care of the elderly ward

K+MgSO4, BSN · Sep 13, 2009

Old people??? only teasing

a bit more info.........is it acute or long term care??

If it acute it could be stroke care, exac of COPD, non invasive management of cardiac events, neuro obs for falls, sepis pts, acute deliurm etc. there will probably be alot more assisted washes or bed baths, there will be more contience issues esp with the women, more assists with feeding. Need I go on??

If it is long term care it may be high nursing care pts with demetia, those who are unable to be managed in local nursing homes etc. Or respite for family members who are the primary carers for their mother/father/husband/wife.

Whatever it is it will be an eye opener.....where else would a pt with dementia try and give you "money" to get a warm vest for yourself because she is worried that you will catch a cold!! Or where else would you set a 100 yr old lady up in her chair to put her face on and then wheel her off to bingo!!

It is easy to right the elderly off but they can bring you so many smiles and laughs and have amazing stories to tell you. Even though it is not my love (guts and gore for me!!!) I had an amazing few months not so long ago on an agency placement in aged care!!

Have fun

K