Older Adult Flashcards
Functional Screening is important because
Chronological age is poor indicator of ability.
Hospitalized older adults are at high risk for loss of function skills.
Environmental constraints (IV’s, catheters, side rails)
Decreased expectations for performance (ageism)
New disabilities or illness
Loss of functional abilities is a major cause of institutionalization.
establish realistic goals for
to improve function for patient
hospitalized older adult - infection (how many times more likely than younger adult?)
2 - 5 times greater risk than younger adult
common infections in hospitalized older adult
UTI, pneumonias, skin infections
3 Ds of confusion
delirium (hours to days), depression (weeks to months), dementia (months to years)
geriatric syndrome assessment (SPICES)
sleep disorders
problems eating or feeding
incontinence
confusion
evidence of falls
skin breakdown
living will
not legally binding. directive to physicians.
advanced directive
legally binding - lasts one year. directs another person to voice healthcare decisions, even if incapacitated.
elder abuse usually
woman w/ at least 1 limitation adl
if older adult was not confused a few hours ago…
may indicate an acute problem
education
increase time to explain, relate to actual pt., anxiety decreases learning
teaching promotion
repetition, peer teaching, must be relevant to daily life
living will advanced directive permits
an individual to direct healthcare if terminal, can ask for no extrodinary measures
functional assessment includes
environmental, physical, psychological, socio-economic
