Geriatrics

Geriatrics

The Maine Nurse values the unique psychosocial, physical, and cultural attributes of the older adult in order to promote healthy aging and provide safe and effective care.

As I am sure you are well aware Maine ranks 1^st among States ranked by Percent of Population age 65 or older, accounting to www.prb.org. With that being said we are seeing more elderly patients in our hospitals, and throughout our communities. As nurses we have to be knowledgeable about the diseases, medical treatment and caring for this growing population. Not only do we need to know how to care for them be we have to know how to talk with them. Being respectful of this generation is a big thing but also knowing that their lives are changing and some of them are not ready for them to change this drastically. We have to allow them to hold onto their independence as long as possible, allowing them to have some control over what is happening to them. When this generation has stories to tell, take a seat and listen to them, let them tell you what they have seen throughout the years. I am sure that what they are telling you matters to them a great deal. At that age they just want to be heard and know they still have a voice as well as a purpose.

I believe that advocacy is a huge part of what we can do for the geriatric population. Because they may not have understanding family members present with them, presenting these patients with the knowledge base to make informed decisions is of utmost importance.