1. Introduction to
Geriatric
Nursing
Sumi Mathew
BSc N, MSc N,
RN,RM

2. OBJECTIVES
• Define gerontology and geriatrics.
• Enumerate factors influencing
aging.
• Discuss the common needs.
• Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).

3. OBJECTIVES
• Describe major characteristics of
today’s older population
• Defining terms

4. •Aging:
• A Natural Process…
NOT a disease!

5. DEFINING OLD AGE
• Chronological age – Exact age from
birth
• Biological age - Age determined by
physiology rather than chronology
• Functional age – Age in terms of
functional performance

6. FACTORS
INFLUENCING AGING
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Heredity
Nutrition
Health status
Life experiences
Environment
Activity
Stress produce unique

7. COMMON NEEDS
PHYSIOLOGIC BALANCE
CONNECTION
GRATIFICATION

8. Activities of Daily
Living (ADLs)
Basic:
•
•
•
•
•
Bathing (hygiene, grooming)
Dressing
Eating
Toileting
Transferring (mobility)

9. Activities of Daily Living
(ADLs)
Instrumental:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Light housework
Preparing meals
Taking medications
Shopping for groceries or clothes
Using the telephone
Managing home

10. Characteristics of
Aging Population
• Typical” older person?
• Age 65 start of “old
age?”
• Energetic, vibrant,
influential, diverse
• Gerontology identifies common
characteristics,
problems, disease
processes, & concerns
• Nurse must consider
individual differences
& characteristics when
planning &
implementing care

11. Definition of Terms
• Ageism - Prejudice, negative
stereotyping based solely on age
• Geriatrics - Branch of medicine that
deals with problems & diseases of
old age, aging people

12. Definition of Terms
• Gerontology –
Comprehensive,
multidisciplinary study of
aging process & problems of
older people with holistic
focus, including biologic,
sociologic, psychological,
spiritual, & economic issues

13. Definition of Terms
• Senescence - Process of aging within
cells and organs accompanied by loss
of organ function.

14. Definition of Terms
• Primary prevention – Activities directed
toward the protection from or avoidance of
potential health risks
• Secondary prevention – Activities
designed for early diagnosis & treatment of
disease or illness

15. Definition of Terms
• Tertiary prevention – Activities
designed to restore disabled individuals
to their optimal level of functioning

16. Gerontology: Complex Field
Encompassing Three Levels of
Complexity
• 1. Normal aging
changes
• 2. Chronic conditions
associated with
aging
• 3. Acute
exacerbations of
chronic conditions

17. Important Qualities of the
Gerontological Nurse

Ability to form a therapeutic
relationship with elderly adults
Appreciation of the
uniqueness of elders
 Clinical competence in basic
nursing skills

.

18. Important Qualities of the
Gerontological Nurse
Good communication skills
 Knowledge of physical & psychosocial changes that
occur with age
 Ability to work with & supervise
others

.

19. Therapeutic Communication
• Ongoing, continuous,
dynamic process.
• Includes verbal and
nonverbal signals

20. Nonverbal Communication
• Nonverbal
communication
composes up to 80%
of information
exchange
–
–
–
–
–
–
Body language
Position
Eye contact
Touch
Tone of voice
Facial expression

21. Verbal Communication Guidelines
 Do not yell or speak
too loudly to patients
– Yelling into a hearing
aid can be disturbing
and painful
 Try to be at eye level
 Minimize
background noise

22. Verbal Communication Guidelines
 Touch if appropriate
and acceptable
 Supplement with
written instructions
as needed
 Avoid complicated
explanations

23. Verbal Communication Guidelines
 Ask how the patient
would like to be
addressed
 Avoid demeaning
terms such as
sweetie, honey, or
dearie
 Use caring responses
and careful listening

24. Verbal Communication Guidelines

Use open-ended statements
– “Tell me more…” or “How does
this affect you?”

Avoid misunderstandings by
clarifying
– “I’m not sure what you mean…”

Encourage reminiscing