Republic of the Philippines Founded 1907 RA 9299

NEGROS ORIENTAL STATE UNIVERSITY

Dumaguete, Bais, Guihulngan, Mabinay, Pamplona, Siaton and Bayawan-Sta. Catalina
COLLEGE OF NURSING, PHARMACY AND ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES

IMPORTANCE OF NURSING CARE AMONG

ELDERLY

Submitted by:

CHARIZ BULAYBULAY
BSN IV

Submitted to:

JEREMIAH AQUINO, MD
 Republic of the Philippines Founded 1907 RA 9299

NEGROS ORIENTAL STATE UNIVERSITY

Dumaguete, Bais, Guihulngan, Mabinay, Pamplona, Siaton and Bayawan-Sta. Catalina
COLLEGE OF NURSING, PHARMACY AND ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES

According to Kaur (n.d.), elderly population is growing worldwide. As the age

advances, there is decline in the physical function and the person becomes susceptible to
both the acute and chronic health problems. It makes them frequent user of health care
services. Many patients present with multiple co-morbid conditions which may be
exacerbated by the confusion and anxiety of hospitalization.

Nurses are very important in caring for elderly patients. They are often the unsung
heroes of our health care system. You will find them delivering care in settings ranging from a
physician’s office to hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living communities, or even private
homes. In addition to caring for the patient, they often help provide support to the family (Kaur,
n.d.). They promote and maintain optimal level of health and function, detect health problems
at an early stage; prevent deterioration of an existing disease condition; and prevent further
complications.

Geriatric nurses are educated to understand and treat the often complex physical and
mental health needs of older people. They try to help their patients protect their health and
cope with changes in their mental and physical abilities, so older people can stay independent
and active as long as possible. They must enjoy working with older people. They must be
patient, listen extremely carefully and balance the needs of their patients with sometimes
conflicting demands from family members. While providing care to the elderly persons, nurses
should be aware of the possible complications of the disease and the treatment as well. They
need to assess the patient’s physical, mental and cognitive skills; understand their acute and
chronic health issues; and the common health concerns, such as falls, incontinence, changing
sleep patterns etc. Various functions of nurses that can contribute to the optimum health and
overall wellbeing of the older people include supportive, restorative, e

According to the study of Rodriguez (2014), elderly care requires specific skills from
Nursing, associated with an understanding of the biological, psychological, social and cultural
 Republic of the Philippines Founded 1907 RA 9299

NEGROS ORIENTAL STATE UNIVERSITY

Dumaguete, Bais, Guihulngan, Mabinay, Pamplona, Siaton and Bayawan-Sta. Catalina
COLLEGE OF NURSING, PHARMACY AND ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES

theories that permeate aging, among others. The elderly are not "old people" with
difficulties, but beings who have gone through important social experiences, with essential
contributions to the development of society. Therefore, the Nurses' approach to elderly care
should be implemented with respect, valuation of these human beings and understanding of
their life process, beyond simple care for the disease or this aged body. So as future nurses, we
must know how to properly care elderly, on how to handle them, and on how to respect them
while providing quality nursing care.

References:

Geriatric Staff Nurse. (n.d.) Retrieved from

https://explorehealthcareers.org/career/geriatrics/geriatric-staff-nurse/

Kaur, S. (n.d.). Care of Elderly Patients: Role of Nurses. Retrieved from

https://www.jiag.org/jiagpdf/13_110_111

Rodrigues R. A. (2014). Contributions of nursing in elderly care. Revista latino-americana de

enfermagem, 22(3), 353–354. https://doi.org/10.1590/0104-1169.0000.2423

The Important Role Nurses Play in Aging Well. (2018, May 7). Retrieved from
https://legacysl.net/blog/important-role-nurses-play-aging-well/

Understanding How to Provide Care to Elderly Patients. (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://www.ameritech.edu/blog/provide-care-elderly-patients/