In: Nursing
I need to develope a long term care plan toolkit for the age group of 85 and older. I dont know exactly what this consists of and could use help. Thanks
Care plan for older people or geriatric patients include :-
1. sensory impairement related to the aging process :-
- keep all the articles needed by the patient nearby and accessible.
- proper lighting of the room
- always keep the alarm or call button nearby to the patient.
- communicate with the patient gently ,speak slow ,clearly, with normal sound to the unaffected side .
- prevent from extremes of temperature like hot soup , direct steam on face during steam inhalation.
- advice the patient to avoid walking bare foot as it may lead to injury and delayed healing due the deficit neurovascular status .
2. Risk for injury related to sensory impairment :-
- keep the floors dry , because wet floors lead to fall .
- bathrooms and wash rooms must have side bars to be used while going to the bathroom for support.
- the height of bed must be low.
- proper lighting of the room.
- make available all necessary articles near by to the patient.
- avoid extremes of temperature due to lack of sensation may lead to burn .
- change the position every two hours to avoid skin break down.
3. Impaired communication related to the aging process :-
- speak slow and clear
- be loud enought to hear
- speak to the unaffected side
- use pictures , alphabets writting measures of unable to talk
- proper lighting facility
- do lip reading
- have face to face communication
- maintain eye contact
4. Impaired skin integrity related to the aging process :-
- change the position every two hours.
- use of powder to avoid skin break down on areas which are prone to ulcers
- avoid moisture buildup
- changing of diapher and cleaning of genital and perineal area everytime after going to washroom.
- use of comfort devices like pillow , foot boards etc
5. Impaired nutritional status related to sensory impairment of taste and anorexia :-
- provide small , frequent feeds
- avoid lying supine after having food for 2-3hrs
- add some extra spices toale food tasty as the tactile function is impaired along with age.
- encourage to drink atleast 2-3 litres of water a day until contraindicated.
- follow the diet plan
- easily chewable and swallow foods must be made as they don't have teeths to bite and to avoid aspiration.