46921 Caring for the Geriatric Client

Course overview

Discussion of caring for geriatric patients starting with assessment findings unique to older adults, the importance of encouraging exercise and physical activity as well as that of good nutrition, how promoting self-care or independence in the older adult can enhance their quality of life, ways to incorporate socialization in the everyday life of the older adult, strategies to promote safety, types of elder abuse, and types of advance directives. The number of adults ages 65 years and older in the United States continues to increase, and by 2030, it is estimated that 71 million individuals in the U.S. will fall into this category. Caring for the aging adult presents unique challenges, including higher risk of chronic diseases, disability, and issues such as nutritional deficits, safety concerns, and elder abuse. Nurses and other healthcare practitioners must be aware of special considerations when caring for the geriatric population, focusing on reducing health problems and helping to improve quality of life for older adults. This program discusses care of the geriatric population, including assessment findings unique to the older adult, exercise, physical activity, nutrition, self-care, socialization, safety promotion, elder abuse, and advance directives.