This Course in Geriatrics and Gerontology offers a specialised training in this field. At present, the increase in the hope and quality of life has led to the the world’s population is living longer, reversing the age pyramid and the growing number of older people. For this reason, the support for this group is becoming more and more essential, giving rise to the need for to introduce care services and resources intended for them. It is from this need that the geriatrics and gerontology, the geriatrics one medical specialism, just like the cardiology or paediatrics.
Sector-specific
Nursing
75 hours
Geriatrics and gerontology in the healthcare sector
Nursing
75 hours
Introduction
Objectives
- To identify the basic concepts of gerontology and geriatrics.
- To understand the definition of gerontology and its application to the role of a care assistant.
- Define the physiological and psychological concepts associated with ageing.
- To determine what sort of basic care is required in old age.
- To understand the importance of personal hygiene as a means of preventing infections.
- Describe the characteristics of the most common geriatric conditions.
- To learn the importance of communication and social relationships.
Table of Contents
MODULE 1. INTRODUCTION TO GERIATRICS AND GERONTOLOGY. AGEING
TEACHING UNIT 1. CONCEPTS RELATED TO GERIATRICS
An Introduction to Gerontology and Geriatrics
Social gerontology and gerontological and geriatric nursing
Duties of a geriatric care assistant
TEACHING UNIT 2. DEFINITION OF AGEING. TERMINOLOGY. THEORIES OF AGEING
Definition
Ageing population
Other key concepts: Geriatrics and gerontology
Different concepts of age
Theories of ageing
TEACHING UNIT 3. THE PHYSIOLOGY OF AGEING
INTRODUCTION
OBJECTIVES
How does our body change?
Characteristics of diseases in older people
TEACHING UNIT 4. PSYCHOLOGY OF AGEING
General Information
Emotional changes
Self-concept and self-esteem in old age
Changes in personality
Changes in cognitive functioning
Major psychological disorders in old age
MODULE 2. BASIC CARE IN GERIATRICS AND GERONTOLOGY
TEACHING UNIT 5. INFECTION PREVENTION
The old man’s skin
Epidemiology, the chain of transmission and the spread of infections
Measures to reduce the risk of infection transmission
The skin as a protective organ against infections
TEACHING UNIT 6. HEALTH AND HYGIENE MEASURES
Sanitation in the healthcare sector
Cleaning and disinfection of equipment
Labelling of chemicals: hazard symbols
Healthcare waste. Definition and classification
TEACHING UNIT 7. TECHNIQUES AND PROCEDURES IN GERIATRICS
Nursing care techniques
Mobilisation of geriatric patients
TEACHING UNIT 8. PREVENTING ACCIDENTS AND FALLS
Common accidents among older people
Preventing falls
TEACHING UNIT 9. THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM AND NUTRITION IN OLDER PEOPLE
The gastrointestinal system. The digestion of food
Changes to the gastrointestinal system associated with the ageing process
The influence of dietary habits on health
TEACHING UNIT 10. THE IMPORTANCE OF FOOD HANDLING
Food poisoning and food handling standards
MODULE 3. SPECIALIST CARE IN GERIATRICS AND GERONTOLOGY
TEACHING UNIT 11. CARE AND SUPPORT IN GERONTOLOGY AND GERIATRICS
Care and support centres for the elderly
Gerontology
Geriatrics
MODULE 4. COMMON CONDITIONS AND DISEASES IN GERIATRICS AND GERONTOLOGY
TEACHING UNIT 12. VARIOUS GERIATRIC DISEASES
An Introduction to Geriatric Diseases
Osteoarticular disorders
High blood pressure
Diabetes mellitus
The senses of sight and hearing
Tremors and Parkinson’s disease
Strokes
Depression
Confusional Syndrome
Dementia
MODULE 5. PREVENTION IN OLD AGE
TEACHING UNIT 13. MEDICAL CHECKS AND HEALTH PREVENTION
Health prevention
Education programmes
Promoting health amongst older people
Prevention of other common health conditions or risky behaviours among older people
Community initiatives for older people
TEACHING UNIT 14. THE IMPORTANCE OF NUTRITION
Concept of nutrition
Conceptual approaches: diet and nutrition
Nutrients and their requirements in older people
Routes of food administration
Factors influencing the nutritional status of older people
Assessment of nutritional status
Illnesses in older people and advice
General dietary guidelines and recommendations for older people
Nutrition-related problems in older people
TEACHING UNIT 15. HYGIENE HABITS IN OLDER PEOPLE
Daily hygiene
Assistance with personal hygiene
Washing sequence
Eyes and ears
Dentition
Feet
The skin. Prevention of pressure ulcers
Oral hygiene
TEACHING UNIT 16. PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND REST IN OLD AGE
Physical exercise and ageing
The importance of physical activity
Benefits of physical exercise
Recommended types of exercise based on your profile
Fitness programmes
Prevention of immobilisation syndrome
Rest in the elderly man
Insomnia in older people
TEACHING UNIT 17. SOCIAL AND FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS. SEXUALITY
Social relations
Main difficulties in social relationships amongst older people
Family relationships amongst older people
Levels in family relationships
Sexuality in older people
TEACHING UNIT 18. ABUSE AND OLD AGE
Elder abuse as a social problem
Elder abuse
MODULE 6. THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNICATION IN THE WORK OF A GERIATRIC CARE ASSISTANT
TEACHING UNIT 19. COMMUNICATING WITH PEOPLE IN NEED OF CARE
The communication process
Special communication needs
Disabilities
Communication and language difficulties
Communication intervention strategies and resources
TEACHING UNIT 20. APPLICATION OF TECHNIQUES TO FOSTER SOCIAL INTERACTION AND SUPPORT ACTIVITIES
Communication intervention strategies
Selection process for the alternative communication system
Communication resources
Alternative and augmentative communication techniques for people with physical, motor or mental impairments
Alternative and augmentative communication techniques for people with sensory impairments
Assistive technology for alternative and augmentative communication. Assistive technology for information and signage
Techniques for observing the overall development of the person in care
Sensitivity to the communication difficulties faced by people in need of care
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