33496007 Gerontological Nursing

8/8/2019 33496007 Gerontological Nursing

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Gerontological Nursing


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GERIATRICS

y From the Greek word GERAS, meaning OLD AGE

y A branch of medicine that deals with the diseases and

problems old age

y Generally NOT used when describing the nursing of older

adults


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GERONTOLOGY

y From the Greek word GERON, meaning OLD MAN

y Is the scientific study of the process of aging and the

problems of aged persons; it includes:

y Biologic, Sociologic, Psychological, Economic aspects


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GERONTOLOGIC NURSING

y This specialty of nursing involves:

y assessing the health and functional status of older adults

planning and implementing health care and to services to

meet the identified needs evaluating the effectiveness of carey Developed by GUNTER and ESTES in 1979

y More inclusive than Geriatric or Gerontologic nursing the art

and practice of nurturing, caring, comforting, connotes the

nursing of older persons.


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CORE VALUES AND PRINCIPLES OF

GERIATRICS AND GERONTOLOGICALNURSING

y Health promotion

y Health protection

y Disease prevention

y

Treatment of diseases


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Profiles of Aging

y Demographic Profile of the old Older Adult:

y All nations are facing an aging population

- In 1997, approximately 10% world population was older than age 60

-This figure is projected to increase 15% by 2025

y

Women comprise 55% of the worlds older population-The majority reside in developing countries - one

- Men have shorter life expectancies

* Because of greater exposure to risk factors, both occupational and vocational

* Women will close this gender gap if they increase their risk exposures

y Life expectancy is also impacted by nationality, race, and

socioeconomic status (SES).

y Chronic conditions develop over time


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Nurses can intervene using three levels of prevention

y Primary Health Promotion: Education, Nutritional

Assessment and guidance, Exercise prescriptions,

avoidance of tobacco, Moderation of alcohol and limiting

exposure or avoiding known carcinogens


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y Secondary- Early Diagnosis and Prompt Treatment: Screeningquestions and Health assessment, Referral for examination and

testing & Disease cure and aggressive treatment to limit disability

and disease progression.


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y Tertiary- Restoration and Rehabilitation: Multidisciplinary

rehabilitation ( Physical, occupational, speech and recreational

therapy), Short term placement in rehabilitation facilities or

aggressive in-home rehabilitation, Appropriate services and aids ti

increase independence ( walkers, cane)


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Myths of Aging

y You cant teach an old dog new tricks

yDirty old man

y

Disease and disability are an inevitablepart of aging

yHealth promotion is wasted on older

peopleyThe elderly do not pull their own weight


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Myths of aging lead to:

yAgeism is the disliking of aging and older

people based on the belief that aging makes

people unattractive, unintelligent and

unproductive.

yReduced healthcare services

ySegregation of elders from mainstream society

yNurse recruitment difficulties


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Chronic Conditions

y Seventy percent of physical decline is modifiable through

ySmoking cessation

y Improved nutrition

yPhysical activity

yPrevention of injuries from falls

y Improved use of Medicare-covered preventive services

y Leading chronic diseases are treatable but not curable.


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Effects of chronic conditions

yReduces quality of life

yLimits activity

y

Requires assistanceyIncreases healthcare costs

yIncreases hospitalizations

yImpacts emotional health


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Healthy People 2010 Goals

y Increase quality and quantity of healthy life

yEliminate health disparities

yNurses can have significant impact onpeoples lives.

Documents

33496007 Gerontological Nursing