Assessment of Health and Functioning in Older Adults Flashcards
Gerontology
Study of aging and older adults
- Focus: healthy and successful aging
- Address diversity among older adults
Geriatrics
Focuses on medical problems of older adults
- Shifted its focus from curing to caring
- Emphasis on quality of life
Positive Functional Consequences
Those that facilitate highest level of
functioning, least dependency and best
quality of life.
Functional Consequences
Observable effects of actions, risk factors
and age-related changes that influence
quality of life or day-to-day activities of
older adults.
Age-Related Changes
Inherent physiological processes that
increase vulnerability of older adults.
Negative Functional Consequences
Those that interfere with older adult’s
functioning or quality of life.
More about Age-related Changes
Inevitable, progressive and irreversible changes that happen to everyone.
- Physically degenerative
- Psychological and spiritual potential for growth
Risk Factors
Conditions that increase vulnerability
- Disease
- Environment
- Lifestyle
- Support systems
- Psychosocial circumstances
- adverse medication effects
- attitudes based on lack of knowledge
mnemonic: DELSPAA
Health
individual’s experience of sense of well-being, harmony and unity
Wellness
ability of older adult to function at highest capacity, despite the
presence of age-related changes and risk factors
Health Promotion:
programs or interventions that focus on behavior changes
in relation to environment
Environment
external conditions that impact health and wellbeing
How does an older adult stay well? Health promotion activities
- Prevention and screening
- Risk-reduction interventions
- Environmental modifications
- Health education
Continuum of care - Community
- Health promotion
- Respite services
- Adult day centers
Role of the nurse:
- Education
- Referrals
Continuum of care - Home Care
- Goal is rehabilitation
- Meal prep, personal care, errands, light housekeeping
Role of the nurse:
- Education
- Referrals
- Assessment
- Care planning
- Hands-on care
Continuum of care - Nursing Home
- Need 24 hr assistance with ADLs
Role of the nurse:
- Education
- Referrals
- Assessment
- Care planning
- Hands-on care
- Continuous on-site responsibility
- Coordinates with interprofessional