GERIATRICSJessica Carden

Caitlyn Murphy

Cheri Lane

WHAT IS GERIATRICS?

Study of the aged, advanced old age, or old-old adults

Can be defined according to physiological decline (menopause and skin or hair changes) or psychological decline

GERONTOLOGY

Study of old-age which includes biological psychological, physiological, and sociological aspects of aging

SENESCENCE

Gradual process when the body begins to age and weaken

Four categories Young-old- 65-75 Old- 76-84 Old-old- 85-99 Elite-old- 100+

PHYSIOLOGICAL CHANGES: BONES After 65, height begins

to decrease due to loss of body water, bone mass, and degeneration of spinal disk.

The loss of estrogen decreases the ability of the body to utilize calcium to maintain bone density, resulting in osteoporosis.

Geriatric adults are predisposed to fractures, posture and balance changes, and falls.

PHYSIOLOGICAL CHANGES: BLOOD VESSELS

The heart has to pump harder because it is less elastic due to the narrowing of arteries.

This can cause an increase in blood pressure which can lead to stroke.

PHYSIOLOGICAL CHANGES: LUNGS

Geriatric adults may not breathe as deeply or cough as effectively due to loss of lung elasticity.

Ribs and cartilage become more rigid causing respiratory muscles to work harder.

This makes them more vulnerable to respiratory infections.

PHYSIOLOGICAL CHANGES:KIDNEYS AND BLADDER

Kidneys filter slower which can result in an accumulation of medication in the blood which can lead to an overdose.

Bladder capacity decreases which results in urinary frequency.

PHYSIOLOGICAL CHANGES: METABOLISM

A slowed metabolism can cause retention of glucose and lipids.

Geriatric adults are at risk for developing elevated serum lipids.

PHYSIOLOGICAL CHANGES: DIGESTION

Motility and digestive enzymes decrease resulting in slower emptying of the stomach, poor appetite, and digestive disturbances.

A slowed gag reflex increases the risk of choking.

A decrease in peristalsis can cause constipation and gas discomfort.

PHYSIOLOGICAL CHANGES: TEETH

Although tooth loss is not caused by aging, it is common in geriatric adults.

Over time, receding gums can lead to ill-fitting dentures and gum sores.

PHYSIOLOGICAL CHANGES: SKIN Skin becomes thinner

which makes the geriatric person more vulnerable to skin injury.

Healing of wounds is slower and the body takes longer to repair and replace skin cells.

Skin develops wrinkles and spotty pigmentation.

Chilling and heat exhaustion occur more easily due to a decrease in the number and function of sweat glands in the skin.

PHYSIOLOGICAL CHANGES: EYES Fifty percent of persons

older than 75 may develop cataracts due to the natural aging process.

Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness and occurs in 15% of people over the age of 80.

Eyesight declines due to a loss of cells in the optic nerve and more time is needed for eyes to adjust because the pupil of the eye opens and closes more slowly.

PHYSIOLOGICAL CHANGES: EARS Degenerative bones

in the middle ear result in a decrease in hearing ability.

Certain frequencies become difficult to distinguish and it is difficult to locate sound.

PHYSIOLOGICAL CHANGES: NERVOUS SYSTEM

Neurons atrophy and transmission of impulses to the brain slow.

Motor responses and reaction time is delayed which make safety a challenge.

PLACEMENT

Due to all of the physiological changes associated with aging, it is often difficult for geriatric adults to care for themselves.

Alternative arrangements include nursing homes, assisted living, senior communities, in-home care, moving in with family, and adult day care.

NURSING HOMES Nursing Homes, often called Skilled Nursing Facilities, Care

Centers, Rest Homes or Rehabilitation Centers, are intended for those seniors who require continuous medical care, and need significant assistance, with the various daily activities.

Nursing Home residents not only receive assistance with all activities of daily living but also can receive specialized care for more advanced health issues such as assistance with complex medications, injections or IV's, wound care, incontinence, transfer assistance, catheters, ventilators, rehabilitation and more.

ASSISTED LIVING

Assisted Living Facilities are designed to provide housing, health care and personal care services to seniors in need of assistance with activities of daily living in a more independent environment than a traditional nursing home.

Assistance is provided with ADL’s and medication administration to geriatric adults that are highly independent.

SENIOR COMMUNITIES Senior Communities, often referred to as

Retirement communities, or senior independent living communities, are facilities that accommodate independent seniors with few medical problems.

Residents of retirement communities live in a variety of apartment sizes from studios to large two bedrooms. Most senior communities cater to individual residents, however more and more communities are adding larger apartments and townhomes for retiring couples.

Many senior communities have a plethora activities and amenities available such as a swimming pool, golf course, hiking trails, fitness club, card games, and physical activities.

IN-HOME CARE Home Care is generally defined as medical and non-medical support

services delivered at the home of the senior. Home care may be appropriate if a senior prefers to stay at home but needs minor assistance with activities of daily living.

Choosing the path of Home Care allows seniors to remain at home longer rather than enter a nursing home or an assisted living community.

There are basically two types of home care services. skilled service providers who usually provide various medical care needs, and custodial care providers who provide services for daily living such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation but may also extend to assistance with transportation, paying bills, making appointments, and simply being there to provide companionship and emotional support.

ADULT DAY CARE

Adult day care centers are senior care locations that are open during

normal business hours and provide various care services, supervision and social interaction for the elderly.

Adult day care centers typically provide social activities, meals and various health care services that can range from medication management to physical therapy.

These centers provide relief to caretakers while providing social interaction and companionship for seniors.

ELDER ABUSE

Elder abuse is the infliction of harm or neglect and is unfortunately very common.

Signs of abuse include depression, social isolation, bruising, unexplained burns, contractures, malnutrition, dehydration, and missed doctor appointments.

PICKING THE RIGHT FACILITY

Research the service history. Visit the facility in person. Talk to current residents and their family

members. Meet with staff members. Ask lots of questions!