CARE at the UW-Madison School of Nursing
Pain that lasts at least three months—or chronic pain—can affect daily life and well-being. Chronic pain is associated with decreased quality of life and increased anxiety and depression, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. It’s one of the top reasons adults seek medical care. Nearly one-quarter of U.S. adults reported chronic pain in …
“I am a dedicated and passionate person about making a difference—not only in my community, but in the world,” says Edith Lawrence-Hilliard. “Volunteerism is one of my great loves and being active in my community is a real privilege for me. I am committed.” Lawrence-Hilliard is a lifelong Madison resident who works to uplift marginalized …
“In the world of research, we usually get asked [for input] after the questions are already formed,” says Mary, a member of the Madison Board of Older Adult Advisors (BOAA). “So, to include us from the very beginning of the process—I just feel it’s imperative!” The Madison BOAA—like their colleagues on the Rural BOAA in …
Receiving care shouldn’t come at the cost of an individual’s dignity, sense of self, or autonomy—especially when the care setting is the person’s home, as in long-term care. That’s why nursing home residents, families, and others have for decades advocated for person-centered care. Person-centered care is being “responsive to individuals and their goals, values, and …
“Aging and health issues change life’s choices and limit our options. But we must adapt and learn new ways to stay healthy and active. … I want researchers to know that aging requires that adaptability. But the system can make things better for aging people too.” “You see the color of my skin. You see …
“As a caregiver, I can speak to the fact that life is intense,” says Traci Edmondson. Edmondson is the dementia care specialist for Calumet and Outagamie counties in Wisconsin. She also cared for her husband while he was living with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. “You are always on. You are always caregiving,” she says. “You don’t …
“We all know healthy behaviors are important, but sometimes they’re not our first choice,” says Wan-chin Kuo, PhD, RN, an assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Nursing. Everyone enjoys treats that aren’t so healthy. But imagine if most days you couldn’t get a good night’s sleep, or eat a home-cooked meal, or …
As we age, our healthcare needs often change. For example, we might experience hearing loss or chronic pain. We might want to engage in advance care planning. Now imagine that simply communicating with healthcare providers is a struggle. What would you do to meet your health needs? University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Nursing Assistant Professor …
As we age, our cells accumulate damage. Over time, the damage can lead to disease, disability, or death. Yet time does not affect everyone’s cells equally. Some public health practitioners argue that time should be considered one of the social determinants of health. “Aging and racism is not about Black people who are old,” says …
“As a nurse, I never felt that nursing homes or dementia units provided what was needed for people to flourish,” said Karin Krause, ‘79 RN, a University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Nursing alumna and founder and Executive Director of Hope and a Future, a nonprofit organization. “We created facilities that keep people safe, so they …