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The Role of a Geriatrician in Treating The Elderly

July 25, 2022 by

The elderly population is growing at an unprecedented rate, and in the United States, people aged 65 are above consist nearly 20% of the population by 2030.

The increase in life expectancy is due to medical care and public health advances. And as the elderly population grows, it creates a demand for healthcare services that cater to their unique needs.

Geriatricians are medical doctors who specialise in the care of older adults. They provide comprehensive, individualised care to help patients maintain their health and independence.

Geriatricians are experts in the ageing process who understand how age-related changes affect a person’s health and well-being. They also know how to identify and treat age-related diseases and conditions.

This article will highlight the role of a geriatrician in treating the elderly.

1. Comprehensive Care

Geriatricians provide comprehensive care to their patients and focus on their overall health and well-being, not just their physical health.

These professionals also take into account the unique needs of older adults. When providing care, they consider a person’s social, psychological, and spiritual needs.

However, aspiring professionals in the field can narrow their focus to a particular area of interest. For example, some geriatricians may choose to specialize in dementia care or palliative care.

Several online programs allow health care professionals to earn a diploma or advanced degree specializing in geriatrics. For instance, the AGPCNP online degree program equips nurses to specialize in caring for older adults. The program also provides nurses with the skills and knowledge to provide primary care to older adults. So if you are a health care professional who wants to focus on the care of older adults, consider pursuing a certificate in geriatrics.

2. Individualized Care

Geriatricians provide individualized care to their patients and tailor their care to each person’s unique needs and preferences.

They consider a person’s age, health history, lifestyle, and family situation when providing care. They also consider a person’s cultural and spiritual beliefs.

Geriatricians use this information to develop a care plan that meets their patient’s individual needs. This type of care is essential because it allows older adults to age in place.

However, the main goal of individualised care is to prevent or delay the onset of age-related diseases and conditions. This type of care can also improve a person’s quality of life.

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3. Disease Prevention

Geriatricians play an essential role in disease prevention. They work to prevent age-related diseases and conditions through health promotion and screenings.

They also provide their patients with information about healthy aging, including advice on diet, exercise, and fall prevention.

Geriatricians may also recommend vaccinations to their patients because older adults are at a higher risk for certain diseases, such as influenza and pneumonia.

4. Diagnosis and Treatment

Geriatricians are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of age-related diseases and conditions. They use their knowledge of the aging process to develop accurate diagnoses.

They also use their experience to choose the best treatment options for their patients. They may recommend lifestyle changes, medication, or surgery.

5. Coordinated Care

Geriatricians coordinate care for their patients. It means that they work with other health care professionals to provide the best possible care for their patients.

They collaborate with primary care physicians, specialists, nurses, and therapists. They also work with social workers and home health care workers.

This coordinated effort ensures that older adults receive the comprehensive care they need. It also helps to prevent duplication of services and gaps in care.

6. Patient Education

Geriatricians play an essential role in patient education. They provide their patients with information about their health and well-being.

They also teach their patients how to manage their chronic conditions. This includes advice on diet, exercise, and medication management.

Geriatricians also provide their patients with information about advanced care planning. This includes discussions about end-of-life care and living wills.

7. Emotional Support

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Geriatricians provide emotional support to their patients and their families. They understand the stress and anxiety that comes with age-related diseases and conditions.

They also know how to deal with the grieving process. They can provide patients with comfort and hope during difficult times.

However, geriatricians do more than provide emotional support. They also offer practical advice and assistance.

This includes help with financial planning, decision-making, and caregiving. Geriatricians can also connect their patients with community resources.

8. Research

Geriatricians play an essential role in research. They use their knowledge of the aging process to develop new treatments and therapies.

They also conduct research studies to improve our understanding of aging. This research helps to improve the quality of care for older adults.

Most importantly, geriatricians use their research to improve the lives of their patients.

9. Advocacy

Geriatricians are advocates for patients as they work to ensure that older adults receive the care and services they need.

They also work to improve public policies that affect older adults. This includes policies on Medicare, Social Security, and long-term care.

In addition, geriatricians work to increase funding for research on aging. This research is essential to developing new treatments and therapies.

10. Leadership

Geriatricians play an essential leadership role. They provide guidance and direction to other health care professionals.

They also work to improve the quality of care for older adults. They do this by serving on boards and committees and writing articles and books.

However, the most critical thing that geriatricians do is provide compassionate care to their patients. They understand the challenges that come with aging. And they are dedicated to helping their patients live full, productive lives.

Conclusion:

Geriatricians play a vital role in the health care of older adults. They are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of age-related diseases and conditions. They also provide their patients with information about healthy aging. In addition, geriatricians coordinate care for their patients. This helps to ensure that older adults receive the comprehensive care they need. Remember, if you are an older adult or know someone who is, be sure to see a geriatrician. They can help you live a healthy and happy life.




5 Ways Sensory Toys Can Help Kids With Autism

July 21, 2022 by

Spreading awareness and educating the public about the existence of Autism and its impact on society is an important thing to consider. This can help you better understand how to handle the situation once you encounter individuals on this spectrum.

There is a diverse explanation for Autism and many different levels being studied further by experts. In this article, let’s talk about sensory toys and how they can help kids with autism.

What is Autism?

Autism is a condition that significantly affects verbal and non-verbal communication and social interaction. The signs and symptoms appear before the age of three years.

Some of these behaviors seen in the early years of an individual with Autism are deemed to be associated with the said condition:

  • Avoids eye contact
  • No response to name being called
  • Only knows a few gestures
  • Does not show interest in something
  • No singing or dancing activities done
  • Repeats words or phrases
  • Lines up toys and objects
  • Spins self in circles, flaps hands, and rocks body
  • Delayed language and cognitive skills
  • Impulsive and inattentive
  • Hyperactive
  • Gastrointestinal issues
  • Stressed
  • Lack of fear or more than what is expected
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What Are Sensory Toys?

These toys are designed better to stimulate the senses of a child with Autism because they can highly develop it naturally and safely.

The bright colors, sounds, and textures in sensory toys address the five senses, such as:

  • Sound
  • Touch
  • Smell
  • Sight
  • Taste

Apart from these items, more resources specifically for special needs can be used to help these individuals that experience this condition and are part of the Autism spectrum.

5 Reasons Why Sensory Toys Are Beneficial To Kids With Autism

Apart from establishing that sensory toys help stimulate the senses of children with Autism, other factors in the child’s development benefit from using these items.

Here are five reasons why these items or toys are beneficial for children with Autism:

It Brings Out Fun and Happiness!

Playing brings fun and happiness to all individuals regardless of age.

In the case of children with Autism, it triggers the happy hormones, thus enabling a more cheerful disposition for them.

This leads to them having independence that is needed in playing, achieved through:

  • Exploring on their own
  • Using their imagination
  • Playing excitedly with others or by themselves.

Improved Cognitive Development

In providing sensory toys for stimulation, the child’s senses are activated, which allows the frontal lobe of the brain to be enhanced.

As Autism is known to be a condition that affects the brain, introducing these toys helps them think rationally and boost their problem-solving skills.

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Better Motor Skills

The coordination of small muscles results in better motor skills in kids. To achieve this, Playing with their sensory and interactive toys can aid in developing them better as it practices their coordination and actual movement while doing these activities.

Soothing and Relaxation For Stressful Situations

Kids that are part of the spectrum often get anxious, stressed, and upset easily when there are certain situations they don’t feel comfortable in or sudden changes they are not in favor of.

During these melt-downs, the child can turn to their sensory toys to calm themselves as it serves as a much-needed distraction, thus calming them down and keeping them occupied.

Helps Initiate Social Interaction

As discussed, social interaction in children with Autism is a struggle. However, playing with sensory toys in their environment can help initiate and excite them to share their toy with other kids.

It encourages interactive play, such as taking turns and sharing. This helps in developing confidence and decision-making as well.

Conclusion

As individuals or beings of society, it is part of being human and having a good heart to take extra steps in providing the right care for those that need it the most. Accepting them for who they are and not making them feel like an outcast can give them a positive outlook on life.

Providing children with Autism an environment and toys enables them to experience a more nurturing state and safe space to grow and develop. This encourages them to be more confident in exploring what can stimulate their senses and develop their cognitive functions and social interactions as they play.

Reference/s:

https://letoyvan.com/blogs/news/how-sensory-toys-help-development-young-children

https://www.firstdiscoverers.co.uk/sensory-activities-children-autism/

https://zenlaboratory.com/blogs/news/how-sensory-toys-can-benefit-children-with-autism

https://www.keepemquiet.com/blogs/news/how-do-sensory-toys-help-kids-with-autism

https://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/what-sensory-toy-and-how-do-they-help

https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/signs.html




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