In most cases, aging is an inevitable stage of people’s life span, which is accompanied by various noticeable changes in the body, psyche, and the perception of themselves and the surrounding world. In this regard, the primary role of registered nurses (RN) is to determine patients’ conditions and help them feel better and comfortable through offering sound practices. In particular, the most shared physical changes are related to the cardiovascular, nervous, urinary, and endocrine systems, muscles, bones, joints, eyes, and ears (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2020). For instance, elderly clients can have hypertension, Alzheimer’s disease, weakened eyesight, fragility, and arthritis. Concerning psychological and social dimensions, cognitive skills, especially memory and concentration, also experience impairment. Patients mostly feel solitude, low interest in daily activities, anxiety, and even depression. Sexual performance and needs may also face significant problems, including the inability to enjoy sex, impotence, poor erection, and vaginal dryness.
Mayo Clinic is one of the best community resources delivering a comprehensive range of health prevention, promotion, and maintenance services. Specifically, the facility in Rochester provides services on preventing and treating Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, menopause, osteoporosis, incontinence, high blood pressure, and sleep disorders (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2019). Considering Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, the elderly should possess such health strength as good relationships with family, since love and belonging are among the most acute needs of individuals at this age. RN can help relieve a sense of loneliness by demonstrating empathy and respect for the older persons and facilitate communication through verbal and documentation skills that eliminate barriers while exchanging information.
Maintaining appropriate communication with a senior person is a necessary nursing implication since it promotes patients’ motivation, enhances interest in lif, and alleviates anxiety and depression. Interaction can also teach individuals to be more adaptive or independent and boost a connection between older people and family. Thus, research on the impact and development of useful practices that will facilitate communication between nurses and patients is considered to be beneficial for RNs in the geriatric practice.
References
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2019). Healthy aging: Beyond 50. Mayo Clinic. Web.
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2020). Aging: What to expect. Mayo Clinic. Web.