Upload
caren-dorsey
View
217
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Chapter 10Chapter 10Geriatric Care
Myths on AgingMyths on AgingAging for everyone begins at birth
and ends at death
Gerontology: scientific study of aging and the problems of the old
Geriatric care: care of the elderly Health care worker must distinguish
fact from myth
Myths and Facts Myths and Facts Myth: most elderly individuals are
cared for in institutions (nursing homes), or long-term care facilities
Fact: most older people are living at home, with family, or in retirement communities or facilities
(continues)
Myths and FactsMyths and Facts((continuedcontinued))
Myth: all elderly people live in povertyFact: less than 10 percent of people
over 65 are living at poverty level
Myth: the older generation are unhappy and lonely
Fact: many elderly individuals socialize by being involved in charity or volunteer work
(continues)
Myths and FactsMyths and Facts((continuedcontinued))
Myth: anyone over 65 is old Fact: many elderly are active and
productive into their 80s and beyondMyth: elderly people are not able to
manage their financesFact: older people have lots of
experience and knowledge
(continues)
Myths and FactsMyths and Facts((continuedcontinued))
Myth: elderly individuals do not want to work; their goal is to retire
Fact: there are many elderly who prefer to work into their 70s and 80s
Myth: retired people are bored and have nothing to do with their lives
Fact: retirees are busy with hobbies, church, family, and community
Summary Summary There are many myths about agingNeeds of elderly individuals varyEven though only 5% of the elderly
live in long-term care facilities, this still means that 3 million people will be in these facilities by the year 2020
Recognizing normal changes allows the individual to adapt and cope
Physical Changes of AgingPhysical Changes of AgingPhysical changes are a normal part
of the aging processRate and degree of change variesUsually related to a decreased
function of body systems
Integumentary SystemIntegumentary System
Production of new skin cells decreasesSebaceous (oil) and sudoriferous
(sweat) glands become less activeCirculation to skin decreasesHair loses color; hair loss may occurMethods to adapt and cope with
changesMeasures to slow or decrease changes
Musculoskeletal SystemMusculoskeletal SystemMuscles lose their tone, volume,
strengthOsteoporosisArthritisCoping with changesMeasures to slow or decrease
changesProviding a safe environment
Circulatory SystemCirculatory System
Heart muscle becomes less efficient at pushing blood into the arteries
Blood vessels narrow and become less elastic
Blood flow may decrease to brain and other vital organs
Methods used to adapt and cope with changes
Respiratory SystemRespiratory System
Respiratory muscles become weakerRib cage becomes more rigidBronchioles lose elasticityChanges in larynx affect voiceMethods to cope with changesMeasures to slow or decrease
changes
Nervous SystemNervous SystemProgressive loss of
brain cellsSenses diminishNerve endings are less
sensitiveMethods to adapt and
copeMeasures to slow or
decrease changes
Digestive SystemDigestive System
Fewer digestive juices and enzymes are produced
Muscle action becomes slower; peristalsis decreases
Teeth are lostLiver function is reducedMethods that are used to adapt and
cope with changes
Urinary SystemUrinary System
Kidneys decrease in size; not as efficient at producing urine
Decreased circulation to kidneysBladder function weakensMethods to adapt and cope with
ongoing changesMeasures to slow or decrease changes
Endocrine SystemEndocrine SystemIncreased production of
hormonesDecreased production of
hormonesMeasures to slow or decrease
changes
Reproductive Reproductive SystemSystem
Female: vaginal walls thin and secretions decrease; uterus can drop; breasts sag
Male: sperm decreases; sexual stimuli is slower; ejaculation takes longer; testes become smaller; seminal fluid becomes thinner and less is produced
Measures to cope with changes
Summary Summary
Aging causes physical changes in all body systems; rate and degree vary
Adapting and coping means fuller enjoyment of life
Health care workers need to assess individuals’ needs
Tolerance, patience, and empathy are essential
Psychosocial Changes of Psychosocial Changes of AgingAging
Elderly individuals also experience psychological and social changes
Some cope well, while others experience extreme frustration and mental distress
Health care workers must be aware of this and assess changes and stresses
Work and RetirementWork and RetirementMost adults spend a large portion
of their days workingRetirement is often viewed as an
end to the working yearsMany enjoy retirementSome feel a major sense of loss
Social RelationshipsSocial Relationships
Change occurs throughout lifeIn elderly individuals, it may occur
more rapidlySome elderly people adjust to
changesSome elderly people cannot cope
Living EnvironmentsLiving EnvironmentsChanges in living environments
create psychosocial changesMany elderly people prefer to stay
in their own homesSome individuals leave their home
by choiceMoving to a long-term care facility
often creates stress
IndependenceIndependence
Most individuals want to be independent
and self-sufficientElderly people learn that independence
can be threatened with ageFactors that can lead to decreased
independence include physical disability, illness, and decreased mental ability
(continues)
IndependenceIndependence((continuedcontinued))
Individuals may need assistance, but the health care worker needs to allow the elderly maximum independence and personal choice
Disease and DisabilityDisease and DisabilityElderly people are more prone to
disease and disability
Diseases sometimes cause permanent disabilities
When functioning is affected, psychological stress is experienced
Sick people often have fear of death, illness, loss of function, and pain
SummarySummaryPsychosocial changes can be a
major source of stressAs changes occur, individuals
must learn to accommodate the changes and function in new situations
With support, understanding, and patience, workers can assist individuals as they learn to adapt
Confusion and Disorientation Confusion and Disorientation
in the Elderlyin the ElderlyMost remain mentally alert until
deathSigns of confusion or
disorientationIt is sometimes a temporary
conditionDisease and/or damage to the
brain
Dementia Dementia Term used to describe a loss of
mental abilityCharacteristics include decrease
in intellectual ability, loss of memory, and personality change
Acute dementiaChronic dementia
Alzheimer’s DiseaseAlzheimer’s DiseaseOne form of dementiaCauses progressive changes in the
brain cellsLack of neurotransmitterFrequently occurs in 60s, but can
occur as young as 40 years of ageCause is unknown
(continues)
Alzheimer’s DiseaseAlzheimer’s Disease((continuedcontinued))
Terminal incurable brain disease; usually lasting 3–10 years
Early stageMiddle stageTerminal stage
Caring for the Confused or Caring for the Confused or Disoriented PatientDisoriented Patient
Provide safe and secure environment
Follow the same routineFollow “reality orientation”
guidelines
SummarySummaryCaring for a confused or
disoriented individual can be frustrating and even frightening at times
Perform continual assessmentsDesign program to maximize
functionPractice patience, consistency, and
sincere caring
Meeting the Needs of the Meeting the Needs of the ElderlyElderlyGeriatric care can be challenging
but rewardingElderly people have the same
needs as othersCultural needsReligious needsFreedom from abuseRespect patient’s rights
Summary Summary Needs of the elderly do not vary
that much from needs of othersSensitive to individual cultural
and religious differences
Important to respect and follow all of the patient’s rights
Must ensure that the patient is free from abuse