Question

Your assignment is to develop a therapeutic relationship with a well elder in the community to learn about the aging process, and to develop skill and experience with the nursing process. This will be the foundation for assessing elderly individuals who are ill. You will assess the communication and safety needs of the well elder, and you will keep a self-reflective journal documenting your experience with the assessment process, and evaluating your use of the nursing process.

Answer 1

Aging is a life-long process. Aging process can be explained under various theories. The first one is the biological theory. In this theory, as the age increases the body cells ànd tissues slowly degenerates. This is caused by wear and tear. The second one is the disengagement theory. In this theory, the elderly isolates himself from the familial and societal matters. This may be due to ignorance of their children. Next comes the programmed theory. This theory explains that the body becomes immunologicaĺy weak as one gets older and he or she is at the risk of infection.

Needs of the elderly individual

Well elder needs familial support and a chance to open up his or her feelings. Health care professionals can play a big role in helping elderly people to verbalize their feelings.

Secondly, aging causes physical changes which should be kept in mind. So skin care have to be maintained. Patient is an elderly individual and hence he or she is at risk of skin related issues. Provide patient skin care so that skin is protected from abrasions and infection.