Chapter 10 Gerontological Nursing Practice Settings

Evidence of the “Graying of America” Growing numbers of Americans are interested in wellness programs to stay youthful, active, and healthy. More than one-third of all surgical patients are over 65 years of age. The prevalence of mental health problems increases with age. Chronic diseases occur at a rate four times greater in old age than at other ages.

Evidence of the “Graying of America” (cont.) Approximately 40% of all older persons will spend some time in a nursing home during their lives. Most beds in acute medical hospitals are filled by elderly patients. Older adults are the most significant users of home health services.

Gerontological Nursing Practice Settings Nursing homes Health maintenance organizations (HMOs) Outpatient surgical centers Hospice programs Rehabilitation units or private practice

Function of the Gerontological Nurse Educate persons of all ages in practices that promote a positive aging experience. Assess and provide interventions for nursing diagnoses. Identify and reduce risks. Promote self-care capacity and independence. Collaborate with other health care providers. Maintain health and integrity of the aging family.

Function of the Gerontological Nurse (cont.) Advocate and protect the rights of older adults. Promote the use of ethics and standards in the care of older adults. Help the elderly face the transition to death with peace, comfort, and dignity.

Role of Nurse in Providing Preventive and Ancillary Services Identifying service needs. Referring elders to appropriate services. Supporting and coordinating services.

Preventive and Ancillary Services Banking Burial Consumer affairs Counseling Education Employment Financial aid Food, health, transportation, and housing

Preventive and Ancillary Services (cont.) Information and referral Legal and tax Recreation Religion Shopping at home Transportation Volunteer work

Supportive Services Assisted living Care and case management Chores Day care Foster care and group homes Home-delivered meals Home monitoring Telephone reassurance

Partial and Intermittent Care Services Day treatment and day hospital programs Home health care Hospice

Complete and Continuous Care Services Hospital care Long-term care facilities

Nonconventional Services Wellness and renewal centers Acupuncture Meditation classes Herbal and homeopathic remedies Guided imagery sessions Therapeutic touch Medicinal herbal prescriptions

Nonconventional Services (cont.) Herbal and homeopathic remedies Guided imagery sessions Sound, light, and aromatherapy

Considerations When Matching Services to Needs Physical, Emotional, Social, and Spiritual Factors –Provide services that meet the unique needs of the older population in a holistic manner. Individual Differences –Base Physical, emotional, social, and spiritual services on the individual’s needs at a given time.

Source Eliopoulos, C. (2005). Gerontological Nursing, (6 th ed.). Philadelphia: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins (ISBN ).