Category: Geriatric Education

ROLE OF GERONTOLOGY NURSE

Gerontology nurse also known as geriatric nurse or gerontological nurse,specialize in holistic care of elderly population

The nurse plays a critical role in ensuring access of health care services and promotion of healthy aging to the aged.This gives the nurse the forefront of understanding the specific roles in order to provide holistic care.

Below are the different roles of a geriatric nurse.

NURSE ADVOCATE

The nurse plays a crucial role in ensuring the aged are treated with dignity,respect and their voices heard in decision making of health care services.Every elderly needs an geriatric nurse advocate to allow their interests and rights collaborated in the care.The responsibilities include:

Promoting Patient Autonomy: Nurse advocates empower older adults to make informed decisions about their healthcare. They ensure that patients have access to information, support, and resources to exercise their right to autonomy.
Ensuring Informed Consent: Nurse advocates explain medical procedures, treatments, and potential risks in a way that older patients can understand. They facilitate the informed consent process, ensuring that patients have the information needed to make decisions about their care.
Respecting Dignity and Privacy: Advocates uphold the dignity and privacy of older adults by ensuring that they are treated with respect, that their personal information is kept confidential, and that they have the opportunity to maintain their personal hygiene and appearance.
Supporting Transitions in Care: Nurse advocates assist older patients during transitions in care settings, such as hospital to home, and advocate for continuity of care and appropriate follow-up.
Promoting Cultural Sensitivity: Advocates consider the cultural and individual needs of older patients and tailor care plans accordingly, respecting diverse backgrounds and beliefs.
Advocating for Geriatric-Specific Care: Nurse advocates promote the importance of geriatric-specific care, emphasizing the unique needs of older adults and advocating for specialized services when necessary.

NURSE EDUCATOR

Advocates provide education to older adults and their families about their rights, available healthcare resources, and preventive measures to maintain health and well-being.

This therefore enhancing knowledge,skills and the overall wellbeing of the aged.The responsibilities include:

Developing Educational Programs: Create educational programs and materials tailored to the unique needs of older adults. These programs may cover topics such as health promotion, disease prevention, medication management, and chronic disease self-management.
Promoting Health Literacy: Focus on improving health literacy among older adults by providing clear and understandable information about their health conditions, treatment options, and self-care techniques.
Empowering Self-Management: Encourage older adults to take an active role in managing their health. Provide guidance on setting health-related goals and developing action plans to achieve them.
Promoting Preventive Care: Educate older adults about the importance of preventive care, including vaccinations, screenings, and regular check-ups, to maintain their health and prevent complications.
Medication Education: Teach older adults about their medications, including proper dosages, administration techniques, and potential side effects. Emphasize the importance of medication adherence.
Support for Caregivers: Educate family caregivers on how to provide safe and effective care for their elderly loved ones, addressing topics like wound care, mobility assistance, and emotional support.

NURSE RESEARCHER

The specific role of a nurse researcher is to promote evidenced based care through gaps identification in healthcare to improving the quality of care, promoting healthy aging, and addressing the unique healthcare needs of the elderly population.

Stay updated on emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in elderly care to inform future research priorities.

Develop research studies, including randomized controlled trials, observational studies, qualitative research, and other research methodologies, to investigate issues related to elderly care.

Nurse researchers assess the current state of knowledge in elderly care to identify gaps in research. They determine where further investigation is needed to improve care for older adults.

NURSE CONSULTANT

A geriatric nurse consultant is an experienced and highly skilled nurse who provides specialized expertise, guidance, and support to improve the quality of care and services for older adults in various healthcare settings. The responsibilities include:

Assessment and Care Planning: Conduct comprehensive assessments of elderly patients to determine their physical, psychological, social, and environmental needs. Develop individualized care plans based on these assessments, focusing on promoting the well-being and quality of life of older adults.
Clinical Expertise: Offer expert clinical knowledge in the management of complex health conditions commonly seen in the elderly, such as chronic diseases, cognitive impairments, and polypharmacy (multiple medications).
Medication Management: Review and optimize medication regimens to ensure appropriate use, minimize potential side effects, and prevent drug interactions.
Policy and Program Development: Contribute to the development of policies, programs, and guidelines related to elderly care, advocating for policies that promote quality care and support for older adults.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Collaborate with interdisciplinary healthcare teams, including physicians, social workers, physical therapists, and occupational therapists, to ensure comprehensive and holistic care for older adults.

NURSE MANAGER

The leadership role held by a geriatric nurse to oversee other staffs provide care to the elderly.The responsibilities include:

Leadership and Administration:
- Provide strong leadership to the nursing team, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
- Develop and enforce policies, procedures, and standards of care that meet regulatory requirements and promote the well-being of elderly residents.
Staffing and Scheduling:
- Recruit, hire, and retain nursing staff, including registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), certified nursing assistants (CNAs), and other healthcare professionals.
- Develop and manage staffing schedules to ensure appropriate nurse-to-patient ratios and adequate coverage for all shifts.
Quality Assurance and Improvement:
- Monitor the quality of care provided to elderly residents, ensuring it aligns with best practices and regulatory standards.
- Conduct regular assessments, audits, and performance evaluations to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions.
Patient Care Coordination:
- Oversee the coordination of care for elderly residents, including comprehensive assessments, individualized care planning, and ongoing evaluation of care plans.
- Collaborate with healthcare providers, therapists, social workers, and other professionals to address the complex healthcare needs of older adults.
Budget Management:
- Develop and manage budgets for the nursing department, allocating resources efficiently and controlling costs while maintaining high-quality care.
Safety and Infection Control:
- Implement and enforce safety protocols and infection control measures to prevent accidents and healthcare-associated infections among elderly residents.
- Address safety concerns promptly and provide staff with relevant training.
Staff Development and Education:
- Provide ongoing education and professional development opportunities for nursing staff, particularly in gerontology and elderly care.
- Encourage staff to pursue certifications and training relevant to caring for older adults.

Tags AGEISM, Healthy ageing, OLDAGE, UNDECADE, WHO

Geriatric Education Health Education

IMPORTANT HERBS IN AGING

While herbs are mostly known for Traditional Medicine,several herbs have been studied and their potential uses are acknowledged.However,more research is still encouraged to understand in detail the mechanisms of such herbs.Below are the popular herbs and their potential uses.

1. GINSENG

There are two types of ginseng,American and Asian ginseng.

“American Ginseng root, Panax quinquefolius” by USGS Native Bee Inventory and Monitoring Program/ CC0 1.

contains ginsenosides , used as an anti aging antioxidant.

reduces stress and promotes a sense of wellbeing.

boosts body immune system ,fighting diseases.

used as an adaptogen,maintaining body’s energy levels and overall vitality.

PRECAUTION;can cause bleeding problems,hypoglycemia,insomnia,decrease in INR when used with Warfarin.

The effectiveness of ginseng varies with the type used,method of preparation,dose and other individual factors,that said its advisable to consult your medical practitioner before use.

2.GARLIC

aids in maintaining a healthy digestive system.

contains antibacterial and antiviral properties that aids in infections control.

used as a detox by removing harmful toxins from the body system.

promotes bone health by increasing bone density and reducing risk of osteoporosis.

reduces cholesterol levels and blood pressure,reducing risk of cardiovascular diseases.

has anti inflammatory properties.

3.ST. JOHN’S WORT

“Hypericum perforatum L.” by E. M. Meyer and E. Haug/ CC0 1.0

also known as Hypericum perforatum.

a herbal supplement best known for mood related and mental health disorders.used to manage mild to moderate depression by increasing serotonin levels.

Used to relieve menopausal symptoms.

useful for sleep disorders,obsessive-compulsive disorders{OCD},Attention deficit Hyperactivity Disorder {ADHD},neuropathy,Seasonal Affective Disorder{SAD}

PRECAUTIONS;St John’s Wort interacts with various medications which can lead to a potentially harmful drug interaction.ie antidepressants,anticoagulants,birth control pills.

Always consult your healthcare consultant before,for appropriate guidance on usage.

4.ECHINACEA

“Echinacea Flower” by Skitter Photo/ CC0 1.0

Stimulates the production of immune cells enhancing body’s defense mechanism against infections.used as a natural immune booster during common cold and other respiratory infections.

Ointments or creams may be applied on wounds,skin irritations to promote wound healing and reduce inflammation.

used for mouth care to reduce symptoms of gingivitis.

used for urinary tract infections,ear infections.

PRECAUTION;Consult your healthcare provider if using

5.TURMERIC

“White turmeric (Curcuma zedoaria) illustration from Medical Botany (1836) by John Stephenson and James Morss Churchill.“/ CC0 1.0

Has a yellow spice, derived from the root of Curcuma longa plant.

used as an anti inflammatory-age related diseases ie heart diseases,arthritis.

used as antioxidants by neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body.

used to promote liver health,skin health,digestive health,

may be used to manage pain associated with arthritis,musculoskeletal conditions.

Curcumin aids to regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity therefore preventing type 2 diabetes

6.ROSEMARY

“Rosemary shrub, fresh herbs” by U.S. Department of Agriculture/ CC0 1.0

Rosemary oil is used to promote hair growth and reduce hair.

reduces wrinkles and skin aging signs

alleviates signs of indigestion improving gut health

improved memory and cognitive function

While these herbs may have potential uses as stated,it is important to note that,several studies are still encouraged to fully demonstrate their effective mechanism.seeking medical consultation is highly recommended to avoid dangerous interactions.

Tags Healthy ageing, OLDAGE, UNDECADE, WHO

Geriatric Education

Tips to Healthy Aging

Aging is inevitable. Some of us are found ready while others get in by surprise. The fact remains everyone is responsible for how they age.

We believe you can age like fine wine if you take care of yourself and follow the tips below.

1.Be ready to age.

As days go by, there your cells grow. Your biological and physiological processes never stops at any stage of your life until death. For Every birthday you celebrate count it graciously, Remind yourself that you are aging, that your years are increasing, that your body is changing in every way. Engage your mind every day to prevent future psychological age related disorders

2.Eat healthy

Diet plays a major role in how our body is built. Eating a healthy and balanced diet helps the body to get enough nutrients it requires to function and grow.

Proper nutrition aids in controlling weight, prevention of diseases like Hypertension, heart diseases, osteoporosis, cancer and also diabetes.

Nutrient rich feeds are advised, for every healthy lifestyle To include Fruits and vegetables ,fat free diet,

Protein’s to include sea food, poultry lean meat, cereals and nuts. Whole grains like brown rice, oat meal. Avoid calories in soda, alcohol, fries.

While maintaining the healthy diet ensure good hydration, drink enough liquids. Aging comes with a lose of sense of thirst , therefore its advisable to be keen and keep a track on hydration. Have a jar or a bottle specific for the same in a common and particular place where you can always remember to drink.

3.Maintain a Healthy weight.

Age and weight are core anthropometric measurements. As you age the body changes. Healthy weight is a Body mass index(BMI)that is normal or healthy ranged, measured based on your weight and height.

To ensure healthy weight you need to ensure healthy eating. Keep track of your BMI to ensure its not lower or above the normal range.

Overweight risks diseases like kidney disease, high blood cholesterol, cardiac diseases, type 2 diabetes. Underweight is also a risk as it predispose to low immunity and weak bone or bone loss.

4.Maintain Physical Activity

As everyone is unique, before engaging in any type of physical activity, ensure you consult your health care provider or a health care professional. Physical activity improves balance and muscle strength. Lowers the risk of heart diseases, anxiety and psychological problems.

Engage in an activity that you like. Physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight.

All physical activities like walking, watering plants, dancing helps.

As you age, your body physique changes. and therefore the type of physical activity you engage in varies. Passive Range of motion is also effective to bed bound individuals.

5.Quit Smoking, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco

Trying to quit smoking and drinking at the same time is incredibly hard. Since most alcohol users tend to also smoke, smokers are also likely to use alcohol. It is therefore advisable you seek professional aid on how to quit gradually.

Although the recreational activities are pleasurable at the moment, they tend to have a long term effect on health of an individual.

Alcohol can lead to liver cirrhosis, cardiac diseases as well as kidney diseases, while smoking causes cancer of the Lungs, esophagus, throat, colon, rectum etc.

Millions of individuals/addicts have successfully quit alcohol and smoking every year, therefore you can be one of them.

Get help in various addiction support groups

1.https://www.addictioncenter.com/treatment/support-groups/

2.https://startyourrecovery.org/treatment/support-groups

Tags Healthy ageing

Geriatric Education

OLD AGE DEPENDENCY

The two children and an old woman here,fall on the “burden”category.

In an Africa,Most old age people don’t increase wealth with age,rather reduce .

As in the current generation,where most millennials and gene Z are taught about economic crisis,stock market,saving plans,insurance plans.

These seem not to have worked well in the 18th and 19th century.

With the increasing old age population,we have to understand the economic burden that fates it.

In 2019, there was 9%increase of older person from 6% in the 1990s.This is projected to increased to 16%by 2050.

An economist Carl Ballod, 1913 categorised population by age, according to the contribution they made to the nations economy.

1.Adults between age 20years and 60(the category that’s is fully capable working)

2.Youths between age 15years – 20years and 60years -70 years(have a reduced capacity to work)

3.Youth under 15years and adults over 70years(incapable of working)

Ballod assumed that,the category between age 15-20 and 60-70,are able to survive by sustaining themselves.The under 15 and over 70years are the highest burden since they are not productive in utilization of social resource hence increasing the dependency ratio,While the best category of adults between 20 and 60 are very independent,they can provide for themselves by working it out what they have.

“Belastungskoeffizient” which is the coefficient of burden.

It’s the number of persons under 15 or over 70 years divided by the number of persons between 20 and 60years

Therefore to promote healthy ageing,where getting old is no longer considered a burden,rather an achievement and a well lived healthy lifestyle.

We encourage healthy ageing by corresponding to the Sustainable development Goals (SDG)

SDG 1- eradication of poverty
SDG 3- Healthy lives and well being at all ages
SDG 5-Promoting gender equality
SDG 8-Favourable work and economic goals
SDG 10- Reduced inequalities
SDG 11-suistainable cities and communities

Let’s keep saving the old generation.

https://youtube.com/@melaihealthcare

Tags Africa, OLDAGE, UNDECADE, WHO

Geriatric Education

OLD AGE.

While everyone wants to live and not die,most people fear getting old

The smiles we see old people put on,is such a heartwarming feeling.

Life has an end which is death,and to every living thing/human.. there’s a lifespan.

We love seeing our first, second,third and maybe firth generation,but how can a new generation start without the previous one getting old.?

We will try using steroids,hormones,and all we have been told to look young,but that doesn’t make us young..The years don’t regress,the growth doesn’t stop,the age doesn’t reduce.

If we appreciate that life has to go on,days have to count,age has to add up,then we will be happy when our old age time comes.

It’s beautiful to those who embrace it well,you don’t have to have it all,have all your pension,but accept that you can be happy and put on a beautiful smile while old

“You don’t stop laughing when you grow old,you grow old when you stop laughing”
GEORGE BERNARD SHOW

As one gets old ,they become compassionate with family.They want to extend their generosity to grandchildren,they want to spend more time with their family..

Its a beautiful feeling to see a generation alive in you

“Age is simply the number of years the world has been enjoying you.”
…et al

The grey hair that most fear,is what makes getting old look beautiful..

Cultivate a spirit of taking care of your beauty in your own way..

Once one gets into old age,they revisit their life with their creator.They become spiritual.

Most believe in doing good,while some give up on this line of believe.

They become concerned with life after death,which gives them a new beginning to the life they wished they lived and a hope for a paradise life after.

While old age means being weak fragile, dependant,engaging in lifestyle activities increases once lifespan.

Giving the body the active mode,reduces the rates of lifestyle and old age diseases that leads to increased morbidity and mortality rates in this age.

“When we were small children,we all played dressed up and everybody had a good time.So why stop?“
IRIS APFEL

As we conclude,it is clear that old age need us,we need to embrace it,we need to love our first generation,we need care for them,we need to support them.

Let’s not dwell on the bridge they never created,but create the bridge for everyone after us..

“Ageing is just another word for living”
CINDY JOSEPH

As the world is concerned with ageism and older persons, we look forward to a generation that appreciate healthy aging.

According to Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus,

To foster healthy ageing,we need to work together.Older people must be central to and be fully engaged in this collaboration.

What’s your opinion on old age?

AGEISM

Tags AGEISM, OLDAGE, UNDECADE, WHO

Geriatric Education

Geriatric Nursing

Gerontology

The holistic study of individuals aging process throughout life span: to entail physical, mental and social changes and its knowledge applications for programs development

Gerontology

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