...nursing home in my home town. I do enjoy doing such work. Ad a result I now decide to pursue my career in geriatric care. However there are some disturbing developments in this area in my home area. Some of the residents of this home are being neglected. It is clear that there is no abuse of the residents; however the service delivery is poor in that the needs of the residents are not urgently met when needed. Assistance to those in need is given after some time after request. Some people who need medical care are ignored by the staff. Geriatrics I need to explain what geriatric care is all about. It is about the caring of the elderly people in the society. Many elderly people are faced with many various problems. Therefore they need care. Some problems which the elderly people may face include the following: • They may have illnesses of various natures • They may have problems that arise from side effects of medication they get • They may feel isolated and neglected • They may have problems related to the loss of memory • They may be living in squalid conditions • Some may have difficulties in walking and may have problems of falling • Some might have disabilities that come up due to age • Some may have some dysfunctional systems • Mental disabilities are also a problem • Some have problems in driving their cars • Some have long standing bills. Therefore geriatrics is concerned about looking after the old people in terms of problems such as those stated above. It also...
Words: 742 - Pages: 3
...Falls are very common in the geriatric population. They are the leading cause of injury and death by injury in adults over the age of 65 years (Lee, 2013, p.37). Falls can have devastating results in the geriatric population. Fear of falling is a defined geriatric syndrome that may contribute to further functional decline in an already frail patient. When people experience something unpleasant, their natural response is an aversion to that experience. People may begin to limit their activities after a fall or as they become weaker and less agile with increasing age. This leads to a more sedentary lifestyle and physical atrophy, which further predisposes them to falls (Lee, 2013, p.37). According to Al-Aama (2011): A fall is a complex multifactorial phenomenon. In order to understand the mechanism of falls, it is essential to understand the prerequisites of normal gait. Essential substrates for a normal gait include fine neural networks such as the cortical–basal ganglia loop and the basal ganglia–brainstem system, exquisite musculoskeletal structures with appropriately regulated muscle tone, and proper processing of sensory information (p. 772). A fall in the geriatric population could be the result of various long-term or short-term factors. A short-term factor could include an acute illness or an adverse drug reaction. Normal gait and balance requires freely moving joints; muscles contracting at the right time with the appropriate strength; and accurate visual, vibratory...
Words: 1309 - Pages: 6
...fact that one has to get older. In this time and age, a lot of negative things are associated with aging. One of those negative associations is geriatrics diseases. The younger generation observes the older generation depressed and not the same old happier person they once were before geriatrics diseases start to set in. Although, not all geriatric disease are curable, it better to be aware. So therefore it good to learn about the definition of geriatric disease and the people at risk, treatments and what happens if some diseases go uncured and the statistics of people with the disease and the occurrence of the disease. The topic of geriatric diseases is not fully understood, so the definition needs to be elaborated. According to the medical dictionary the term geriatrics means “the department of medicine dealing especially with problems of aging and diseases of the elderly”. The world dictionary defines disease as “any deviation from or interruption of the normal structure or function of any body part, organ, or system that is manifested by a characteristic set of symptoms and signs and whose etiology, pathology, and prognosis may be known or unknown.” So in other terms geriatric disease can be defined as an interruption of normally functioning body part, organ and or system with problems of the elderly. The most common types of geriatrics disease are arthritis, cardiovascular and osteoporosis. Arthritis is the inflammation of the joints. The cause of arthritis is normal wear and...
Words: 1645 - Pages: 7
...Challenges and Responses to Improving Geriatric Nursing Care Lisa Watson University of Massachusetts Boston Professional Issues in Nursing NU: 360 Dr. JoAnn Mulready-Shick September 29, 2012 Abstract Challenges occur in nursing practice that impede the ability of the nursing profession to improve the care provide by nurses to our growing older population. This paper will describe some of the challenges nursing is facing and how to make the changes needed to improve the field of nursing. The research will show that investing in future education of nurses is the base that change will be built upon. Will you or a loved one fall into the geriatric population that is expected to explode? How will nurses care for this population and are they prepared to do so? Modern technology, research and advanced training have assisted the elderly population to live longer. Baby boomers are approaching their elderly years. This presents an ongoing challenge for the nursing industry. As reported by Kinsella & Velkoff, “the population of older adults {is} expected to double by the year 2030” (as cited by Shellman, 2012, para. 2). “Of today’s United States population 12.6% is at least 65 years old, and 20% of the population is expected to be at least 65 years by 2030; thus it is accurate to say a large portion of the healthcare business is and will continue to be caring for older adults . . . (CIA World Factbook 2007) as referenced by Grossman and Valiga (2009). There are many challenges...
Words: 1750 - Pages: 7
...Urinary Tract Infection in the Geriatric Population Elizabeth Shultz Abstract The geriatric population is very vulnerable to Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) and its negative consequences. If left untreated, UTI in the elderly patient can have negative consequences such as delirium or even death. UTI can also contribute to the onset of acute or chronic kidney infections, which could permanently damage the kidneys and result in renal failure. In view of this, the purpose of this paper is to review related literature to find current evidence or best practices related to UTI in the geriatric population and to objectively critique the evidence. CINAHL and MEDLINE computer databases were mainly searched from January, 2005 to January, 2015 using a combination of manual and computer-based methods. Keywords: elderly, urinary tract, elderly infection management, urinary tract infection prevention, elderly and UTI. Introduction By convention, a Urinary tract infection (UTI) is defined either as a lower tract (acute cystitis) or upper tract (acute pyelonephritis) infection (Nicolle, 2014). Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common infectious problem among older adults both in the community and institutional settings (Midthun, Paur, Bruce, & Midthun, 2005). The elderly population is most likely to experience UTI due to many reasons, not the least of which is their overall susceptibility to all infections...
Words: 1312 - Pages: 6
...Geriatrics Geriatrics Jennifer P. Dugan, Pharm.D., BCPS Clinical Assistant Professor University of Colorado Colorado, Denver Updates in Therapeutics: The Pharmacotherapy Preparatory Review and Recertification Course 31 Geriatrics Learning Objectives: The following case pertains to questions 2 and 3. J.T. is an 82-year-old community-dwelling woman with a history of stage III Parkinson disease, hypertension, and urinary incontinence (UI). She is receiving carbidopa/levodopa, pramipexole, selegiline, tolterodine, diazepam, metoprolol, and hydrochlorothiazide. When she comes to your pharmacy to get her prescriptions, she walks slowly with a cane, and she is stooped over. 1. Identify age-related pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes in older people. 2. Evaluate the pharmacotherapy regimens of older people to support the maintenance of optimal physical and mental function. 3. Identify inappropriate medication prescribing in older people. 4. Recommend appropriate pharmacotherapy for patients with dementia. 5. Evaluate the risks and benefits of the use of antipsychotics (APs) (including atypical APs) in older patients with dementia. 6. Recommend appropriate interventions for patients suffering from behavioral symptoms related to dementia. 7. Identify the types of urinary incontinence and recommend appropriate treatments. 8. Given a patient’s American Urology Association Symptom Index for benign prostatic hyperplasia, recommend...
Words: 14090 - Pages: 57
...The demographics of the aging population consist of persons age 65 and older. Moreover, the aging population represents 12.9 percent of the American population. Basically one out of eight Americans belongs to the aging population. The projected growth rate by 2030 of the aging population is 19 percent or 72.1 million people in the United States (Administration on Aging, 2011). The following paper will discuss the general impact that the changing population may have on the health care market, also how and why changes in the demographics of this population will affect health care, identify two health care related challenges to the aging population, explain the marketing needs or services for the aging population and address how individual patients, the community and society as a whole can address such challenges. Healthcare Challenges Demographics on aging clearly indicate that long-term care will remain a critical issue in our society. In 2020, the number of older Americans in need of long-term care service will jump to 12 million. The aging population is growing larger and living longer, a phenomenon felt around the world. As they face scarce health resources, nations must develop policies associated with the provision of care and the quality of the dying process. Never before in human history has our planet contained so many older people or such a large percentage of them. This has not always been the case, as late as 1930, America’s older population numbered less than...
Words: 1080 - Pages: 5
...BSHS 401 Complete Course http://www.homeworkbasket.com/BSHS-401/BSHS-401-Complete-Course BSHS 401 Week 1 DQ 1 BSHS 401 Week 1 DQ 2 BSHS 401 Week 1 Individual Assignment Case Management Brochure BSHS 401 Week 2 DQ 1 BSHS 401 Week 2 DQ 2 BSHS 401 Week 2 Individual Assignment Geriatric Case Management BSHS 401 Week 3 DQ 1 BSHS 401 Week 3 DQ 2 BSHS 401 Week 3 Individual Assignment Journal Entry Three BSHS 401 Week 3 Individual Assignment Thirteen roadblocks to communication BSHS 401 Week 4 DQ 1 BSHS 401 Week 4 DQ 2 BSHS 401 Week 4 Individual Assignment Journal Entry Four BSHS 401 Week 4 Learning Team Partnering with families of children with special needs BSHS 401 Week 5 DQ 1 BSHS 401 Week 5 DQ 2 BSHS 401 Week 5 Individual Assignment Documenting and Monitoring BSHS 401 Week 5 Individual Assignment Journal Entry Five BSHS 401 Week 5 Learning Team Assignment Managing Occupational Stress BSHS 401 Week 5 Team Assignment Case Management Interview Presentations For More Homework Goto http://www.homeworkbasket.com BSHS 401 Week 1 DQ 1 Click Below URL to Purchase Homework http://www.homeworkbasket.com/BSHS-401/BSHS-401-Week-1-DQ-1 Define two of the following levels of case management: 1. • Administrative case management 2. • Resource identification 3. • Intensive case management 4. • Targeted or blended case management For More Homework Goto http://www.homeworkbasket.com BSHS 401 Week 1 DQ 2 Click Below URL...
Words: 669 - Pages: 3
..., & Studenski, S. (2008). Recruitment and retention of older adults in aging research. Journal Of The American Geriatrics Society, 56(12), 2340-2348. doi:10.1111/j.1532- 5415.2008.02015.x Retrieved August 4th, 2013 from EBSCOhost. The author give reason why the elderly is less represented in clinical research, even though they make up a large percentage of the population. The author provides data which give reason such as complicated diagnosis, and preapproval before being considered eligible participants. Wiet, S. (2005). Future of caring for an aging population: trends, technology, and caregiving. Studies In Health Technology And Informatics, 118220-230. Retrieved August 4th, 2013 from EBSCOhost . The Baby-Boomer will eventually make up the largest part of the population and this article cover how technology will affect them, because they are going to live at least three decades longer. Caring for them will also cause stress on family members who will act as caregiver and have a family of their own, technology will play an important part in the quality of life for the elderly. A primer on aging, part I: The aging process: Demographics and age-related changes. (1999). Focus on Geriatric Care & Rehabilitation, 12(10), 1. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/230513199?accountid=458...
Words: 314 - Pages: 2
...Inflammatory Musculoskeletal Diseases Name Instructor Institution Musculoskeletal disorders are common and they can affect different age groups, frequently causing disability and immobility. They cause discomfort or pain in the joints, bones and muscles. The disorders can range from being acute to chronic, diffuse or focal. The chances of a person developing musculoskeletal disorders increase with age, but they are more common among the elderly. The disorders can range from back pain and gout, as well as rheumatoid arthritis, musculoskeletal pain and tendinitis. Treatments vary depending on the age of the patient, and there is a need for physicians to intervene early before the disease progresses to ensure better chances of recovery. The physiology of aging is an important aspect of treatment for musculoskeletal problems. “Immunosenescence” is a term that refers to changes in the immune system which is characterized by declined cellular immunity resulting to increase in auto antibodies. T-cell and cytokine production also decrease. Aging results in musculoskeletal changes. The tendons, ligaments and where they attach to bonesfray and weaken; muscle mass, quality, and strength also lessen. The gait of a person with musculoskeletal problems changes with age; gait speed, stride length and step length are reduced ((Phyllis & Samuel, 2009). Treatment in older patients is risky because of polypharmacy where patients attend different...
Words: 620 - Pages: 3
...day of some type of physical therapy could help one live longer. Physical rehabilitation helps to better lives and enables many to have more quality of life and be happier. There is rehabilitation in general and, then there are five different types of physical rehabilitation which are specialized: geriatric, neurological, cardiopulmonary, pediatric, and orthopedic. Each of these help improve many lives each day to help people live longer and healthier lives. Physical rehabilitation is to help people regain bodily functions and movement that they have lost due to medical injury or conditions. It can help one regain bowel and bladder control,...
Words: 1461 - Pages: 6
...Aging of America and The Preventive Measures we take Christopher J. Murray Professor Adler HCM 625 Selected Learning Activity for December 2012 { Salem International University, Healthcare Management Program } Abstract Between now and 2030, the number of Americans age 55 and older will almost double. To put the demographic numbers into perspective, we will see 60 million to 107.6 million; a 10 percent increase as the Baby Boomers will reach their retirement age. Within that same time period, the number of Americans over 65 will more than double, with an increase in population of 34 million to 70 million; an almost eight percent increase (Administration of Aging). The average life expectancy has increased almost 20 years for females and 16 years for males, in part due to the advancements of our educational system and healthcare. We, as Healthcare Managers, must plan accurately because of this current trend of extended longevity. Fail to prepare, prepare to fail. What do these words mean for our country? It is imperative that we, as Americans, prepare for the future in all aspects due to such a large population. We will see drastic increases in aging, income, and the need for a practical plan by every American because of the statistics that have been listed. The proof is in the pudding by showing the statistics given by the Administration of Aging; we see increases in all age brackets...
Words: 3435 - Pages: 14
...Vulnerable Populations-Part 1 Jane Doe University of Phoenix Nursing 531 June 25, 2012 Georgetta Baptist A vulnerable population is defined as “those at risk for poor physical, psychological, or social health” (de Chesney, 2012). There are many vulnerable populations and this paper will concentrate on the elderly. According to Walsh (2009), the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), states the elderly are considered anyone 65 years old or older. With the increased lifespan of elderly, there have become new demographics of young old (65-74), old (75-84), and oldest old (85 & over), and the frail old (anyone over 65 with physical or cognitive disabilities). The US census bureau estimated in 2011, the population of elderly persons 65 and over living in the U.S. to be 311,501,917. Between 2000 and 2010, the population 65 and over grew at a faster rate than any other population in the United States, 15.1% compared to 9.7% of the rest of the US population. Thirteen percent of the population is elderly; 55.2% are married, 32% live with family members, 51.7% are female, 48.3% are male, 60% are white, 17% are black, 18% are Hispanic, and 5% are other races. Education wise, 10.9% have less than a 9th grade , 10.3% have attended between 9th and 12th grade but did not receive a diploma, 36.4% are high school graduates, 20.6% have some college, and 22.5% have Bachelor’s degree or greater. It is estimated that elderly between the ages of 65-84 are doubling as the baby...
Words: 2120 - Pages: 9
...in a shortage of worker in the workforce leaving an overwhelming burden on the younger population? This paper summarizes three articles that attempt to bring to light the various challenges the nation is encountering in its preparation to care for the aging population. Additionally it will provide the readers with some recommendations on strategies both the American industries and government can use to prepare for the loss of a large percentage of the workforce who will start retiring in the next decade. The burden of geriatric health issues While countries across the globe are scrambling to make the necessary preparation to accommodate medical care for the aging population, the United States has already begun preparing its health care system for its “baby boom” generation. Hundreds of millions of dollars of the Obama stimulus package has gone to training doctors and nurse on how to deal with medical care for the aging population. Unfortunately, geriatric physician around the country...
Words: 2205 - Pages: 9
...Asian J Gerontol Geriatr 2012; 7: 59–63 Policy implication and the way forward WM Chan FHKAM(Community Medicine) Elderly Health Service, Department of Health, Hong Kong SPECIAL ARTICLE Correspondence to: Dr Wai Man Chan, Elderly Health Service, Department of Health, Hong Kong. E-mail: w_m_chan@dh.gov.hk ABSTRACT Care for the elderly was one of the 3 main policy objectives of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in 1997. Many policy initiatives have been introduced in terms of financial support, better housing, and long-term care services. For active ageing, an innovative project known as the ‘Elder Academy’ aimed at promoting intergenerational cohesion, which is now under threat owing to changing social patterns. With the rapid increase in the number of ‘old-olds’, more resources on dementia care, community support, professional staff development, carer training, and coordination of care are necessary. In terms of financing, shared responsibility is the only viable option. In the 2012-13 budget speech, a pilot for community care service voucher as a means of promoting ageing at home was announced. As the coming cohorts of elders are more affluent and knowledgeable, they tend to be healthier and have different demands and expectations, such as independent living with better quality of life. The private sector may explore the markets of community care services and elder-oriented products. To meet the emerging needs, a holistic approach should be adopted, with...
Words: 3596 - Pages: 15
