Focus on Geriatric and Adult Services : early intervention

Facts About Normal Aging

Jennifer Kay-Williams — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 14:15:00 GMT

Since I've written quite a bit recently about the changes and challenges the elderly face. I wanted to balance that out with some quick facts about aging in general. Although I often work with the frail and dependent geriatric patients, the happy truth...(read more)

What Do We Do About Changes in Temperature, Touch, Pain and Hunger?

Jennifer Kay-Williams — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:00:00 GMT

Well, we deal with them. We allow seniors to wear extra clothes or another blanket. We become OK with hats or gloves inside. We reposition people frequently, even if they cannot or do not ask. We offer them a snack, a meal or a drink of water, even if...(read more)

Changes in the Elderly: Pain, Temperature and Hunger

Jennifer Kay-Williams — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:00:00 GMT

As we consider sensory changes that occur throughout the aging process, it is important to remember the subtle differences that will manifest and how they might affect a patient's participation in therapy and daily activities, as well as his or her quality...(read more)

Visual Changes in Geriatric Patients

Jennifer Kay-Williams — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:00:00 GMT

I mentioned in an earlier post that vision changes related to aging may begin as early as one ' s thirties , and that I myself have noticed subtle, but nonetheless vexing, visual changes. Indeed, the anatomy of the eye itself , including the lenses, the...(read more)

Hearing Changes in the Elderly

Jennifer Kay-Williams — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:30:00 GMT

Hearing is probably neck-and-neck with vision as the most recognized or expected sensory change. According to ConsultGeriRN , hearing loss is the third leading chronic condition affecting adults over 75 years of age. Geriatric patients may experience:...(read more)

Working with Patients Experiencing Sensory Changes

Jennifer Kay-Williams — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:30:00 GMT

Sensory Changes Start Small One day not too long ago, I picked up a tube of lipstick and tried to read the shade that was listed in itty-bitty font on the end of the tube. I could not read it immediately, no matter how I squinted and strained, and this...(read more)