Question

Describe the characteristics of the aging process. Explain how some of the characteristics may lead to elder abuse (memory issues, vulnerability, etc.). Discuss the types of consideration a nurse must be mindful of while performing a health assessment on a geriatric patient as compared to a middle-aged adult

Answer 1

ageing

ageing is the process of becoming older.in humans,ageing represents the accummulation of changes in human being overtime and can encompass physical,psychological and social changes.

charecteristics includes physical and psychological changes.physically ageing affect the skin,all other system of body

skin become wrinkles,more elastic  and grey hair,teeth become fall,cardiovascular system problem,muscle,bones,joints problem,sexual dysfunction,bladder and urinary tract problem,it affects the memmory and thinking skills,weight gain,eyes and ear problem.

as the process of ageing the older adults have somany problems ,like memmory issues,weakness of the body.this condition may lead to abuse of older one.elderly people become frail,difficult to care for,and sometimes demanding.these charecteristics cause stress for caregivers,as aresult they become abusive or negletful toward the elder.so the elder mistreatment is seen.some may use them for sex because of their memory loss they may not be aware.there by sexual abuse lso occurs.

geriatric assessment is a multi dimensional,multidisciplinary assessment designed to evaluate the older persons mental ,physical,cognition,social and environmental circumstances.physically and mentally they are weak so that should be kept in mind while asssessing,we cant assess them as middle age person

1.maintain a positive attitude and treat them as intelligent and they are like us

2.take a few minutes ineract with them before health assessment

3.identify their cultural social factors,their believes

4.identify and try to accommodate their disabilities(visual impairement,hearing impairment,memory loss)

5.while doing physical assessment should care ful because they may fragile.

6.stop the assessment if the patient feels stressful or irritated.

assessement and caring of elder person is a skilled practice.it needs more patience .