Tailor Your Approach When Caring for the Elderly

• Caring for the elderly patient population requires a change in your nursing approach as there are barriers present that go along with the aging process. 
• Physical, mental, and emotional decline can pose as a challenge as you try and communicate and provide care with an elderly patient. 
• Bearing in mind communication, respect, patience, empathy, and comfort, are all aspects to prioritize in your nursing practice as you care for the geriatric patient population. 

When caring for the elderly patient there are concepts to keep in mind to ensure you are providing the best nursing care possible.  

Caring for the elderly population can be particularly stressful at times due to the added barriers that come with aging; but if you can utilize these tips, it will assist you in providing quality care to the elderly patient.  

With my experience as a long-term care nurse, I have found that the most important aspects of caring for the elderly patient are communication, respect, patience, empathy, and comfort. I have highlighted each of these areas below and I think you will find them helpful when caring for the elderly. 

Aspects of Caring for the Elderly 

Communication

Communication is one of the most important aspects of any nursing position and especially when caring for the elderly patient.  

The elderly patient may have hearing loss or other sensory difficulties that make it harder for them to understand what you are trying to communicate to them. Maintain eye contact and use their name to gain their attention.  

You also want to be sure to use plain language and refrain from using any medical terminology.  

Lastly, you want to ensure you are speaking clearly.  

 When family members visit you also want to establish a relationship with them so they know they can approach you with any questions or concerns about their loved one’s care. It is also important to learn and remember the family member’s names. 

Using these tips will assist in communicating with the elderly patient. 

Respect

Respect is another important aspect of caring for any patient and particularly the elderly patient due to the vulnerability that comes with aging.  

Ensure you are providing privacy when assisting them in daily living tasks or nursing tasks. Maintaining dignity is especially important when caring for the elderly patient. They will appreciate being involved in their care.  

Do not do tasks for them they are still able to do themselves; this will also maintain their dignity and independence.

Patience

Due to decreased mobility, hearing loss, memory loss and other mental declines; caring for the elderly can be difficult.  

It is important to have patience when assisting the elderly patient. Due to the decreased mobility, it will take them longer to get from place to place and they may need assistance or someone to walk beside them to ensure they get to where they need to be safely.  

As mentioned, hearing loss can be barrier to communication, and this can cause frustration for both the patient and nurse.  

Memory loss or other mental declines may cause the need for the patient to be redirected often. The elderly patient may also be on their call light more often due to these declines and it is important to remain calm and patient regardless of how many times you may need to go to their room. 

Empathy

Having empathy with the elderly patient and being able to put yourself in their shoes will help build a healthy relationship between the nurse and the patient. The patient will likely feel more understood and comfortable.  

You always want to validate any concerns they may have, and it may help to spend extra time with them if your schedule allows it. Asking them questions about their hobbies or past career is a wonderful way to establish a rapport with them. They will feel like they are cared about as a person and not just another patient you are assigned to care for.  

From my experience, they love answering these questions and sharing about themselves. 

Comfort

Maintaining the elderly patients’ pain levels and ensuring they are always comfortable is a vital part of caring for the elderly patient. Monitoring for any signs of health status changes or illness is also important.

In addition to this, you always want to make sure they have their call light within reach, so they are able to contact you easily if they need any assistance.  

The Bottom Line When Caring for the Elderly

Working with the elderly population can be a rewarding experience. Overcoming the barriers to caring for the elderly will lead to better care and satisfaction of the elderly patient. A lot of times the elderly feel like once they reach the point of needing more assistance with daily living and medical tasks their thoughts and feelings no longer matter.  

As nurses, it is important we provide patient-centered care and help the elderly maintain as much independence as possible.  

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