Medical care is important at every age, but it has increased significance for the elderly population. People older than 65 are likely to have typical needs associated with aging, but they also have health issues unique to the individual. Medical personnel should be careful to view elderly patients as individuals with varying needs and abilities, rather than a defined group, advises the text "Nursing Health Assessment."
Providers
Medical care for the elderly is provided by traditional providers, such as family physicians, general practitioners and specialists. Additionally, geriatricians who specialize in care of the elderly treat senior medical conditions. Nurses who specialize in geriatrics join traditional nurses, physical therapists, respiratory therapists, occupational therapists and speech pathologists in providing medical care for this group. Dentists and professionals who provide glasses, hearing aids and prosthetic devices also routinely treat elderly patients.
Service Locations
The elderly receive medical care in traditional locations such as physician offices, clinics and hospitals. Additionally, they may be cared for in skilled nursing centers, assisted living facilities or private homes. Some elderly people are less able to visit a doctor or clinic due to health problems, increasingly the likelihood they will receive medical care in the home.
Types of Care
With age comes physical changes. The body becomes more prone to disease and infirmity, making heart disease, arthritis, colon cancer, skin cancer and many other conditions increasingly likely to develop. Older adults need routine physicals as well as age-specific examinations such as colonoscopy examinations, mammograms and prostate examinations. Care of chronic illnesses is also necessary.
The elderly are susceptible to the devastating effects of influenza and pneumonia, making it important for them to be vaccinated against these infections. The respiratory muscles may function poorly, teeth may fall out, and food may move more slowly through the gastrointestinal tract, all potentially requiring intervention, explains the text "Nursing Health Assessment." Injuries related to falls and other accidents are common, due to decreased muscle strength, bone-related changes, medication side effects and vision loss.
Dementia Care
Some elderly adults need care for dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia and other disorders. These patients often require medical care, medication monitoring and administration, and nursing assistance for feeding, bathing and grooming.
Psychiatric Care
The elderly are susceptible to major depression due to the changes associated with aging. The deaths of loved ones and friends, chronic pain, loss of employment and feelings of being nonproductive can all contribute to feelings of depression. Elder depression is treated by a psychiatrist or other mental health professional with medication, psychotherapy or both. Sometimes, depression can be alleviated by combating loneliness, relates MedlinePlus.
References
- "Nursing Health Assessment: A Critical Thinking, Case Studies Approach"; Patricia M. Dillon, D.N.Sc., R.N.; 2003
- "Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing: Concepts of Care in Evidence-Based Practice"; Mary C. Townsend, M.N., A.P.R.N.; 2006
- MedlinePlus: Depression--Elderly
