TOBIAS, SHAMELLE B.

BSN 3-1
NCM 114: Care of Older Adult (Lecture)

ritical Thinkin
C EXERCISE g
1. Care of the older person today is considerably different from what it
was in 1960. Cite examples of how and why the care of older adults is
different today than it was in the past.
The care of the aged has experienced significant transformations since the
1960s, which mirror substantial progressions and changes in healthcare
practices. Back then, health care was more limited, mainly reactive and
focused on dealing with existing health matters. Nevertheless, that approach
has drastically changed and there is a wider perspective on elderly people’s
health care today due to several reasons.
Rapid Growth in Medical Technology
One major factor behind this change was the rapid growth in medical
technology. For instance, there are better diagnostic tools than before,
minimally invasive surgeries have been developed, and telemedicine has
emerged. Thus it is possible for specialists to detect diseases as early as
possible or suggest preventive measures for them to develop slowly in later
years. This is unlike in the past when treatment options were few and only
provided when there was no other option apart from waiting until one’s
condition deteriorates significantly.
From Curative to Preventive
In the 1960s, healthcare had often concentrated on the curative treatment of
diseases that have already occurred with huge dependence on acute health
care offered through hospitals. However, today there is increased emphasis
on preventive approaches that aim at keeping elderly adults healthy and
prevent them from becoming dependent for as long as possible. This involves
regular screening for health, immunizations and behavior change
interventions aimed at preventing diseases or managing conditions that could
lead to poor health.

Holistic approach to care

Moreover, an aging population presents different challenges demanding more
holistic and integrative ways of caring. As people live longer, they are
more likely to have multiple chronic conditions, cognitive decline and
functional limitations. It therefore calls for a new model of care that
encompasses not only physical but serves the emotional, social and mental
well-being of older persons. For instance, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
management is given greater attention currently than before with specialized
dementia units and memory care which were rare or absent in earlier times.

Changing Views on Aging

In addition, culture’s views towards aging have changed through time. This
has led to the development of communities which are friendly to old people,
good care for them in their old age and policies that strengthen aging at
different places. The changes recognize the elderly as unique beings with
needs, hence they should be treated with dignity and respect when being
attended to.
2. When reporting for work, you note that you have been assigned to two 74-
year-old women for the evening. Is it safe to assume that the care of these
two women will be similar because they are the same age? Why or why not?
How would their care be enhanced or be compromised if they were treated
similarly?

Each individual ages in their own way, and the physical, psychosocial, and
cognitive health of older individuals varies widely. The level of need or
type of care an individual requires is not determined by his/her age alone
and according to these findings and to provide equal treatment for both
without taking into consideration what makes them different can jeopardize
their wellbeing.

First and foremost, one must keep in mind that chronological age represents
only a single aspect among other elements in the overall health profile of
a person. Their health statuses, medical histories, lifestyles and
cognitive functioning would differ greatly even if they were all aged 74
years. For instance, one woman may suffer from multiple chronic conditions
like diabetes as well as heart disease which need careful monitoring of
medication use and dietary restrictions (as stated by . Another woman on
the other hand might present with fewer medical problems but still high
levels of independence. This case would mean that giving them similar
treatment plans would amount to under-treatment for the former and over-
treatment for the latter.

Another critical factor is cognitive function. This means that if one of

the women has some kind of cognitive impairment, say dementia, and the
other does not in such a case, then their care needs would be quite
different. It means that the woman with dementia might need extra help with
daily activities, higher safety measures, and modified communication
strategies to keep her comfortable and secure. Same treatment of women
would eliminate specialized care for the woman with cognitive decline,
leading to confusion, distress, or harm. Besides, it includes elements of
personal preference, social and emotional factors. The routine preferences
of every woman can be different, so the extent of socializing and the
amount of independence she would like to retain may differ. If these
factors are overlooked, then it can result in dissatisfaction, loss of
control, or even mental and emotional deterioration.

Although there may be some aspects of standardization in care, such as

routine vital signs monitoring or medication administration, these will
still have to be individualized within each woman according to their
broader context. In instances where both women have similar health statuses
and interests, some aspects of care would probably be shared. For example,
they can both attend similar support groups or other forms of therapy
emphasizing joining others as a means of community and mutual support. The
benefit of treating these women identically is far outweighed by the
potential for compromising their care. The dangers of the one-size-fits-all
approach to elder care include overlooking particular needs, inappropriate
treatment, and general lessening in the quality of life. The health
provider should view each woman as an integral part of their care and treat
them uniquely to ensure safety, effectiveness, and betterment of their
well-being.
 3. What are the ways to take extremely good care of elderly adult?

The role of a geriatric nurse is significant and varied, encompassing many

activities carried out to support their physical, emotional, social, and
mental health. As people age, their needs become complex, and it is
imperative to provide holistic and sensitive care. It is sometimes
challenging to care for the elderly, even for the most seasoned
professionals as many older individuals have some form of hearing loss or
cognitive impairment that can result in miscommunication and mistrust.

What sets them apart from other forms of care that we provide for our
patients is their expertise and sensitivity to the unique needs of elderly
patients. Nurses act as a support function, motivate, and empower the
elderly by use of expertise in age-related issues to promote independence
and functional abilities, all the while making sure that the elderly are
receiving proper health care and are safe.

It is part of a nurse's role in patient care, especially for older

patients, to ensure that they understand their health condition, sickness,
medication, and treatment. They also counsel patients on recommended self-
care practices that will help them overcome impediments to making healthy
choices. Nurses give substantial support and encouragement for the well
elderly going through their wellness journey.

It is important to include emotional well-being as equally important to the

physical health aspect when it comes to care for elderly adults. The
problems with loneliness and depression affect most elderly adults when
they live alone or have lost their spouse or very close friend. Of greatest
significance is expression of emotional support in the form of regular
communication and companionship. Family, caregivers, and friends should
make efforts to share quality time by conversing with these elderly adults,
hearing them out, and giving them a feeling that they belong.

Positive social relationships have an impact on healthy cognitive aging

promotion. Risk factors in people above the age of 50, like living alone,
bereavement, chronic disease, or sensory deprivation, may predispose people
to social isolation or loneliness. It is a severe but underestimated
problem that many have gone through. Majorly, elderly nursing care is
focused on discovering new social opportunities, building self-confidence,
and leading a happier, more purposeful life.

Last but not the least, no less important is autonomy and dignity as one of
the main features…. in old age. Incorporating decision makers in the care
includes providing all necessary information to make an informed choice and
respecting their preferences when each person makes wishes about what they
would prefer. It covers the daily living, feeding and admission aspects of
a patient in terms of his/her health decisions. Ask for assistance when
necessary, but make sure your loved ones have their pride and uphold as
much independence as they can muster.
4. As a student, you are often assigned to care for older adults At what
point in your education do you feel information related to the care of the
older adult should be included? In early classes, later in the program, or
throughout your nursing program? Support your position.

As a student nurse, I strongly feel that the care of older adults needs to
be integrated throughout our nursing program so that we are adequately
equipped with the skills to deliver the highest level of care possible. Old
age is a sensitive phase; elderly people need care and comfort to lead a
healthy life without worries and anxiety. As each level passes the physical
strength deteriorates as well as the mental stability lessens. This touches
me closely because of my personal connection to elder care; I wasn't able
to care for my grandparents while they were still alive. This personal
connection is what makes me especially dedicated to making sure that other
older adults get the compassionate and respectful care they deserve. We are
all aware that one day in the future, we are going to die; however, knowing
this makes me more keen to care for them, give them respected care, and
make them feel as comfortable as possible.

Introducing care of the older adult early in our nursing education provides
a critical foundation. An education on the process of aging, common health
concerns of the older adult, and unique aspects of care sets a base of
understanding for these patients. Exposure to issues such as physiological
changes with aging, common chronic diseases, and psychological problems
related to aging at an early stage of our education enables us to develop a
respectful and empathic attitude toward older adults. This base of
knowledge is important in founding our approach and making sure that we can
view aging as a normal and significant part of health care, not just as a
challenge. As we progress in our nursing program, further coursework and
clinical experiences in geriatric care will be beneficial.

Later classes should address complicated health condition management, the

cognitive impairments of dementia, and end-of-life care. Advanced study and
hands-on experiences allow us to put into practice what we have learned
thus far and to hone our skills while thinking at a higher order as it
relates to elder care. Progression builds on our initial knowledge to a
more complete understanding of how to effectively meet complex needs of
older adults. With our aging population, the demand for health care
professionals with the skill in care of the older adult is increasing.

By threading the care of older adults throughout our nursing curriculum, we

are better equipped to meet this growing demand. We will enter the
workforce knowing how to manage preventative care and complex chronic
conditions, and provide compassionate end-of-life care. This only serves in
career development, but this training also leaves one better prepared to
care for quality delivery to older adults, a significantly increasing
proportion of the patient population.