Age Specific Care
Age-Specific Considerations
for Pediatric Patients
Children are very special people…
not just miniature adults!
As a child grows older and
changes, they move
through stages.
Everyone grows and
develops in a similar way.
The stages are related to
their age and therefore,
share certain qualities at
each stage.
Important!
Even though children go through stages,
everyone develops at his/her own RATE!
Every patient is an
individual with his or her
own…
 Likes and dislikes
 Feelings, thoughts &
beliefs
 Limitations and abilities
 Life experiences
As caregivers, we must…
Know enough about the
different stages of
childhood development
that we interact with the
children in a way that is
positive and helpful for
them.
Understand that the
hospitalized child
requires sensitivity and
special actions.
Infancy
(Birth through 1 year)
 Parental involvement
when appropriate
 Stay in infants line of
vision
 Place familiar object with
baby (stuffed animal, etc.)
 Pacifier, talk softly, touch
 Cuddle, hug after
procedure
 Adequately restrain
 Model desired behavior
(opening mouth)
Infancy
 Stable, caring relationships
 Verbal, auditory, visual and
tactile stimulation
 Reduction and control of
negative stimuli
 Satisfaction through pleasurable
stimuli (sucking, stroking)
 Opportunities for motor
development and
neuromuscular control
 Recognition of the individuality
of the infants responses
 Appreciation of individual
patterns
 Consistency in care
 Support, preparation and
teaching for parents
Toddlers
(1 year – 3 years)
 Continuing relationships with
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parents
Space for mobility and
exploration
Consistency in daily routine
Opportunity for play
Continuity of familiar routines
of eating, toileting, and
sleeping
Acceptance of regression under
the stress of hospitalization
Continued contact with
security objects
Toddlers
 Opportunity to express
independence
 Detailed preparation for
parents and brief preparation
for the child
 Reassurance and brief
explanations of procedures or
treatments
Toddlers
 Involve child in procedure by
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allowing him/her to play with
equipment when appropriate.
Use play; demonstrate on doll,
stuffed animal
Consistency with daily routines
Explain procedure in relation
to what child sees, hears, etc.
Emphasize being still
Let them know – “It’s okay to
cry”
Give one direction at a time
Preschoolers
_(3 years-6 years)
 Identification of fears,
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misconceptions, fantasies, and
offering appropriate support
and clarification
Recognition of the importance
of parental involvement
Opportunity for play and
mobility
More detailed explanations and
preparations for procedures
Recognition of individuality
Continued contacts with
security objects
Preschoolers
 Explain in simple terms
 Demonstrate procedure
 Allow to play with
equipment/dolls
 Encourage child to talk;
let them ask questions to
clarify
 Tell them “this is not
punishment”- “you
haven’t done anything
wrong”
School Age
(6 years-12 years)
 Use of intellectualization as a
coping mechanism
 More detailed preparation and
explanation of procedures
 Increased participation in self
care and treatment
 Continuation of school and ageappropriate educational
activities
 Opportunity to play and
continue with interests and
hobbies
 Involvement with peers
 Continuing need for parents’
presence
School Age
 Explain using correct terms
 Explain reasons – use simple
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diagrams
Allow to ask questions
Prepare in advance
Tell what is expected
Suggest breathing, counting,
etc.
Include in decision (where to
get injection, etc.)
Encourage participation
Provide privacy
Adolescents
(12 years-19 years)
 Contact and involvement with
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peers
Opportunities for increasing
independence and
responsibility
Recognition of concerns about
body image
Need for privacy
Continuation of activities such
as schooling, music,
telephoning, eating and
sleeping patterns
Adolescents
 Detailed preparation and
explanations
 Opportunity to talk about
concerns with staff and
peers
 Appropriate parental
involvement
Adolescents
 Explain and give reasons
 Encourage questions
 Provide privacy
 Discuss “after effects”- scars,
etc.
 Involve in decision making and
planning
 Accept regression and
resentment of authority
Adults to age 64 years
 Involve these patients in
their care, treatment,
diagnosis, and procedures
 Family support and
visitors are necessary to
their improvement\
 Allow them to verbalize
fears, anxiety, and
concerns related to their
care
Geriatrics 65 +
 It is crucial to maintain a safe
environment for these patients
(side rails up, falls prevention,
mobility needs, and
communication)
 Prior to performing any
treatments or procedures,
explain fully to the patient and
allow time for questions
 Provide for sensory losses such
as visual impairment and
hearing loss
 Involve the family in the
patients care and decision
making
In summary…
 Know developmental
levels and stages.
 Keep in mind the
importance of familycentered care
 Remember to address
both the physical and
emotional needs of the
patient.