Competency #2 Health Promotion/Maintenance and Living Environments of Older Adults

Competency #2 Health Promotion/Maintenance and Living Environments of Older Adults  Many older adults use tobacco and alcohol, and may abuse these substances. The student should be aware of the recommended approaches for tobacco cessation, and alcoholism identification and prevention.  Because of the vulnerability of frail older adults, there are specific recommendations for preventative measures such as flu and pneumococcal vaccines. Students should be familiar with these recommendations. Elder abuse is often referred to as a silent crime, with many cases going unreported. Because of this, the student should be able to recognize the classic cues indicating that abuse may have occurred with their elderly adult patients. There are many factors that contribute to the risk for abuse or neglect. Students should be aware of their local protocols when abuse or neglect is suspected. 