Professional Documents
Culture Documents
MYTHS
Elderly people are incompetent and incapable of making decisions or handling their own affairs. Most elderly live in nursing homes All elderly people live in poverty
Older people are lonely and unhappy Elderly do not want to work Old Age begins a 65 Retirement ends your active life
Factors such as disease can increase the speed and degree of the changes. Lifestyle, nutrition, economic status, and social environment can also have effects. If an individual can recognize the changes as a/an normal part of aging, the individual can usually learn to adapt to & cope with change
Production of new skin cells decreases Oil and Sweat glands become less active Circulation decreases
Hair losses color, and hair loss occurs Skin becomes less elastic & dry Itching is common Dark yellow or brown colored spots appear
Senile lentigines (liver spots)
Fatty tissue layer of skin diminishes Lines and wrinkles appear Nails become thick, tough, and brittle Increased sensitivity to temperature
Care of Skin
Use mild soap Bath oils or lanolin lotion Bath or Shower once or twice a week Brush Hair daily
Shampoo as often as needed for cleanliness and comfort Care for sore or injuries immediately
Socks, sweaters, lap blankets, and layers of clothing will help alleviate the feeling of coldness
Because of the need for oxygen and nutrients the elderly may experience:
Weakness Dizziness Numbness in hands & feet Rapid heart beat
Respiratory Changes
Respiratory muscles become weaker Rib cage more rigid Alveoli thinner & less elastic which decreases exchange of gases - emphysema
Bronchioles lose elasticity Changes in larynx lead to higher pitched & weaker voice Chronic diseases may decrease the efficiency of the respiratory system even more severely
Respiratory Care
Alternate activity with periods of rest Proper body alignment & positioning Sleep in semi-fowlers position
Use 2 or 3 pillows
Avoid polluted air Breath deeply & cough frequently May need continuous oxygen therapy
Senses of taste, smell, vision, & hearing are diminished Nerve endings less sensitive
Decreased ability to respond to pain and other stimuli
Changes in vision
Problems reading small print Seeing objects at a distance Decrease in peripheral vision Decrease in night vision Increased sensitivity to glare Cataracts Glaucoma
Changes in hearing
Hearing loss usually gradual Person may speak louder than usual Ask for words to be repeated Not hear high frequency sounds May not hear well in crowded places
Digestive Changes
Fewer digestive juices and enzymes produced Muscle action becomes slower & peristalsis decreases Teeth are lost Liver function decreases
Dysphagia is
frequent complaint
Less saliva Slower gag reflex Loss of teeth Poor fitting dentures
Decrease peristalsis
Increase flatulence (gas) Constipation
Digestive Care
Good oral hygiene Repair or replace damaged teeth Relaxed eating atmosphere High-fiber high-protein foods with different tastes and textures Seasoning to improve taste Increased fluid intake
Urinary Changes
Kidneys decrease in size & become less efficient Bladder becomes less efficient
May not hold as much May not empty completely
incontinence
Urinary Care
Increase fluid intake
Decrease before bedtime
Endocrine Changes
Increased production of some hormones and decreased of others Immune system less effective BMR decreases Intolerance to glucose
Endocrine Care
Proper exercise Adequate rest Medical care for illness Balanced diet Healthy lifestyle
Decrease in Testosterone
Slow production of sperm Response to sexual stimuli slower Testes smaller less firm
Reproductive Care
Understand physical and psychological sexual needs of the elderly
Allow married couples to be in the same room Give privacy to consenting elderly
Psychocosocial Changes
Some individual cope with psychosocial changes, and others experience extreme frustration and mental distress
Displaying hostile and combative behavior Hallucinating Regressing in behavior Paying less attention to personal hygiene Inability to respond to simple commands or instructions
Diseases:
CVA Arteriosclerosis Atherosclerosis
Cause TIAs ministrokes which result in temporary periods of diminished blood flow to the brain.
Dementia
Loss of mental ability characterized by a decrease in intellectual ability, loss of memory, impaired judgement, personality change, and disorientation
Acute dementia
When the symptoms are caused by temporary reason:
High fever, dehydration, hypoxia
Chronic dementia
When symptoms are caused by permanent, irreversible damage to brain cells
Alzheimers Disease
Form of dementia that causes progressive changes in brain cells
Early Stages:
Memory loss Mood & personality changes Depression Poor judgment Confusion regarding time & place Inability to plan and follow through with ADLs
Middle Stages:
Nigh time restlessness Mood swings increase Personal hygiene ignored Weight fluctuates Paranoia & hallucinations Full time supervision needed
Late Stages:
Total disorientation Incoherent Unable to communicate with words Loses control of bladder & bowel functions
Develops seizures Loses weight despite eating a balanced diet Becomes totally dependent Lapses into a coma Dies
Certain aspects of care should be followed with any confused or disorientated individual. Provide a/an safe and secure environment, follow the same routine, keep activities simple and last for short periods of time.
Avoid loud noises, crowded rooms, and excessive commotion. Promote awareness of person, time, and place by providing reality orientation (RO)
Reality Orientation:
Address person by name preferred Avoid: sweetie, baby, honey State your name, correct elderly if calls you by the wrong name Make reference to day, time, place Use clocks, calendars, bulletin bd.
Speak slowly, clearly / ask clear & simple questions Never rush or hurry the individual Repeat instructions patiently, allow time for ind. to reaspond Encourage conversations about familiar things or current events
Encourage use of tv, radio without overstimulating them Be sure ind. uses sensory aids Keep familiar objects in view Avoid moving furniture & belongings Do not agree with incorrect statements
Do not hesitate to touch communicate with person Avoid arguments Encourage independence and self help whenever possible
The spiritual beliefs and practices of an individual is called their religion. It is important to accept an individuals belief without bias, and that health care workers not force their own religious beliefs on the ind. being cared for.
Abuse
Physical Verbal Psychological Sexual
Report any abuse observed to proper agency Reasons elderly do not report abuse
Feel they deserve the abuse Want to protect abuser
Ombudsman is a specially trained individual who works with the elderly and their families, health care providers, and other concerned individual. To improve quality of care and quality of life.