Gero Exam One

GERO EXAM ONE Chapter 1: Seeing Older Adults through the Eyes of Wellness The Wellness Focus: ● Wellness: the best function and quality of life ○ helps to avoid a narrow focus on physical health and functioning ● consider a holistic approach - addressing the: mind, body and spirit interconnectedness ○ promotes purpose in life, communicating with others, maintaining dignity, and contributing to society ○ this is the patient’s wellness perspective ○ wellness team: the patient, family, all healthcare staff (nurses, doctors, PT/OT, dietary) ● individualized patient focus ○ my view of wellness is different from another’s view of wellness ■ ask: what do you want me to do to help you heal? what are your goals for care? ○ 50% of people age 65+ (in all cultures) perceive themselves in good health (wellness perspective) ■ ex: wheelchair bound individual perceives himself to be in good health because they can still transfer to the toilet, locomotor independently with an assistive device, etc. ● Societal “Definition” of Aging: ○ a decline in health, chronological aging ○ this outlook does not promote wellness (ageism) ○ correct through education, listening to/conversing with the patient ● High-level Wellness: ○ an integrated method of functioning that is oriented toward maximizing each person’s potential, while maintaining a continuum of balance and purposeful direction within the person's environment ●Nursing actions to promote wellness:  Addressing the body, mind, spirit interrelatedness of each older adult  Identify and challenge ageist attitudes  Assessing each older adult from a whole person perspective  Incorporating wellness nursing diagnoses as a routine part of care  Planning for wellness outcomes, which are directed towards improved health, functioning, and quality of life  Using nursing interventions to address conditions that interfere with optimal functioning  Recognizing each older adults potential for improved health and functioning as well as psychological and spiritual growth  Teaching about self-care behaviors to improve health and functioning  Promoting wellness for caregivers and other people who provide care for them ● Nursing Role: ○ identify and challenge ageist attitudes (including their own) ○ assess normal living habits, than try to make healthy changes that they can incorporate into personal life ■ ask them how they go about their day so we can help them plan when exactly to take medication ○ assess each OA from a “whole person” perspective ○ Incorporate wellness into care NOTE: Providing care is a fine line. Assess the abilities of the patient to determine what they can complete independently (to promote healing) and what they require assistance with (they came to you for a reason… example: car accident, MI) NOTE: Always assess before doing D/C teaching... open up conversation with asking them to tell them what they already know. Find out what they want to know. Use open ended questions -assess how is the patient’s vision, hearing, pain, confusion, fatigue, environment, and learning style (all of these factors can interfere with them learning what you teaching them) Types of Aging: ● Subjective Age: ○ describes a person’s perception of his or her age (How they feel) ○ multidimensional process, influenced by physical and social-cognitive functioning ○ most older adults feel younger than their chronological age ■ helps maintain a positive view of themselves ■ positively affects health, functioning, and sense of well-being ● Perceived Age: ○ other people’s estimation of someone’s age ● Chronological Age: ○ length of time that has passed since birth (actual age) ● Functional Age: (more relevant than the actual age they are) ○ indicators of age by ■ physiologic health ■ psychological well-being ■ socioeconomic factors ■ the ability to function and participate in desirable activities ● functional age is associated with higher levels of well being and more positive attiudes about again ● ex: if you don’t have the income to purchase healthier foods = decreased FA ……………………………………CONTINUED…………………………….