Nurses are some of the most critical professionals in the field of gerontology. They work tirelessly to provide care for elderly patients and often face complex challenges.

Handling and caring for the elderly is a very challenging affair for nurses due to several age-related factors.

The elderlycould be demanding in terms of care. Though some prefer themselves to be independent, their lack of understanding presents several obstacles for medical professionals.

As people age, they can become more susceptible to various health problems, which means nurses need to be even more alert and prepared when caring for them.

What is Gerontology?

Gerontology is the study of aging and the elderly. It covers everything from physical changes to psychological aspects and social and economic considerations. Nurses who work in gerontology need to know these areas to provide the best possible care for their patients.

Traits and Skills Necessary for Nursing Geriatric Patients

There are a few key traits that nurses must have when working with geriatric patients:

Understanding the Process of Aging:

Geriatric nursing, which entails an in-depth knowledge of the aging process, is a challenging yet gratifying specialty field. Nurses must be experts on disease progression and aging processes to be successful.

Since human bodies evolve and change as we get older, geriatric nurses must understand how medicines affect different parts and aspects of older patients.

In addition, it’s also critical to understand how older adults behave as they age. You must be aware of typical aging and the many ways an older patient may show distinctive clinical symptoms.

Several online programs like an AGACNP master’s degree can help nurses specialize in gerontology and better care for elderly patients.

Patience and Empathy:

It’s also essential to have the right attitude when caring for elderly patients. Seniors often feel neglected and invisible in our youth-oriented society. Nurses must show patience, compassion, and respect to help geriatric patients feel comfortable and safe.

Older adults are some of the most vulnerable humans on earth, so nurses must take extra precautions to ensure their safety.

If patients feel unsteady on their feet or confused about their surroundings, use two hands when lifting them or assisting with transfers.

Nonverbal Communication:

One of the essential skills for nurses working with geriatric patients is nonverbal communication. Many older people can’t hear as well as they used to, so nurses must speak slowly and clearly, using facial expressions and gestures to convey their messages.

Often, elderly patients are confused or in pain, so nurses must read their body language and respond to make them feel comfortable. It may mean reassuring them or providing extra support during times of stress.

No one said geriatric nursing is an easy field of specialty; there are challenges that nurses face every day while dealing with elderly patients. Let’s look at a few of them.

Challenges Faced by Nurses:

Resistance to Change:Older adults aren’t big fans of change, especially if it means adapting to something new. They may feel like they’re no longer in control of their lives, which can be a scary feeling.

Nurses need to be patient and understanding when helping elderly patients adapt to new routines or treatments.

Anger Issues: Older people can often become angry quickly, especially if they’re not being treated with respect or dignity. This type of anger can be challenging to deal with and sometimes lead to violent outbursts. Nurses need to be prepared for this possibility and know how to handle anger safely and effectively.

Memory Loss: One of the most common problems faced by elderly patients is memory loss. It can make it difficult for them to follow instructions or remember what they’re supposed to do. Nurses need to be very patient, take the time to explain things multiple times, and provide support and assistance when needed.

Balance: Many elderly patients have problems standing up or maintaining balance due to various health issues, leading to falls and other accidents. Nurses need to be very careful when helping these patients move around or perform specific tasks and should always use caution when working near stairs or other dangerous areas.

Communication: Elderly patients can often have difficulty communicating effectively, whether it’s due to hearing problems or dementia. Nurses need to be patient and take the time to listen carefully, ask questions when needed, and help relay information to other care team members as necessary.

Overcoming Challenges:

No matter how long you’ve been a nurse, there’s always something new to learn, especially when caring for geriatric patients.

Dealing with the challenges of geriatric nursing can be difficult, but with the right tools and attitude, you can make it through. Here are some ways to help you overcome the challenges of geriatric nursing.

Understand Common Mental and Physical Health Issues of Seniors:

It’s essential to be aware of the most common mental and physical health issues seniors face. It will help you better understand your patients, anticipate problems, and provide appropriate care. Some of the most common problems include:

• Dementia
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Arthritis
• Heart disease
• Diabetes

Promote Inclusivity and Self-Care:

Older people often feel left out and marginalized. As a nurse, it’s vital to promote inclusivity and self-care. Encourage your patients to stay active and social, and connect them with resources that can help them feel supported. Promote activities that they enjoy, and be respectful of their independence.

Be Sensitive, Flexible, and Patient:

Seniors often have difficulty adapting to change. Be sensitive to their needs and be prepared to flex your schedule accordingly. Patients may also need more time for tests or procedures.

Be patient and take the time to explain everything clearly. Seniors often have different needs than younger patients, so nurses must be flexible and adaptable to provide the best possible care.

Depending on the individual patient, they may need to change their routine or approach.

Provide Comprehensive Care:

Gerontology is a complex field, and nurses must be prepared to provide comprehensive care. It includes not only physical care but emotional and psychological support as well.

Nurses should be familiar with common age-related conditions and how to treat them. They should also be aware of the unique social needs of seniors and know how to connect them with appropriate resources.

Remain Positive:

The elderly can be challenging patients, but nurses should never lose sight of the fact that they are people. It’s essential to maintain a positive attitude and show respect. Patients will respond better to kindness and understanding than criticism or impatience.

Wrapping Up:

When most people think about nursing, they probably don’t think about caring for the elderly. Nurses must prepare themselves emotionally, mentally, and physically to deal with the unique needs of geriatric patients.

It can be complicated, overwhelming, and an extremely exhausting job at times, but it’s also gratifying. This is a chance to have an elderly friend who will appreciate your company and conversation if you have the right talents and conduct.