Geriatric Care

Basic Health Care; HCE 100

Myths on Aging

• Gerontology = study of the aging

• Myth: most elderly in institutions• Myth: over age 65 means your old• Myth: most elderly incompetent• Myth: most elderly live in poverty• Myth: most elderly unhappy/ lonely• Myth: most retired people are bored• Myth: most retired do not want to work

Physical changes with aging

• Skin • Elastic tissue loses elasticity

• Old age spots = senile lentigines = “liver spots”

• Fatty layer decreases ---- easily traumatized

• Musculoskeletal• Osteoporosis

• Osteoarthritis

• Lose sense of balance at times ---- they fall frequently

• Fine finger movements difficult

• Circulatory • Arteriosclerosis

• At rest, most OK; notice changes with activity

• Prevent thrombi; thus must do some exercise

• Respiratory• Less elasticity in lungs

• More susceptible to respiratory infections

• Nervous • Blood flow to brain decreases

• Senses diminish

– Eyes: glaucoma & cataracts

– Ears : talk to person slowly & face to face

• Short term memory loss = first to go

• Digestive• Dysphagia --- since decrease saliva & decreased gag reflex

• Taste decreases

• Digestion much slower

• More gas & constipation since decreased peristalsis

• Urinary • Nocturia

• Incontinence

• Reproductive• Sexual desire & need do not necessarily decrease

• Male response much slower

Mental changes (psychosocial) with aging

• Work & retirement • Feel worthless & useless, thus some get depression

• Social relationships• Get continual loss of friends & relatives

• Living environments • Assisted living & long term care facilities

• Independence• Important to maintain it; assistance as needed

• Disease & disability• May lead to depression

Key: Keep a positive mental outlook

Processing Information• Confusion & disorientation transiently common

– Causes:• Arteriosclerosis• Atherosclerosis --- clots (thrombi & emboli), TIA• Dementia

• Persistent disorientation & confusion• Alzheimer’s disease

• Reality orientation = activities that help promote awareness of person, time, & place

• Aphasia• Means without speech• 2 key types

– Expressive aphasia = “Broca’s” area– Receptive aphasia = “Wernicke's” area – “global” aphasia = both of the above

Caring for the Elderly

• Freedom from abuse

• Ombudsman = go-between agent • Investigates complaints & mediates settlements

between parties

• Maintain respect & dignity