Comfort Measures in Geriatrics

[FutureRNMichael]

Just a young guy here working as a caregiver who has stepped into a new job which has thrust death on me several times in a short period since starting.

I was wondering if anyone had some simple yet smart comfort measures to be used for someone who is not trained in this.

Even for those geriatrics who are not facing death immediatley but still in need of small comfort measures due to pain,anxiety or otherwise.

Thanks a lot!! All the nurses here make this a very enjoyable place to learn new things all the time.

[bellehill, RN]

A lot of people get comfort from talking with a friendly person. Ask them about their family, kids, grandkids...usually you will get a smile when grandkids are mentioned. Let them know you will be taking care of them and that they are not alone. Check on them frequently. I don't know what kind of unit you are on but sometimes giving baths at night can help, take them for a walk-outside if possible. Just try to think about things you would want done for your parent or grandparent. Elderly people are fascinating, enjoy!

[Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN]

Proper body alignment and support will help. For example, keep heels from pressing on the mattress by placing pillows under the pt's calves, and keep knees from pressing together with pillows. Turn and reposition q 2 hrs. Bed covers pressing on toes can be uncomfortable. You can un-tuck the covers at the foot of the bed, so that they rest lightly on the pt's feet.

Warm a bottle of lotion by letting it sit in a sink or basin of hot water for a few minutes. Provide foot and back massage with the warmed lotion.

[itsme]

Always leave some sort of a night light on- no one should die in the dark. Just take a minute to hold there hand or hug them. Old people are awesome!!

[CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN]

Talk to the person even if they don't respond or you dont think they are listening. Good mouth care and skin care.... a little bit of warm lotion goes a long way!

[purplemania, BSN, RN]

A warm towel around the neck seems to keep neck cozy. So many geriatrics complain of being cold, but don't like the weight of lots of blankets. Make sure it cannot "catch" on something and get too tight.

[LPNtoBSNstudent, BSN, RN]

So nice of you to ask!!

I took this from an old study guide from my fund. of nursing class I took last year...

"The need for physical closeness occurs throughout life but is perhaps highest during old age and puberty.

Patients who are touched less frequently are those who are seriously ill and over age 65 and adolescent."

So, that is a bummer that those who have the highest need are being touched less frequently. I love the warmed lotion back rub idea.

Plus keeping the mouth moist is a BIG comfort. Have you ever been sick and woke up with your mouth totally dry? I can't stand that feeling, it is like my tongue has swollen up to the size of a cow tongue or something.

And I agree with the positioning too. At minimum reposition every 2 hours but if they are seriously ill, I would do it more often, like hourly. No amount of hand holding or rest will give you comfort if your backside is burning from staying in the same position too long.

[amyslater]

Everyone here has offered good advice. Just being there and talking goes a long way. Listening is also very important, even if it is the same story over and over. After four years in long-term care and many deaths, I have found that the greatest comfort to the geriatric population is just knowing that someone is there for them,