Age Specific Care

Age-Specific Considerationsfor 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 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 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, 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 age-appropriate 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

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 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 family-centered care

Remember to address both the physical and emotional needs of the patient.