NUR 3289 - Foundations of Gerontology-GERO EXAM 1-Miami Dade

The Wellness Focus: ● Wellness: the best function and quality of life ○ helps to avoid a narrow focus on physical health and functioning ● consider a holistic approach - addressing the: mind, body and spirit interconnectedness ○ promotes purpose in life, communicating with others, maintaining dignity, and contributing to society ○ this is the patient’s wellness perspective ○ wellness team: the patient, family, all healthcare staff (nurses, doctors, PT/OT, dietary) ● individualized patient focus ○ my view of wellness is different from another’s view of wellness ■ ask: what do you want me to do to help you heal? what are your goals for care? ○ 50% of people age 65+ (in all cultures) perceive themselves in good health (wellness perspective) ■ ex: wheelchair bound individual perceives himself to be in good health because they can still transfer to the toilet, locomotor independently with an assistive device, etc. ● Societal “Definition” of Aging: ○ a decline in health, chronological aging ○ this outlook does not promote wellness (ageism) ○ correct through education, listening to/conversing with the patient ● High-level Wellness: ○ an integrated method of functioning that is oriented toward maximizing each person’s potential, while maintaining a continuum of balance and purposeful direction within the person's environment ●Nursing actions to promote wellness: ▪ Addressing the body, mind, spirit interrelatedness of each older adult ▪ Identify and challenge ageist attitudes ▪ Assessing each older adult from a whole person perspective ▪ Incorporating wellness nursing diagnoses as a routine part of care ▪ Planning for wellness outcomes, which are directed towards improved health, functioning, and quality of life ▪ Using nursing interventions to address conditions that interfere with optimal functioning ▪ Recognizing each older adults potential for improved health and functioning as well as psychological and spiritual growth ▪ Teaching about self-care behaviors to improve health and functioning ▪ Promoting wellness for caregivers and other people who provide care for them