STUDENT PACKETENHANCE YOUR COMMUNICATION WITH THE ELDERLYCARING COMMUNICATIONCARING NURSE BEHAVIORSDUE: CLINICAL DAY #1 To be done outside the clinical facilityHOME SAFETY ASSESSMENTRESPIRATORY CHANGESINTEGUMENTARY CHANGESGENITOURINARY AND REPRODUCTIVE CHANGESMALE REPRODUCTIONFEMALE REPRODUCTIONGASTROINTESTINAL CHANGESMUSCULOSKELETAL CHANGESNERVOUS SYSTEM CHANGESEVALUATION OF SENSORY LOSSI. HearingII. VisionIII. Touch SensitivityIV. TasteV. SmellNURS 115ELDER MODULESTUDENT PACKETObjective: Completion of the Elder Module will increase the learner’s knowledge base and effect positive attitudes toward aging.STUDENT OBJECTIVES:1. Evaluate and state own feelings toward aging.2. Demonstrate therapeutic communication and interpersonal skills when interacting with the aged.3. State the availability of community resources and health care resources for the aged.4. Recognize commonly occurring physiological changes that occur with aging and differentiate them from those due to illness or injury.5. Utilize the nursing process to assist the aging patient with adaptation, rehabilitation, safety and restoration needs related to aging.6. Demonstrate humanistic and caring services for aged patients.7. Identify, with rationale, the developmental level of the patient.ACTIVITIES:1. Practice psychomotor skills in caring for the aged patient.2. Practice therapeutic communication skills.3. Complete a nursing assessment of an aged patient.4. Complete a nursing care plan for an aged patient.5. Contribute to the general health assessment and care planning by utilization of these activities:a. Home Safety Assessmentb. Evaluation of Physical Changesc. Evaluation of Sensory Lossd. Environmental Barrierse. Enhance Your Communication with the Elderlyf. The Value of Reminiscence for the Giver and the Recipientg. Normal Physical Assessment Findings in the ElderlyReview before Clinical Day #1ENHANCE YOUR COMMUNICATION WITH THE ELDERLY1. The elderly person has decreasing energies to cope with the tasks of everyday living, invest proportionately more energy into the visit.2. Pace your visit according to the elderly person’s fluctuating energy levels and physical conditions.3. Maximize communication by sitting 1 ½ to 2 ½ feet from the person and face them directly. Bright lights from the window or a lamp can put additional strain on weakened eyes of the elderly.4. The use of touch can be a meaningful communication bridge.5. Avoid information overload by: speaking slowly, using short sentences; deal with one thought at a time; and ask for feedback to be certain meaningful communication has taken place. When asking questions, or in dialogue with the elderly, know that the elderly person needs 15% more time to respond. 7. Allow choices. Express confidence in the person’s ability to make choices and follow through with their choices.8. Motivation to participate in an activity will be increased if: 1) the person is intrigued by a task rather than perceiving it as “just busy work”; 2) the activity conveys the message that “you are important”; 3) there is a possibility of forming meaningful relationships.9. The use of reminiscence is an effective tool in linking relevant past events to present situations.10. Some elderly do not have the strength to cope with the confusion of bureaucracies. Be an advocate for the elderly. Connect the person with appropriate resources in the community. CARING COMMUNICATIONattentiveness climate of trust individuality empathysincerity nurturance vitality timingrespect self-knowledge introspection involvementCARING NURSE BEHAVIORSaddress the patient by name respectfully give honest and accurate informationaccept the patient’s feelings stay with the patientsupport important relationships support patient’s right to chooseseek to understand the patient’s perspective provide feedbackStudent Name ____________________________________Patient Initials __________ Date ___________DUE: CLINICAL DAY #1 To be done outside the clinical facilityHOME SAFETY ASSESSMENTThroughout the interior of the home, there are several common features which should be carefully checked for safety. Indicate yes or no by each of the following._____ 1. Are scatter rugs firmly anchored with rubber backing?_____ 2. Are electrical cords in good repair, especially a heating pad?_____ 3. Is there adequate night lighting?_____ 4. Are stairways continually lighted? _____ 5. Is the temperature within a comfortable range?_____ 6. Is the heater adequately ventilated?_____ 7. Is there adequate cross ventilation?_____ 8. Is furniture sturdy enough to give support? _____ 9. Is there a minimum of clutter allowing room for easy mobility?____ 10. Are smoke detectors present in at least one room on each level of the home?____ 11. Are emergency phone numbers posted by the phone? (fire, 911, ambulance, doctor)____ 12. If you spend time alone at home, does someone check on you at intervals?____ 13. If you have impaired hearing, does the phone have amplified receiver?____ 14. If you have limited vision, does the phone have enlarged numbers?____ 15. If you have small pets, do they ever get in your way, causing tripping or falling?____ 16. Is the stove free of grease and flammable objects?____ 17. Is baking soda available in case of a grease fire?____ 18. Are matches safely stored if there is not a pilot light on the stove?____ 19. Is the refrigerator working properly?____ 20. Is the sink draining well?____ 21. Is food being stored properly?____ 22. Is trash taken out daily?____ 23. Is there a sturdy step stool available?____ 24. Are there handrails beside the bathtub?____ 25. Are skidproof mats in the tub and/or shower?Student Name ____________________________________Patient Initials __________ Date ___________HOME SAFETY ASSESSMENT (continued)____ 26. Are electrical outlets and appliances a safe distance from the tub?____ 27. Are there raised or uneven places on the sidewalks?____ 28. Are handrails fastened on the stairways or outside steps?____ 29. Are screens on doors and windows in good repair?____ 30. Are there adequate locks on the outside doors?Other problem areas identified: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Suggestions made as a result of home