Introduction to
Geriatric
Nursing
Sumi Mathew
BSc N, MSc N,
RN,RM
OBJECTIVES
• Define gerontology and geriatrics.
• Enumerate factors influencing
aging.
• Discuss the common needs.
• Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).
OBJECTIVES
• Describe major characteristics of
today’s older population
• Defining terms
•Aging:
•A Natural Process…
NOT a disease!
DEFINING OLD AGE
• Chronological age – Exact age from birth
• Biological age - Age determined by physiology rather than chronology
• Functional age – Age in terms of functional performance
FACTORS
INFLUENCING AGING
• Heredity
• Nutrition
• Health status
• Life experiences
• Environment
• Activity
• Stress produce unique
COMMON NEEDS
PHYSIOLOGIC BALANCE
CONNECTION
GRATIFICATION
Activities of Daily
Living (ADLs)
Basic:• Bathing (hygiene, grooming)
• Dressing
• Eating
• Toileting
• Transferring (mobility)
Activities of Daily Living
(ADLs)
Instrumental:• Light housework
• Preparing meals
• Taking medications
• Shopping for groceries or clothes
• Using the telephone
• Managing home
Characteristics of
Aging Population
• Typical” older person?• Age 65 start of “old
age?”
• Energetic, vibrant, influential, diverse
• Gerontology -identifies common characteristics, problems, disease processes, & concerns
• Nurse must consider individual differences & characteristics when planning & implementing care
Definition of Terms
• Ageism - Prejudice, negative
stereotyping based solely on age
• Geriatrics - Branch of medicine that
deals with problems & diseases of
old age, aging people
Definition of Terms
• Gerontology –Comprehensive,
multidisciplinary study of
aging process & problems of
older people with holistic
focus, including biologic,
sociologic, psychological,
spiritual, & economic issues
Definition of Terms
• Senescence - Process of aging within cells and organs accompanied by loss of organ function.
Definition of Terms
• Primary prevention – Activities directed toward the protection from or avoidance of potential health risks
• Secondary prevention – Activities designed for early diagnosis & treatment of disease or illness
Definition of Terms
• Tertiary prevention – Activities
designed to restore disabled individuals
to their optimal level of functioning
Gerontology: Complex Field
Encompassing Three Levels of
Complexity
• 1. Normal aging changes
• 2. Chronic conditions associated with aging
• 3. Acute exacerbations of chronic conditions
Important Qualities of the Gerontological Nurse
Ability to form a therapeutic
relationship with elderly adults
Appreciation of the
uniqueness of elders
Clinical competence in basic
nursing skills.
Important Qualities of the Gerontological Nurse
Good communication skills
Knowledge of physical & psychosocial changes that
occur with age
Ability to work with & supervise
others
.
Therapeutic Communication
• Ongoing, continuous, dynamic process.
• Includes verbal and nonverbal signals
Nonverbal Communication
• Nonverbal communication composes up to 80% of information exchange– Body language– Position– Eye contact– Touch– Tone of voice– Facial expression
Verbal Communication Guidelines
Do not yell or speak
too loudly to patients – Yelling into a hearing
aid can be disturbing
and painful
Try to be at eye level
Minimize
background noise
Verbal Communication Guidelines
Touch if appropriate
and acceptable
Supplement with
written instructions
as needed
Avoid complicated
explanations
Verbal Communication Guidelines
Ask how the patient would like to be addressed
Avoid demeaning terms such as sweetie, honey, or dearie
Use caring responses and careful listening
Verbal Communication Guidelines
Use open-ended statements
– “Tell me more…” or “How does
this affect you?”
Avoid misunderstandings by
clarifying
– “I’m not sure what you mean…”
Encourage reminiscing
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