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Geriatric Care

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

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Geriatric Care

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  1. Geriatric Care Basic Health Care; HCE 100

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. Caring for the Elderly • Freedom from abuse • Ombudsman = go-between agent • Investigates complaints & mediates settlements between parties • Maintain respect & dignity

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