Care of Elderly
Definitions
Ageing - It is a process of growing old, or
It is the changes that occur as the result of the passing of time.
Ageism
It is a negative stereotyping of older adults and perpetuating false information and
negative images & characteristics regarding older adults.
Ageism can interfere with effective practice and prevent the comprehensive services &
care that ageing persons need and deserve.
Ageism has an impact on both society and culture.
Misconceptions about Older Adults
 Most Older Adults Cannot Live independently.
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Most Elderly persons Have Diminished Intellectual Capacity or Are Senile.
 Chronologic Age Determines oldness
 Older Adults cannot be Productive or active.
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All Older Adults Are Resistant to Change.
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Social Security will not be There When I Retire.
Health Needs of Older Adults
Primary prevention activities are:
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Health education
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Personal health practices
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Recommended routine screenings
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Maintenance of an appropriate immunization schedule
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Nutritional needs
 Exercises needs
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Economic security needs
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Psychosocial needs
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Safety needs which include:
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Personal health and safety
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Home safety
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Community safety
Secondary prevention
Secondary prevention focuses on early detection of disease & prompt intervention.
It includes following the Routine health screening schedule for diseases.
Tertiary Prevention
It involves follow up & rehabilitation after a disease has occurred or been diagnosed and
initial treatment has
begun.
Note - Chronic diseases are common among elderly
Four primary criteria for an effective community health programs for the elderly
 Comprehensive
 Coordination
 Accessibility
 Promote quality programs
Services for the well Elderly
Needs assessment forms the basis for determining approach services. Although most of
the well elderly can assess their own health status, many are reluctant to seek needed
help. Thus outreach programs serve an important function in many communities. They
locate elderly persons in need of social assistance and refer them to appropriate
resources.
Health maintenance programs may be offered through a single agency, such as health
maintenance organization, or coordinated with referral to other providers. These
programs should cover a wide range of health services needed by the elderly, e.g. of such
services are:
 Dental care
 Vision tests and eye glasses
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Hearing tests and hearing aid assistance
Exercise and fitness programs
Speech or physical therapy
Home health services, including skilled nursing and home health aid services.
Routine medical care
Medical supplies or equipment
Health education
Medication supervision
Role of the nurse in the care of the elderly
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Nurses must analyze and capitalize on the elderly's strength, to enable the
older people to thrive, not merely to survive.
Change to a healthier life style is one of the most important preventive
measures the nurse can emphasize. E.g. stopping smoking, eating regular
and well balanced meals, exercising regularly.
Educating the elderly about their health conditions and use of their
medications is another important way to prevent problems.
Educating the family to care for the elderly and to involve them in the
family decision making can improve their self-esteem.
Periodic health examinations to be done for early detection of chronic
conditions.
Nurses must provide knowledge about normal development al needs
throughout life-span.
Community health nurses must encourage planned activities and
programs, satisfying interpersonal relationships, quality of housing,
adequate income to promote increased self-esteem.
Community health nurses can provide counseling to the abused elderly
and the abusers and teaching stress management techniques.
Community health nurses must be active during the stages of crisis.
Encourage the older people to be in touch with appropriate community
resources can do much to relieve the source of stress and actively
participate in community functions.
During grief nurses must provide correct information, create a sense of
reality, supportive listening, and caring during periods of crying and other
emotional releases are essential aspect of the care activities.