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