What does geriatrics cover?
Branch of medicine dealing with the aged and problems of aging in people over 65
What specialized fields for geriatrics?
- illness prevention
- illness management
- health maintenance
- quality of life
What factors affect quality of life of geriatrics?
Gender, race, ethnicity and social class
Which group of elders are more likely to have income below poverty level?
Single and minority elders
What is ageism?
Term used to describe the stereotyping of and discrimination of an elderly person
How can quality of elder care improve?
- appreciation for their population
- positive attitudes of providers
- information and education regarding elderly
What are 3 effects of aging?
- physical
- cognitive
- psychosocial
What are the most common health complaints of the elderly?
- weight gain
- loss of bone mass
- joint stiffness
- lonlieness
What is key to reducing first 4 elderly complaints?
Exercise
What also declines with age?
Sight, hearing, taste and smell
What is helpful when dealing with physical effects of elderly?
- providing instructions one at a time
- reducing background noise
- speaking slowly, distinctly and directly to patient at volume needed
What causes cognitive effects of elderly?
Disease, aging and disuse
What is dementia?
Progressive cognitive impairment that interferes with daily functions
What is the most common form of dementia?
Alzheimers
How many persons over 65 show signs of depression?
1 in 5
What is successful aging linked to?
- greater social contact
- health satisfaction
- low vulnerable personality traits
- fewer stressful life events
What factors increase depression?
illness, medical emergencies, fixed income, fewer choices in living arrangements, chaning roles from independence to dependence
What is key to recognize in elderly?
That each is unique and deserves respect
What are top 10 chronic conditions of elderly?
Arthritis, hypertension, hearing impairment, heart disease, cataracts, orthopedic impairment, chronic sinusitis, diabetes, visual impairment, varicose veins
What can be provided to elderly between projections?
Test to reduce vertigo and fear of falling
What should you avoid using with elderly patients?
Adhesive tape because it can easily damage skin
What can help increase comfort and risk of pressure related injuries?
Blankets, sponges and other positioning aides
What should be checked before contrast admin?
Patient history to reduce adverse reactions
What positioning should be used for PA chest in geriatric patients?
- wrap arms around upright bucky to increase support
- provide support and stability
- perform exam in wheelchair if needed
