Gerontological
Nursing
BSN- IV
BABY DANICA B. NUÑEZ, RN
Definition of Terms
Gerontology- is the broad term used to define the
study of aging and or/ the aged. This includes the
biopsychological aspects of aging.
Geriatrics- is often used as generic term relating
to the aged, but specifically refers to medical care
of aged.
Social Gerontology- is concerned mainly with the
social aspects of aging versus the biological or
psychological.
Definition of Terms
Geropsychology- is a branch of psychology concerned
with helping older persons and their families maintain
well being, overcome problems and achieve maximum
potential during later life.
Geropharmacology- is the study of pharmacology as it
relates to older adults.
Financial Gerontology- is another emerging subfield
that combines knowledge of financial planning and
services with a special expertise in the needs of older
adults.
Definition of Terms
Gerontological Rehabilitation Nursing-
combines expertise in gerontological nursing wit
rehabilitation concepts and practice. Nurses
working in gerontological rehabilitation often care
for older adults with chronic illnesses and long
term functional limitations such as storke, head
injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease,
spinal cord injury, arthritis, joint replacement and
amputations.
Definition of Terms
Gerontological Nursing- then, falls within the
discipline of nursing and the scope of nursing
practice. It involves nurses advocating for the
health of older persons at all levels of prevention.
Gerontological nurses work with healthy elderly
persons in their communities, acutely ill elders
requiring hospitalization and treatment, and
chronically ill or disabled elders in long term care
facilities, skilled care, home care, and hospice.
History of Gerontological Nursing
The history of gerontological nursing is rich in diversity and
experiences, as is the population it serves. No matter where the
nurses practice, they will at some time in their career care for
older adults.
The health care movement is constantly increasing life
expectancy; therefore, nurses must expect to care for relatively
larger numbers of older people over the next decades. With the
increasing numbers of acute and chronic health conditions
experienced by elders, nurses are in key positions to provide
disease prevention and health promotion, and to promote positive
aging.
ATTITUDES TOWARD AGING AND
OLDER ADULTS
As a nursing student, you may have preconceived ideas about
caring for older adults. Such ideas are influenced by your
observations of family members, friends, neighbors, and the
media, and your own experience with older adults.
The way you view aging and older adults is often a product of
your environment and the experiences to which you have been
exposed.
Negative attitudes toward aging or older adults (ageism) often
arise in the same way, from negative experiences.
Roles of Gerontological Nurse
Provider of Care
In the role of caregiver or provider of care, the
gerontological nurse gives direct, hands- on care to
older adults in variety of settings.
Roles of Gerontological Nurse
Teacher
An essential part of all nursing is teaching.
Gerontological nurses focuses their teaching on
modifiable risk factors and health prootion.
Roles of Gerontological Nurse
Manager
Gerontological nurses act as a managers during
everyday practice as they balance the concerns of the
patient, family, nursing, and the rest of the
interdisciplinary team. Nurse manager should be
skilled in leadership, time management, building
relationships, communication and managing change.
Roles of Gerontological Nurse
Advocate
As an advocate, the gerontological nurse acts on
behalf of older adults to promote their best interests
and strengthens their autonomy and decision making.
Roles of Gerontological Nurse
Research Consumer
The appropriate level of involvement for nurses at
the baccalaureate level is that of research consumer.
Gerontological nurses must remain abreast of current
reasearcg literature, reading and putting into practice
the results of reliable and valid studies.
