NURS6770N Introduction to Primary Care Practice of the Elderly

Introduction.

Primary care professionals must be prepared to handle the special requirements of elderly patients as the population ages. The practice of primary care for the elderly is described in this article.

Population Statistics for the Elderly.

Summary of the aging population in the US.

chronic diseases that are common in the elderly.

the significance of elderly preventive care.

Unique Elements of Elderly Primary Care Practice.

a thorough evaluation of the elderly.

polypharmacy in addition to multimorbidity.

managing functional decline and frailty.

Communication Techniques for Patients Who Are Elderly.

addressing the cognitive and sensory deficits.

planning ahead for future medical care.

developing rapport and trust.

Elderly Patients’ Care Coordination.

coordinating with the family caregivers.

cooperating with experts.

addressing the social determinants of health.

Care for Elderly Patients at the End of Life Management.

hospice and palliative care services.

Decision-making at the end of life and advance directives.

providing assistance to patients and their families as they pass away.

Effects on Primary Care Physicians.

study of geriatric medicine and training.

supporting the switch to alternative care models.

promoting legislation that will help patients who are elderly.

Conclusion.

Elderly primary care practices necessitate a multifaceted strategy that takes into account the special requirements of this population. The ability to manage complex chronic conditions, plan care in collaboration with family caregivers and specialists, and support patients and families during the end-of-life process are all skills that providers need to possess.

FAQs.

What is a thorough geriatric assessment?

The physical, functional, cognitive, and psychosocial status of an elderly patient is evaluated on many different levels as part of a comprehensive geriatric assessment.

Why practice polypharmacy?

The term “polypharmacy” describes a patient who takes several different medications.

This happens frequently to elderly patients who have several chronic illnesses.

Advance care planning: what is it?

Advance care planning entails talking with patients about their end-of-life preferences and recording those preferences in advance directives.

What alternatives to traditional care are there for elderly patients?

Home-based primary care, hospice and palliative care, and assisted living facilities are a few alternative care models for elderly patients.

How can primary care practitioners promote legislation that benefits elderly patients?

By taking part in advocacy campaigns at the local, state, and national levels as well as by joining organizations run by professionals who support the elderly, primary care providers can promote laws that support elderly patients.