• Help the elderly stay independant and healthy.grand p?¡§re image by Emmanuel MARZIN from Fotolia.com
  
  Aging is a natural and inevitable process. However, with age comes increased medical conditions. Health care professionals need to adapt their educational approaches to meet the needs of elderly patients, according to Sandra Cornett, RN, of The Ohio State University Medical Center. With proper knowledge, elderly patients can maintain their independence and health.
  
  

Patient Ed Programs

• Improve elderly patient teaching by creating patient education programs. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality suggests giving elderly patients the knowledge and skills they need to maintain their own health. AHRQ created a program called the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program where the elderly learn how to make changes in their diet and how to comply with treatment regimens. This patient education program has improved the overall health status of the elderly and reduced their medical costs. AHRQ recommends similar programs to other nursing homes and assisted living centers. Organize weekly classes to help elderly patients learn about their medical condition and how they can take control of it.
  
  

Self-Concept

• The Ohio State University Medical Center, Department of Consumer Health Education and Wellness published an article on teaching the elderly. Author, Sandra Cornett, RN, discussed ways that teachers can better understand their elderly patients. Cornett wrote that self-concept is important for teachers to understand. The elderly see themselves as mature, independent and capable of self-direction. They also perceive themselves as responsible and producers in society. To improve elderly patient teaching, the teacher must show respect and treat the elderly as they see themselves. Cornett suggests that teachers encourage their elderly patients to express their needs, make choices and take chances without fear or embarrassment. "Adults are motivated to learn when they realize that they have a need to learn," Cornett wrote. Involve elderly patients in the entire educational process so they can keep control of their lives and maintain their individual self-concept.
  
  

Patient/Doctor Partnership

• The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality features an article called, "Managing Osteoarthritis: Helping the Elderly Maintain Function and Mobility." Elderly patients can learn about their medical needs and how to care for themselves by forming a strong patient/doctor partnership. This partnership should promote the proper use of medications. Patients will also benefit from the partnership by learning how to change their behavior to improve symptoms. When doctors form a partnership with their elderly patients, they are able to help the elderly interpret and report symptoms. Also, elderly patients learn how to cope with the emotional consequences of their medical condition. The patient feels that the doctor is working with them in making decisions. This partnership helps elderly patients maintain control and independence.