Care of the Older Adult

This course has taught me the importance of the coordination of care during significant life transitions that older adults experience to promote culturally competent, individualized and holistic care. During these life transitions it is important to promote independence as appropriate for older adults. The limitations experienced by some older adults have a significant impact on their psychosocial well-being.

In nursing one of our primary goals is to provide patient centered care, we strive to relieve our patients of pain and promote comfort. Patient autonomy is extremely important and we must allow patients to have as much control of their decisions as feasibly possible. When patients receive a poor prognosis or a terminal diagnosis it is our duty as nurses to support the patient and the family in this progress. It is imperative to promote an open, supportive environment to allow the expressions of fear, anger and grief of the patient and the family.

In my nursing practice I will promote interprofessional collaboration to accommodate the changes in vision and mobility experienced by older adults. Promoting independence and encouraging participation in this patients is essential to enhance their quality of life. It is extremely important in my nursing practice to be empathetic towards patients and support them emotionally by assisting with positive coping strategies. As a nurse caring for older patients I will encourage them to express their fears and concerns especially those related to the impact that it will have on their ability to perform ADLs. I will support these patients by taking the time to reinforce teaching and institute safety precautions to prevent falls.