Caring For Older Adults
How care is provided is also crucial to the standard of care for senior citizens. Many older people struggle with sensory and cognitive impairments that make hearing, perceiving, or comprehending their medical conditions difficult. More effort should be made to ensure all patients understand what is being said. Improving function, independence, and quality of life for older people is essential to better address a broader range of patient-centered problems. In inpatient and outpatient settings, geriatricians and interdisciplinary geriatric teams may be referred to vulnerable elders and their carers for their benefit. The capacity to live more safely and independently, despite the dangers associated with disease and aging, is frequently increased by a geriatric evaluation, which reacts to the broad context of clinical complexity in older persons (Bell et al., 2016).
Patient-Centered Care of The Older Adult Population
The goal of patient-centered care for older persons is to guarantee that the patient’s voice is heard and that their preferences are adequately considered, enabling the patient to make well-informed decisions (Jayadevappa, 2017). The foundation of patient-centered care for older individuals is high-quality treatment, clear communication, and consideration of the social environment. The age range that the phrase “older adults” covers is large, and the requirements and preferences of older people regarding health vary accordingly. These divergent requirements and preferences are significant for making well-informed decisions and attaining quality and value in healthcare. To calculate the value, divide the cost by the quality of care (Jayadevappa, 2017).
The interdisciplinary nature of the geriatrics area placed it in a unique position to lead integrated treatment for offering care that prioritizes patients by being mindful of older adults’ needs, choices, chronic illnesses, and intended goals. But many senior citizens, particularly those who live in rural regions, continue to experience geographic variations in the accessibility of integrated geriatric teams (Jayadevappa, 2017). Researchers and decision-makers need to exercise caution as patient-centered care becomes more prevalent. Healthcare professionals confront difficulties in helping patients choose the “right choice” of care due to knowledge asymmetry and lack of trust, especially in the case of older patients. Sensitive choices, the severity and duration of the patient’s illness, and other circumstances may also impact how engaged the patient is. Patient preferences may have little or no effect on the decision-making process for some diseases when there is one unquestionably superior therapy (Jayadevappa, 2017).
My reflection and takeaway from this objective are that the older population may seek information so they may make educated decisions. They need to understand the trade-offs between expense and the quality of the treatment they are receiving. Incorporating what I have learned into my nursing practices would adequately combine patient and provider views. Patient-centered care for older persons may play a significant role in health care policy, resource allocation, and providing appropriate treatment. They deserve the same respect as anyone else; most require more patience to understand what is happening.
Intentional Learning in Caring for The Older Adult Client
Learning that is aware of its process is highlighted by intentional learning. The learning process, the learning material, and its outcome are covered. The learner’s intrinsic drive to master the material and accomplish learning objectives is the subject of the first problem (Blumschein, 2012). The fundamental principle of purposeful learning is approaching each as an opportunity to discover something new. Learning should be an instinctual rather than a spontaneous occurrence, a reaction to everyday situations (World Economic Forum, 2020).
Using knowledge to act or create depends on one’s perspective of what knowledge is, how it is connected to meaning, and how one perceives the task, activity, or teaching context. To take control of their education is a choice made by intentional learners. Questioning, connecting, reflecting, and using the information to create, act, and accomplish are all parts of the teacher’s job in an intentional learning environment (Yuliya Whidden e-portfolio, n.d.). A nurse who wants to learn more about a particular medication will research information on that medication to be educated on it.
My takeaway from this objective is there is always room to learn, and I drive to learn new things to apply to my nursing care. If I wanted to learn how to read EKG strips, I could read a book that explains the subject and check up on any new strips they come across to further their understanding of the subject. This is an illustration of deliberate learning. Motivation to learn is necessary for intentional learning. I need to set education as a conscious objective when performing an activity, making it the key to participating in purposeful learning.
Evidence-Based Gerontological Nursing Concepts
The profession of gerontological nursing is inherently centered on the patient. Gerontological nurses are experts in delivering care that addresses the emotional, psychological, spiritual, and other requirements that older people may have. Gerontological nurses are expected to become proficient in providing older persons and families with person-centered, evidence-based healthcare across contexts of care as a matter of practice (Sillner et al., 2021). There was a modified framework to demonstrate how gerontological nurses may deliver person-centered methods to influence older adults and nursing outcomes across care settings, which reorganized the paradigm to stress the independent causal link between nursing qualities and abilities, environmental support, and nursing practices on person-centered outcomes based on sparse but available data (Sillner et al., 2021).
Evidence-based practice aims to improve clinical decision-making, patient outcomes, and quality of life by integrating the best available research evidence with clinical knowledge and patient values (Butcher, 2016). Nurses can use scientific analysis from evidence-based research to form informed decisions. They are encouraging medical staff to provide individualized treatment for every patient. Time management is being improved by increasing nursing efficiency, overseeing the application of modern technologies in healthcare, and helping nurses select a strategy for providing adequate care. The continuing education of nurses in new medical techniques for patient care. Making decisions based on well-researched treatments that suit patient characteristics increases patients’ chances of recovery (Western Governors University, 2020).
My takeaway from this objective is that evidence-based practice is crucial because it improves patient outcomes by delivering the best available care. Patients will anticipate obtaining the best practical care from the most recent research. One essential element of providing professional care as a health practitioner is making sure that our practice is backed by the best evidence that is currently available. The sensible use of scarce healthcare resources and the utilization of relevant data when making decisions about paying for medical care are further benefits of evidence-based practice (UC Library Guides at University of Canberra, n.d.). Over time, the idea of evidence-based practice has changed to integrate the most recent research results, clinical expertise, the patient’s specific beliefs and conditions, and the characteristics of the setting in which the health professional practices (UC Library Guides at University of Canberra, n.d.).
Assessment of the Older Adult Clients
A comprehensive geriatric assessment is a multifaceted, interdisciplinary procedure created to detect and rate frailty, identify a frail older person’s medical issues, mental health, functional capabilities, and social situation, and determine their required care and treatment. There is compelling evidence that evaluation can shorten hospital stays, improve patient rehospitalization rates, and lower death. The goal is to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for long-term monitoring, treatment, rehabilitation, and support (Spirgiene & Brent, 2018). It is necessary to determine whether the older person can access it freely; if not, a system that considers within an ethical framework should be in place. Within and between interdisciplinary teams, assessments are completed to a trustworthy quality (Spirgiene & Brent, 2018).
Identifying older persons at risk for falls and putting treatments in place to lower that risk is made more accessible by risk for falls assessment, which is crucial in senior care. Healthcare professionals may avoid falls, which can enhance patient outcomes and reduce damage, by effectively assessing the risk of falls. Determine the elements that enhance the patient’s risk of falling. These considerations will assist in determining the appropriate course of treatment. Risk factors include age, disease, sensory and motor impairments, medication usage, and incorrect mobility assistance use.
My reflection and takeaways on this objective of assessing older adults were that healthcare professionals could put evidence-based interventions in place to avoid falls in geriatric care following the completion of a risk for a fall assessment. It is essential to assess older adults carefully because older people’s illnesses may present differently from those of younger individuals. As an illustration, younger persons with a urinary tract infection will have several or all of the following symptoms: frequent urination, discomfort from bladder spasms, blood in the urine, and fever. These signs of a urinary tract infection can be early warning signs, but changes that come with age frequently disguise them (Lippincott NuringCenter, n.d.).
Leadership in Older Adult Client Assessments and Interventions
Professional nurses display nursing and healthcare leadership. A nurse has to possess certain personality traits and abilities to be a leader, including self-awareness, communication abilities, risk-taking, and staying educated. These qualities would be challenging for all nurses to acquire through specialized training, but they may be honed through introspection and by paying attention to the guidance of knowledgeable leaders. Leadership may be used to manage complex situations and organize the team of nurses and support personnel daily (Yuliya Whidden e-portfolio, n.d.). The administration seeks to implement the necessary changes by developing an outlook for the foreseeable future and strategies to get there.
Having the knowledge, skills, and aptitudes required to motivate people and use their unique strengths as a group is a crucial aspect of nursing leadership (Claesson et al., 2020).
When providing nursing care for senior citizens, nursing leadership includes setting priorities, allocating resources, coordinating care, teaching, and engaging senior citizens, their next of kin, and the rest of the care team. A complicated picture may be pieced together by nurses through their leadership, clinical expertise, and collaborative practice, making them crucial players in the care of older individuals. By promoting health, avoiding disease, restoring health, and easing pain, nurses provide care for older adults.
Competence in geriatrics, leadership, drug management, and gerontology is highly required for this duty (Claesson et al., 2020).
My abilities will be able to grow as a result of working on a well-run team and modeling other team members’ conduct, which also enhances patient safety and care. Some government agencies that support older adults in my community are the Association of Mature Americans (AMAC). Members indicated a need for a nonprofit organization solely dedicated to serving the concerns of America’s senior population, prompting the establishment of the AMAC Foundation in July 2013 (FOundation, 2022). The Council on Elder Affairs was created to represent the interests of the city’s senior citizens before the governmental organizations in charge of the different initiatives and assistance programs for older people (COJ.net, n.d.).
Jacksonville, Florida-based Senior Helpers is a respected provider of in-home care. This organization supports elders, those with disabilities or special needs, new moms, and anyone needing additional help around the house. For surgical recovery, there are options for both short-term and long-term care, ranging from a few hours per day to hourly or live-in care accessible 24/7. Senior Helpers participates in Jacksonville and its areas by planning educational old resource fairs and joining neighborhood chambers of commerce (In-Home Senior Care, n.d.).
Therapeutic Communication with The Older Adult Clients
Medical professionals should be trained to interact with senior and older patients efficiently for various reasons. These include improved patient quality of life evaluations, decreased rates of depression, and reduced levels of violence (Ohio University, 2021). Older adults who benefit from practical communication skills also have the chance to receive better treatment from medical experts. Patients’ health may improve, and caregivers will feel at ease knowing their charges are getting the finest care possible. Improved interaction may benefit everyone, not just the patient. It is helpful to know that their parents or relatives are receiving the best care possible for aware members of the family and loved ones. Increased productivity in the workplace is a result of improved communication. Nurses can better precisely provide therapies catering to patients’ requirements through effective patient communication. Additionally, better communication can make it easier for a nurse to represent the patient’s interests, mainly when speaking with physicians and family members. Understanding one another is critical to providing seniors with fairer, patient-centered care (Ohio University, 2021).
Nontherapeutic communication would be asking the patient personal questions that are inappropriate or unprofessional. Don’t merely enquire to pique your curiosity. For example, asking, “Why aren’t you two married yet? Is inappropriate. A more therapeutic question would be to ask, “How would you explain your friendship with Mary?” (Open RN, n.d.). The patient loses control of the decision-making process when personal opinions are given. The patient’s responsibility, not the nurse’s, is to solve problems effectively. A lack of empathy is shown when you change the topic during a conversation with someone attempting to speak with you. This also prevents continued dialogue. You don’t care what they share (Open RN, n.d.).
My takeaway from this objective is that a patient’s quality of life and therapy satisfaction can be improved through better communication. Caretakers and families can gain from it by feeling more confident in the medical care being provided for a member of their family and by being given more opportunities to participate in the healing process. Arming healthcare providers with the skills to control their stress when participating in challenging or complex interactions can benefit all participating medical professionals. Their ability to connect with their patients on a deeper level may also help them (Ohio University, 2021).
Culturally Competent Safe Practices in Caring for The Older Adult Population
Healthcare companies, as well as patients, stand to gain considerably from cultural competency. It encourages respect and better understanding, which leads to increased patient safety, decreased inefficiencies, and reduced care inequalities. It also results in more patient participation and engagement. However, employing culturally sensitive methods can significantly enhance health outcomes. Spanish-speaking patients, for instance, showed enhanced involvement, improved motivation, and a greater readiness to explore emotional subjects in treatment sessions when Spanish language proverbs were used (School of Public Health, 2022).
Through improved communication and cultural competency, patient safety is raised. For the collection of reliable medical data, healthcare professionals must communicate
openly. Additionally, it encourages open dialogue so that both patients and professionals may dispel misunderstandings and establish confidence. According to studies, unfavorable occurrences and avoidable mistakes might occur when there is a lack of culturally competent treatment. For instance, a recent study published in Hospital Pediatrics that looked at patient safety in hospitals across the United States reveals that patients with limited English proficiency encounter more adverse safety events while hospitalized than people who speak the language well. They frequently go through more severe incidents (School of Public Health, 2022).
My takeaway from this objective and how I would handle a patient from a different culture would be that patient experiences are improved when caregivers demonstrate understanding and respect for diversity. Patients often notice when treatments are changed to better suit their requirements and ideal preferences and report having a better overall experience. I would do my best to adjust to the patient’s culture and respect their wishes on how they would like to be treated. When I utilize medical language that a patient is unfamiliar with, the patient will likely become frustrated. The patients are more likely to be happy with their treatment if I, on the other hand, respond to differences with nonjudgmental openness, actively listen, and try to ensure that I understand them. Show the same respect that I would want for myself.
Team Approach to Collaborative Client Care in Promoting Health in The Older Adult Population
Long-term and short-term improvements in older individuals’ health issues have been demonstrated to be possible with collaborative treatment. For the elderly, collaborative care approaches for illnesses have been established and well-described (Shulman et al., 2021). A nurse practitioner, a family practitioner, and a registered practical nurse made up the core team. A pharmacist, dietician, social worker, and a visiting geriatrician were all included on the team.
We are enhancing learners’ and providers’ geriatric and interprofessional abilities to increase care effectiveness, productivity, and coherence for the community’s fragile senior residents (Moore et al., 2012).
Traditionally, different team members have performed the various evaluation components, resulting in high assessment heterogeneity. A doctor (often a geriatrician), a nurse practitioner, or a physician assistant can evaluate elderly patients medically. The core team (geriatrician, nurse, social worker) may do only quick initial evaluations or screenings for some aspects. These might then be supplemented with in-depth assessments by additional specialists. For instance, a dietician may be required to review nutritional consumption and offer suggestions for improving nutrition, or an audiologist may be necessary to conduct a more thorough evaluation of hearing loss and determine if an older adult needs a hearing aid (Ward & Reuben, 2022).
My takeaway from this objective was that for providing integrated, shared care to the fragile elderly residents of the community, primary care environment is most suited. The advantages of collaborative care, better suited to senior patients’ requirements, are highlighted by the geriatrician’s visit to the primary care environment (Ward & Reuben, 2022). My takeaway is that each team member assists in attaining shared goals by respecting each patient, incorporating individual diversity, resolving conflicting interests, and preserving the crucial contribution everyone offers to obtain the best results. Which ultimately is to give the patient the best care possible. I will implement this in my nursing care practice to work with others on my team to provide the best care possible.
Conclusion
Excellent transitional care is critical for older adults with chronic diseases, complicated treatment regimens, and their family carers. Nurses must comprehend their crucial contribution to secure transitions. Communication breakdowns are frequently identified as a primary factor in poor-quality changes, which can result in harm, early rehospitalization, and low patient satisfaction. To guarantee proper information interchange and care coordination across various providers across various healthcare settings, clinics and institutions must actively engage and communicate (Boltz et al., 2012). More time is required to guarantee that anticipated gains in care quality are realized as we move toward a value-based care model. To attain efficiency, equality, and quality of health care through patient-centered care, patient-centered outcomes research must discover and validate multidimensional aspects due to the aging of the U.S. population and their unique health requirements (Jayadevappa, (2017).
References
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Question 
APA format
Caring For Older Adults
175 – 265 words
Cite at least one (1) peer-reviewed reference
Respond to the following:
Dr. Shirley Seward
When I think of the future of care for older adults, one of the scarce resources is qualified healthcare providers. Particularly those trained as geriatric care nurses and providers (doctors, NP, PAs, etc.). Is there a way to use technology or other methods to solve this shortage and improve older adults’ care?
Can we think of resources across the world to assist?