WGU study guide for care of the older adult OA
(Answered Correctly), Updated 2022
Baby Boomers
large group of people born between 1946-1964. Considered more affluent, better
educated and healthier. Baby boomers have entered the older age group as of 2011
Baby Boomers unique characteristics that make them a challenge for healthcare
professionals
They expect and demand excellence in geriatric care. Health disparities exist among
minority elder group. Other vulnerable older adults are veterans, those with disabilities,
and prisoners.
Top five racial groups in United States
European Americans, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, and
Native Americans
European Americans
individualistic, stoic (don't want to be a burden to others), elder Europeans lose their
sense of self worth.
Trust authority (will tend to follow health care advice)
European Americans - top five health disparities
smoking by pregnant women, drug induced deaths, deaths from poisoning, deaths from
melanoma, and deaths from COPD before age 45.
African Americans
second larges minority populations.
Role of religion and spirituality plays important role in health and wellness.
Equate good luck, good fortune, and good health with being right with God.
Disease and illness can be thought of as being in disfavor with God.
Believe they have less control over their health and well being than God. Illness/disease
is part of God's plan.
Closer ties with extended families and rely on their close family ties for support.
Distrustful of health care personnel because of discrimination in medical care and
because most authority figures in health care are not African Americans.
African Americans - top five health disparities
new cases of gonorrhea, congenital syphilis, new cases of AIDS, and deaths due to HIV
infection.
The impact of racism has long been considered one of the factors that contribute to
decreased longevity and increases of chronic illnesses
Hispanic Americans
high values on family, religion, and community.
Emphasize family interdependence over independence.
They turn to family first before seeking outside health care.
Seek the use of homeopathic remedies in conjunction with religious artifacts before
engaging the health care professional.
They disagree with is silence and noncompliance.
May not seek health care because they feel that their illness/disease is a punishment of
sins.
,Many do not seek health care because they do not have access to it (lack of insurance,
communication difficulties, or fear of ramifications due to being in country illegally.
Religion varies.
Strive to achieve balance between "hot" or "cold" within the body. Illnesses are
categorized as either hot or cold, and treated with reciprocal type of substance, found in
either food or medicine.
Diabetes and heart disease are two health problems that have increased within this
cultural group
Hispanic Americans - top 5 health disparities
congenital syphilis, new case of TB, new cases of AIDS, exposure to particulate matter,
and cirrhosis deaths
Asian Americans
most still practice holistic (naturalistic) medicine and may incorporate this as an adjunct
to Western medicine.
Use herbal supplements
Majority of influence comes from Confucianism (stresses accommodation and avoids
confrontation). Follows a naturalistic perspective, defining health and illness as a
balance between the individual and the world around the individual. (Strives to be in
harmony with the universe in which he or she lives)
Basic concept of Chinese medicine is that all things, including the body, are composed
of opposing forces called yin and yang. (Health is said to depend on balance of these
forces).
Chinese medicine focuses on maintaining the yin-yang balance to maintain health and
prevent illness.
If the balance of yin and yang is broken, it is essential to restore the balance. To regain
balance, the belief is that the balance between the internal body organs and the
external elements of earth, fire, water, wood, and metal must be adjusted.
Treatments may involve - acupuncture, moxibustion (burning of herbal leaves on or
near the body), cupping (the use of warmed glass jars to create suction on certain parts
of the body), massage, herbal remedies, movement and concentration exercises (tai
chi)
Some elders may forgo life sustaining treatment because of the principles of ren. Ren is
the golden rule of Chines decision making "Do not do to others what you do not want
done to yourself".
Asian Americans - top 5 disparities
new cases of TB, congenital syphilis, no pap test among females > 18, exposure to
particulate matter, and carbon monoxide exposure
Native Americans
Insulated from the rest of the country, either literally (by way of land reservation) or in
other ways such as linguistically.
Follow naturalistic approach, believing that health is a balance of the mind, body, and
spirit, and illness occurs when there is an imbalance or disharmony with nature.
Health beliefs are blended with religion, carrying a magic facet as well as holistic and
naturalistic approaches
Native Americans - top 5 health disparities
,fetal alcohol syndrome, smoking by pregnant women, alcohol related motor vehicle
deaths, cirrhosis deaths, and new cases of gonorrhea
Age related changes which may affect therapeutic communication
Visual acuity
Hearing loss
Speech and language difficulties
ways to communicate or assist patient with disabilities such as hearing deficits,
vision impairments, or aphasia and dysarthria.
Hearing deficits -
Do not shout. Project voice from diaphragm (deepens voice).
Make use of other unimpaired senses. (examples - 1)use touch or by using a visual cue
and wait for patient to visually orient to you before speaking, 2)stand in front of person
in a well lit room (helps the patient lip read), 3) speak to side that has better hearing, 4)
make sure hearing aid is in and turned on, 5) use gestures or objects for
communication.
Limit background noise.
Allow adequate time for response.
Use short sentences and speak clearly
May need to write or use a pictogram grid
Vision impairments -
Position yourself within their vision field.
Give verbal indication of the actions you are about to do (avoid startling or scaring
them).
Label objects or simplify what is in their visual field.
Aphasia/Dysarthria (speech impairments) -
May be more anxious or self aware.
Limit distractions
Face patient and maintain eye contact
May need to use multiple forms of communication (body language, written or pictorial
information)
Use short uncomplicated sentences with simple choices.
Summarize message for accuracy.
Take time and do not correct every error and respect the elder's limitations.
Be patient!!
Communication with a delirious elder
Keep discussions simple and questions concise.
Use large print calendars and clocks to assist with orientation.
Pictures of family may assist in reorienting.
Well lit room.
Offer frequent reassurance.
Avoid physical restraints
Use distraction and soothing conversation.
Communication with dementia
, Make sure the person is attending to you prior to beginning the conversation.
Face the person
Speak slowly and clearly.
Eye level
Reduce or limit background noise.
Break tasks into small manageable steps and provide simple and clear directions ( one
step at a time may be needed )
Praise efforts.
Use concrete terms and familiar words.
Offer simple choices.
Allow adequate time to respond.
Do not argue or attempt to reason with someone regarding delusions or hallucinations.
Encourage discussion of life events, traditions, memories.
Use large print calendards
Label items
Establish a familiar environment
Hearing aids are one of the most common and economical devices used by a
person with hearing deficits. Consider the types that would best suit the older
adult
BTE (Behind the ear) - worn behind the outer ear. Has an adjustable volume and is
battery powered. IT IS THE MOST COMMON. Suitable for the entire range of hearing
loss.
OTE (over the ear) - very small and sits on top of the outer ear.
ITE (in the ear) - custom fitted, adjustable volume and battery powered. Much smaller
and some may have difficulty using. Used for mild to moderate hearing loss.
ITC (in the canal) - tiny that fit in the ear canal and barely visible. Customized fit. May be
too small for some to use.
CIC (completely in canal) - smallest type. Difficulty handling and positioning the device.
Most expensive.
Some patients have several deficits that affect communication abilities. Consider
patients who are post CVA, TBI, or paralysis and what technology could be
utilized to assist them with effective communication
Broca's aphasia is a nonfluent, agrammatic expressive aphasia. They have good
auditory comprehension and are able to understand but have difficulty producing
intelligible speech. Communication - patience!!!
Wernicke's aphasia is a fluent aphasia. They are able to speak, although the speech
may contain odd words/sounds. They have impaired auditory comprehension and has
great difficulty understanding what is said. Rely on nonverbal gestures.
NEED SPEECH THERAPY
(Answered Correctly), Updated 2022
Baby Boomers
large group of people born between 1946-1964. Considered more affluent, better
educated and healthier. Baby boomers have entered the older age group as of 2011
Baby Boomers unique characteristics that make them a challenge for healthcare
professionals
They expect and demand excellence in geriatric care. Health disparities exist among
minority elder group. Other vulnerable older adults are veterans, those with disabilities,
and prisoners.
Top five racial groups in United States
European Americans, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, and
Native Americans
European Americans
individualistic, stoic (don't want to be a burden to others), elder Europeans lose their
sense of self worth.
Trust authority (will tend to follow health care advice)
European Americans - top five health disparities
smoking by pregnant women, drug induced deaths, deaths from poisoning, deaths from
melanoma, and deaths from COPD before age 45.
African Americans
second larges minority populations.
Role of religion and spirituality plays important role in health and wellness.
Equate good luck, good fortune, and good health with being right with God.
Disease and illness can be thought of as being in disfavor with God.
Believe they have less control over their health and well being than God. Illness/disease
is part of God's plan.
Closer ties with extended families and rely on their close family ties for support.
Distrustful of health care personnel because of discrimination in medical care and
because most authority figures in health care are not African Americans.
African Americans - top five health disparities
new cases of gonorrhea, congenital syphilis, new cases of AIDS, and deaths due to HIV
infection.
The impact of racism has long been considered one of the factors that contribute to
decreased longevity and increases of chronic illnesses
Hispanic Americans
high values on family, religion, and community.
Emphasize family interdependence over independence.
They turn to family first before seeking outside health care.
Seek the use of homeopathic remedies in conjunction with religious artifacts before
engaging the health care professional.
They disagree with is silence and noncompliance.
May not seek health care because they feel that their illness/disease is a punishment of
sins.
,Many do not seek health care because they do not have access to it (lack of insurance,
communication difficulties, or fear of ramifications due to being in country illegally.
Religion varies.
Strive to achieve balance between "hot" or "cold" within the body. Illnesses are
categorized as either hot or cold, and treated with reciprocal type of substance, found in
either food or medicine.
Diabetes and heart disease are two health problems that have increased within this
cultural group
Hispanic Americans - top 5 health disparities
congenital syphilis, new case of TB, new cases of AIDS, exposure to particulate matter,
and cirrhosis deaths
Asian Americans
most still practice holistic (naturalistic) medicine and may incorporate this as an adjunct
to Western medicine.
Use herbal supplements
Majority of influence comes from Confucianism (stresses accommodation and avoids
confrontation). Follows a naturalistic perspective, defining health and illness as a
balance between the individual and the world around the individual. (Strives to be in
harmony with the universe in which he or she lives)
Basic concept of Chinese medicine is that all things, including the body, are composed
of opposing forces called yin and yang. (Health is said to depend on balance of these
forces).
Chinese medicine focuses on maintaining the yin-yang balance to maintain health and
prevent illness.
If the balance of yin and yang is broken, it is essential to restore the balance. To regain
balance, the belief is that the balance between the internal body organs and the
external elements of earth, fire, water, wood, and metal must be adjusted.
Treatments may involve - acupuncture, moxibustion (burning of herbal leaves on or
near the body), cupping (the use of warmed glass jars to create suction on certain parts
of the body), massage, herbal remedies, movement and concentration exercises (tai
chi)
Some elders may forgo life sustaining treatment because of the principles of ren. Ren is
the golden rule of Chines decision making "Do not do to others what you do not want
done to yourself".
Asian Americans - top 5 disparities
new cases of TB, congenital syphilis, no pap test among females > 18, exposure to
particulate matter, and carbon monoxide exposure
Native Americans
Insulated from the rest of the country, either literally (by way of land reservation) or in
other ways such as linguistically.
Follow naturalistic approach, believing that health is a balance of the mind, body, and
spirit, and illness occurs when there is an imbalance or disharmony with nature.
Health beliefs are blended with religion, carrying a magic facet as well as holistic and
naturalistic approaches
Native Americans - top 5 health disparities
,fetal alcohol syndrome, smoking by pregnant women, alcohol related motor vehicle
deaths, cirrhosis deaths, and new cases of gonorrhea
Age related changes which may affect therapeutic communication
Visual acuity
Hearing loss
Speech and language difficulties
ways to communicate or assist patient with disabilities such as hearing deficits,
vision impairments, or aphasia and dysarthria.
Hearing deficits -
Do not shout. Project voice from diaphragm (deepens voice).
Make use of other unimpaired senses. (examples - 1)use touch or by using a visual cue
and wait for patient to visually orient to you before speaking, 2)stand in front of person
in a well lit room (helps the patient lip read), 3) speak to side that has better hearing, 4)
make sure hearing aid is in and turned on, 5) use gestures or objects for
communication.
Limit background noise.
Allow adequate time for response.
Use short sentences and speak clearly
May need to write or use a pictogram grid
Vision impairments -
Position yourself within their vision field.
Give verbal indication of the actions you are about to do (avoid startling or scaring
them).
Label objects or simplify what is in their visual field.
Aphasia/Dysarthria (speech impairments) -
May be more anxious or self aware.
Limit distractions
Face patient and maintain eye contact
May need to use multiple forms of communication (body language, written or pictorial
information)
Use short uncomplicated sentences with simple choices.
Summarize message for accuracy.
Take time and do not correct every error and respect the elder's limitations.
Be patient!!
Communication with a delirious elder
Keep discussions simple and questions concise.
Use large print calendars and clocks to assist with orientation.
Pictures of family may assist in reorienting.
Well lit room.
Offer frequent reassurance.
Avoid physical restraints
Use distraction and soothing conversation.
Communication with dementia
, Make sure the person is attending to you prior to beginning the conversation.
Face the person
Speak slowly and clearly.
Eye level
Reduce or limit background noise.
Break tasks into small manageable steps and provide simple and clear directions ( one
step at a time may be needed )
Praise efforts.
Use concrete terms and familiar words.
Offer simple choices.
Allow adequate time to respond.
Do not argue or attempt to reason with someone regarding delusions or hallucinations.
Encourage discussion of life events, traditions, memories.
Use large print calendards
Label items
Establish a familiar environment
Hearing aids are one of the most common and economical devices used by a
person with hearing deficits. Consider the types that would best suit the older
adult
BTE (Behind the ear) - worn behind the outer ear. Has an adjustable volume and is
battery powered. IT IS THE MOST COMMON. Suitable for the entire range of hearing
loss.
OTE (over the ear) - very small and sits on top of the outer ear.
ITE (in the ear) - custom fitted, adjustable volume and battery powered. Much smaller
and some may have difficulty using. Used for mild to moderate hearing loss.
ITC (in the canal) - tiny that fit in the ear canal and barely visible. Customized fit. May be
too small for some to use.
CIC (completely in canal) - smallest type. Difficulty handling and positioning the device.
Most expensive.
Some patients have several deficits that affect communication abilities. Consider
patients who are post CVA, TBI, or paralysis and what technology could be
utilized to assist them with effective communication
Broca's aphasia is a nonfluent, agrammatic expressive aphasia. They have good
auditory comprehension and are able to understand but have difficulty producing
intelligible speech. Communication - patience!!!
Wernicke's aphasia is a fluent aphasia. They are able to speak, although the speech
may contain odd words/sounds. They have impaired auditory comprehension and has
great difficulty understanding what is said. Rely on nonverbal gestures.
NEED SPEECH THERAPY
