The increase in life expectancy, combined with the low birth rate, has enormous social consequences in the long run, modifies labour structures and, as reflected in the aforementioned report, has a major impact on the country's economy.
Faced with the imminent challenge of social and economic sustainability in maintaining a welfare state that supports the costs of pensions and health care, there is also an urgent need to intensify the provision of care for the elderly .
There is therefore an urgent need for trained professionals to provide proper, close and humane care to a large part of the population, those who need nursing care in geriatrics.
Adequate and complete training is therefore absolutely essential, as we must bear in mind that it is a job that requires specific knowledge in order to be able to carry it out safely and appropriately. Currently, qualifications such as Social and Health Care for Dependent Persons in Social Institutions or Social and Health Care at Home are required , for which we offer training content adjusted to the professional certificate without access requirements and with payment facilities, included in our catalogue of private training of Professional Schools .
A geriatrician with an elderly lady is part of the poster advertising the course on social and health care in institutions
Basic geriatric care that we should know
Basic nursing care in geriatrics addresses both the physical and emotional well-being of patients . Therefore, in addition to caring for the health of the elderly, it is important to study and meet their social and psychological needs.
Considering the basic physical care that a geriatric nursing professional must guarantee, we find:
Hygiene in the elderly
Personal hygiene
We must not forget that we are dealing with patients who are often unable to perform such an activity. Providing them with help in a safe and appropriate manner not only requires strength and willpower, but also knowledge of certain techniques that offer, on the one hand, peace of mind and confidence in the patient and, on the other hand, that hygiene is performed correctly.
In this regard, it is important to pay attention to four aspects: the temperature of the water, that the soap is pH neutral, drying correctly and subsequent hydration.
Oral hygiene should not be forgotten at this point either.
Postural hygiene
Maintaining a correct body position will reduce wear and tear, reduce the risk of injury and prevent pain. Therefore, postural hygiene must be taken care of both when the patient is sitting or lying down, and when he or she is standing.
A straight back, feet aligned with the shoulders, a raised head and avoiding crossing the legs are some of the basic keys to taking care of your posture.
Healthy and complete nutrition
Nutrition is the basis of everyone's health and becomes especially important at an advanced age, when physical exercise (another pillar of health) is reduced. It is important that each patient has a study adapted to their nutritional needs and limitations. To better understand the nutritional aspects that must be taken into account to prepare an optimal menu, you can train in nutrition:
plates of food and measuring tape to represent health, nutrition and dietetics
As for psychological and social needs, at a basic level we will find:
Taking care of your mood
The reduction in tasks and social activity, together with the deterioration of physical mobility, makes older people vulnerable to mood disorders.
Sleep hygiene has a huge impact on the quality of life and health of elderly patients. A geriatric nursing professional must be familiar with the possible treatments available and offer an appropriate solution based on the patient's pathologies.
Carrying out social activities
Maintaining a circle of belonging and quality social relationships will help to keep patients' moods from being diminished.
Seniors playing a board game in a residence, with their caregiver
On the other hand, it is essential to carry out the relevant monitoring kuwait whatsapp number of the most common diseases and pathologies in the elderly.
Pathologies in the elderly
Among the most common geriatric diseases we find those associated with age, such as circulatory diseases (such as hypertension), joint diseases (such as osteoarthritis and arthritis) or neurological diseases (dementia, Alzheimer's or Parkinson's), but also many acquired through lifestyle habits, such as diabetes, obesity or anemia.
Of course, it is part of the job of a geriatric nursing care professional to meet the health requirements specific to the pathologies of the elderly, as well as to establish a routine and promote healthy lifestyle habits that help mitigate the effects of these pathologies.
Care and techniques in elderly care
We previously discussed the importance of providing physical and mental care to elderly patients. Now we will delve a little deeper into the methods that exist to provide the best possible state of health to the elderly.
It is important to be clear that intervention in geriatric nursing is based on helping patients maintain their autonomy , avoid and prevent the loss of this and offer care that guarantees their well-being.
As for the precise care and techniques in caring for the elderly, we find:
Medication administration.
Control of your correct diet and hydration.
Monitoring for changes in skin, nails, eyes, etc.
Grooming care.
Maintaining sleep hygiene and controlling possible alterations.
Attention to mobility and physical activity needs.
Be careful with postural hygiene.
Mood observation.
Carrying out activities that exercise the patient's memory and spatial orientation.
The natural physical deterioration that comes with age, combined with any illnesses they may have, means that the elderly need special care and attention for which not everyone is prepared. Training in nursing care in geriatrics is essential to ensure proper treatment of the sick. Acquire now the necessary knowledge to respond to the wide demand for care in residences, day centres, home and family help, with this 60-hour online course .