphasis on geriatric training at all professional levels, a realistic acceptance of negative attitudes toward aging and the aged, a clearer understanding of professional roles of colleagues, and changing societal expectations for nursing home function.