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Age Specific Training
Geriatric
As a natural product of aging, several changes occur. People have slower reactions, wounds take longer to heal, muscle strength is lost or diminished, vision becomes fuzzy, there is increased sensitivity to glare, and people have problems with balance. However, confusion is not a natural part of aging. It is a sign of other problems. Aging is a complex event that varies by individual. Aging can be defined as the sum of all changes that occur in an individual over time. Aging is different for everyone. Life expectancy is the average observed years of life from birth. In the United States, the average life expectancy is 71.5 years for men and 78.4 years for women.
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Key points about the elderly:
• Confusion is not normal • There is an increased risk of falling • There is greater sensitivity to glare (use regular light bulbs rather than fluorescentlight) • There may be difficulty when adjusting from dark tolight • Low tones are more difficult to hear than high pitched tones (drop your pitch – do not raise your volume)
Pediatrics
Children in the hospital are frequently scared. They may think they are being punished and do not understand why they are there. To keep children comfortable and happy, keep families together when possible. If this is not possible, be certain children have a favorite toy or a familiar object. Let them help to make decisions about themselves if possible. By making them a part of the process, it will ease their fears.
Things to remember:
• Do not use sudden or quick movements. Move slowly andquietly. • Speak to children at eye level when possible. Speak in a quiet, unhurriedvoice. • Avoid long eye contact and very large, toothysmiles. • Speak clearly, using simple words and short sentences. Always behonest. • Give choices only when you can follow through, and give directions and suggestions ina positive manner. • Let the child know you are pleased when he/she cooperates. • Be aware that small children may answer to any name or to a nickname only. • Be aware that children are confused by medical terms and may imagine many things. For example, they may think that going to Radiology for a CAT scan is a place where there are cats; or, they may think going to PICU means “We’re going to pickyou.”
