The geriatric care worker is a professional figure that, although previously practically unknown, is becoming increasingly important. This professional has certain characteristics, skills, and knowledge that make him a particularly important figure. If you are wondering what a geriatric care worker is and what functions he performs daily, stay tuned.
What is a geriatric nurse? A key healthcare figure
A gerontologist is a professional trained to guide elderly people to minimize the impact of changes and phenomena that occur at this stage of their lives. Therefore, we can say that gerontology is the science that studies the changes and phenomena that occur during old age.
The geriatric nurse is also known as geriatric assistant. For this reason, many people confuse the professional profile of the geriatric nurse with that of the nursing assistant, a completely different but complementary figure. The difference between a geriatric nurse and a nursing assistant is that the former not only provide health care to their patients,b ut also provides them with social, cultural, nd emotional support.
Finally, it is worth noting that throughout our lives, we go through several stages: childhood, adolescence, youth, adulthood, old age… In all of them, we have specialized professionals who accompany us, advise us ,and care for our health. For example, in childhood, we have the support of pediatricians. When we are adults, family doctors and specialists. And when we get older, geriatric nurses appear.
Functions of a geriatric nurse or geriatric assistant in a residence or at home
Geriatric care workers or geriatric assistants can work in many different areas such as socio-culturalcenterss, associations, day centers, or offering independently scheduled activities. However, they usually find their greatest job opportunities in retirement home .
For this reason, we explain what tasks a geriatric assistant performs in a residence, as well as the skills and competencies necessary for this.
Accompaniment
Involuntary loneliness is considered one of the “ills” of old age. In our country alone, and without precise calculations, it is estimated that there are between 4 and 5 million people affected by involuntary loneliness Therefore, one of the most appreciated tasks of geriatric nurses or geriatric assistants is that of accompaniment. In addition, they can also work in favor of their integration.
Nutrition and meal assistance
Some people have certain difficulties when it comes to eating, either due to their inability to prepare nutritious and balanced meals (for whatever reason) or due to various mobility problems. Therefore, another of the tasks of the gerontology assistant is to assist both nutritionally and nutritionally the people they deal with.
Personal hygiene
Helping adults with difficulties in carrying out basic personal hygiene activities is another of the main tasks of geriatric nurses. Thus, they can help nursing assistants with hygiene and personal care tasks that their patients require.
Entertainment and cultural activities
Not just for fun. Geriatric assistants and geriatric nurses also think about, design a,nd implement entertainment proposals that, in turn, positively affect the development and cognitive work of the adults they work with.
Contact with other professionals
The geriatric nurse or geriatric assistant must also have the knowledge and skills necessary to detect specific needs that require the intervention of other professionals whether specialized in nursing, medicine o,r other branches.
Mobilization and prevention of pressure ulcers
Elderly people with limited mobility may suffer complications resulting from inactivity, such as muscle stiffness or the formation of pressure ulcers. Geriatric care workers play a key role in mobilizing patients helping them change position, transferring them from bed to wheelchair a,nd encouraging gentle exercises to improve circulation.
Medication administration under supervision
Although it is not their job to prescribe treatments, geriatric assistants can be responsible for administering medication according to medical instructions and under professional supervision. This involves organizing medication intake, reminding patients of their schedules ,and monitoring for possible adverse effects.
Emotional support and communication with family members
Beyond physical care, geriatric nurses offer emotional support to seniors, listening to their concerns, fostering self-esteem , and helping them manage anxiety or fear. They also act as a link between residents and their families, providing information about their condition and well-being, facilitating visits, and promoting family involvement in patient care.
Nursing Assistant Course
Are you interested in acquiring the necessary knowledge to care for the sick and guarantee the well-being of all people? You can study the course that we offer at Esneca Business School and consolidate your skills in healthcare. Through the academic program that we offer at our school, you will be able to stay one step ahead and learn what approaches are recommended for the main diseases, pathologie,s and disorders. You will learn how to improve the quality of life of elderly people and what aspects to take into account to guarantee their well-being.
