Opinion Article, J Nurs Patient Care Vol: 8 Issue: 1

Gerontological Nursing: Providing Quality Care for Older Adults

Raffick A.R. Boen^*

¹Department of Pathology, Stanford University. Stanford, CA 94305, USA

*Corresponding Author: Raffick A.R. Boen Department of Pathology, Stanford University. Stanford, CA 94305, USA E-mail: rboen@healthcare.org

Received date: 16 February, 2023, Manuscript No. JNPC-23-96088; Editor assigned date: 20 February, 2023, PreQC No. JNPC-23-96088 (PQ); Reviewed date: 10 March, 2023, QC No. JNPC-23-96088; Revised date: 17 April, 2022, Manuscript No. JNPC-23-96088 (R); Published date: 24 April, 2023, DOI: 10.4172/2573-4571.1000030

Citation: Boen RAR (2023) Gerontological Nursing: Providing Quality Care for Older Adults. J Nurs Patient Care 8:1.

Keywords: Nursing Practices

Description

Gerontological nursing is the specialized practice of nursing that focuses on the care of older adults. As the world's population ages, the need for gerontological nursing has become more crucial than ever. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to gerontological nursing, including its history, key concepts, and current practices.

History of gerontological nursing

The history of gerontological nursing dates back to the early 20th century. In 1904, the first nursing home in the United States was established in New York City to care for older adults who were unable to care for themselves. Gerontological nursing became a recognized specialty in the 1950s, and the first gerontological nursing textbook was published in 1965.

Key concepts in gerontological nursing

Gerontological nursing is based on several key concepts, including:

Ageism: Ageism is discrimination against older adults based on their age. Gerontological nursing aims to combat ageism and promote the dignity and respect of older adults.

Holistic care: Gerontological nursing emphasizes the importance of addressing the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of older adults.

Chronic illness: Older adults are more likely to have chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, heart disease, and dementia. Gerontological nursing focuses on managing these chronic conditions and improving the quality of life of older adults.

Palliative care: Palliative care is specialized medical care for people with serious illnesses. Gerontological nursing emphasizes the importance of palliative care in improving the quality of life of older adults with serious illnesses.

End-of-Life Care: End-of-life care is specialized medical care for people who are nearing the end of their lives. Gerontological nursing emphasizes the importance of providing compassionate and dignified care to older adults at the end of their lives.

Current practices in gerontological nursing

Gerontological nursing has evolved to include a wide range of practices, including:

Comprehensive geriatric assessment: This involves evaluating the physical, cognitive, and functional status of older adults to identify their health needs.

Medication management: Older adults often take multiple medications, which can increase the risk of adverse drug reactions. Gerontological nursing emphasizes the importance of medication management to ensure that older adults receive safe and effective medication therapy.

Dementia care: Dementia is a common condition in older adults. Gerontological nursing emphasizes the importance of providing specialized care for older adults with dementia, including cognitive stimulation and behavioral management.

Fall prevention: Falls are a significant cause of injury and disability in older adults. Gerontological nursing emphasizes the importance of fall prevention to reduce the risk of falls in older adults.

Caregiver support: Family members and friends often provide care for older adults. Gerontological nursing emphasizes the importance of providing support and education to caregivers to improve the quality of care for older adults.

Conclusion

Gerontological nursing is a specialized practice of nursing that focuses on the care of older adults. The key concepts of ageism, holistic care, chronic illness, palliative care, and end-of-life care form the foundation of gerontological nursing. Current practices in gerontological nursing include comprehensive geriatric assessment, medication management, dementia care, fall prevention, and caregiver support. By understanding gerontological nursing, healthcare professionals can provide high-quality care to older adults and promote their health and wellbeing.