Update 26 November 2009: Thanks to our distribution partners
Update June 2009: We've sent out over 75,000 copies of the guidance since we launched it back in March.
The summary cards which were sent out with NMC News are also available to order.
We've listened to the views of older people and their carers to produce a set of principles for care which focus on respect, dignity and communication.
Our increasingly aging population highlights the need for this new guidance, which asks nurses to
- challenge negative attitudes to older people
- promote a healthy lifestyle for older people
- value and respect older people as individuals
- be mindful of older people's dignity
- show kindness and compassion in their behaviour
- communicate effectively and respectfully
- be committed to equality and diversity.
Care should be focused on the needs of the individual, and older people should be equal partners in their own care.
Nurses need to have the will to provide compassionate, dignified care and to actively challenge poor practice.
The guidance is aimed at working nurses, but also has implications for pre- and post- registration education and training, and can be used by employers as a benchmark for delivery. Carers and other healthcare professionals will also find this guidance useful and relevant to their work.
People, process and place
The guidance covers three main areas
- people: the skills and qualities of nurses who provide care
- process: different aspects of that care
- place: the different environments where care is delivered
Guidance for older people: Q&A
Facts and figures
Order your copy of Guidance for the care of older people
Feedback about the new guidance
Your comments: Guidance for the care of older people
Care and respect every time: what you can expect from nurses
The NMC has also produced a leaflet for older people and their carers about what they can expect from nurses and how to challenge poor care.
The leaflet is available in English, Welsh and in large print.
Order your copy of Care and respect every time
Care and respect every time - full text
Key organisations
Further information
Older peoples' perception of nursing: a literature review from Glamorgan University [PDF]
Read the press release
New guidance for the care of older people
NMC guidance for the care of older people October 2008 (Consultation)
The Code
Further coverage
How are they treating you on the SAGA website
Respect your elders on the GMTV website
10 questions on the Daily Mail website
Nurses back guidance on the Healthcare Republic website
View a printable version of this page
First created: 16/03/2009
Last modified: 24/11/2009