Utilizing Resources to Support Independence and Quality of Life Issues in Older Adults
This teaching strategy focuses on working collaboratively with an older adult who has both physical and psychosocial challenges to find resources to maintain independence and support quality of life. Learning objectives, learner pre-work, suggested learning activities and readings, and other materials are included. All files are downloadable/printable. This resource is only available to NLN members.
Source: National League for Nursing (NLN), 2018.
George Palo- Unfolding Case
This unfolding case centers on George Palo, a 90-year-old male who has been diagnosed with early-stage dementia. The three simulation scenarios cover issues related to disease progression, such as behavioral changes, medication management, maintainence of function and independence, and falls. The student nurse will be expected to use appropriate tools to assess his cognition and depression, provide emotional support, discuss adjustments in activities, conduct a physical assessment, review medications, and use the SBAR technique to collaborate with the physical therapist.
Ertha Williams- Unfolding Case
This unfolding case centers on Ertha Williams, a 74-year-old female who has been experiencing frequent memory lapses. The three simulation scenarios cover topics such as confusion, sleep disturbances, medication management, grief and loss, and transition to a long-term care facility. The student nurse will be expected to complete a Mini-Cog assessment; review medications, applying the Beers Criteria; administer the geriatric depression scale; use the SPICES tool; and report findings using the SBAR tool.
Judy and Karen Jones- Unfolding Case
This unfolding case centers on Judy Jones, an 85-year-old widow who was diagnosed with mild dementia three years ago. Her daughter Karen moved back home to provide support. Judy is hospitalized with an upper respiratory tract infection, and the three simulation scenarios cover problems that arise in the hospital, such as delirium, wandering the halls, agitation, medication management, and atrial fibrillation.
Patrick and Gloria Lake- Unfolding Case
This unfolding case study centers on Patrick Lake, a 64-year-old client with an above the knee amputation. Throughout all three simulation scenarios, learners are expected to communicate appropriately with a patient who has a disability. Learners are encouraged to review several resources prior to the unfolding case, which are embedded in the web page. There are 12 downloadable files for the case, including audio files, scripts, instructor toolkits, templates, and chart materials.
Source: National League for Nursing, 2017.
Safe Travel Tips for Older Adults
This tip sheet for patient education provides tips for how older adults can safely travel. Each tip includes a description of how to carry out the safety travel outlines.
Source: Health in Aging Foundation, 2019.
https://www.healthinaging.org/tools-and-tips
Medicare 101
This tip sheet from AGS's Health in Aging Foundation discusses the four parts of Medicare and what each part entails. It also discusses how to get started with Medicare when initially applying. Finally, it includes advice if one were to choose traditional Medicare.
Source: AGS Health in Aging Foundation, 2019.
https://www.healthinaging.org/tools-and-tips
How To Talk To Your Healthcare Provider: Tips on Improving Communication
This tip sheet from AGS's Health in Aging Foundation discusses the importance of good communication between an older adult patient and healthcare provider. It provides various tips for before, during, and after one's appointment to consider as they communicate with their provider. The tips include possible questions or conversations to have that will improve the communication between a healthcare provider and patient to maintain good health.
Source: AGS Health in Aging Foundation, 2019.
How To Be The Best Caregiver You Can Be
This tip sheet from AGS's Health in Aging Foundation provides 11 tips to be the best caregiver possible for your loved ones. Each tip includes a description or example of how to carry out the action. Available in a PDF for download.
Source: AGS Health in Aging Foundation, 2019.
https://www.healthinaging.org/tools-and-tips
Hot Weather Safety Tips for Older Adults
This tip sheet from AGS's Health in Aging Foundation discusses various tips for older adults in case of hot weather (greater than 80 degrees F). It also discusses how to spot and treat health problems caused by heat.
Source: AGS Health in Aging Foundation, 2019.
https://www.healthinaging.org/tools-and-tips