describe your experience working with the elderly

By 2020, the number of older adults with substance use issues is expected to double to 5 million, likely attributable to the higher drug use rates among the baby boomer generation compared with previous generations. In my previous role as an elderly caregiver, I responded to several falls and administered basic first aid until professional medical help arrived. Finally, mention that you are open to learning new words and phrases in order to better understand and communicate with elderly patients. I understand the importance of proper nutrition for elderly patients and the potential health risks that can arise from a lack of proper nutrition. Answers that include a focus on the elderly person's needs, such as a need for companionship, are best. When I was young, I cared for my grandmother, and volunteered in nursing homes and for the Meals on Wheels program. It can also be quite rewarding, as you help others live their best lives in their golden years. However, it is very important to continue your treatment and activities long-term. This question is meant to gauge your understanding of the importance of providing social and emotional support to elderly patients. How do you handle challenging behaviors from elderly patients? Working With Vulnerable Populations as a Nurse Practitioner It also reveals how the candidate responds to stress and conflict. If you stop taking your medicine, your blood . To do this, I assess the patients home environment for potential risks, create an individualized safety plan based on their needs, and monitor their behavior and health to detect any changes that may indicate a need for additional care. APA Guidelines 1 and 2: Competence in and attitudes toward working with older adults. Knowing how to properly use and maintain these devices is an important part of providing quality care. Example: I take my role as an elderly caregiver very seriously and I always strive to make sure that my patients feel comfortable and respected. Psychotherapy and older adults resource guide If you've never worked with older adults, you may be missing out on an experience that can change your life for the better. The ancient civilizations in Greece and Rome left art and writings that provide a good portrait of their experience and perception of aging (Thane, 2005; Minois, 1989). Elderly caregiving is a unique job that requires a special set of skills. Getting the training needed to treat and conduct research with older adults has become more formalized in recent years, which has helped increase awareness of the need for this specialty. How to Communicate Effectively With Older Adults - Find a Therapist Approximately 15% of adults aged 60 and over suffer from a mental disorder. Describe Your Experience Working With Elderly Patients. I also like to use positive reinforcement, such as praising the patient for good behavior and offering small rewards for completing tasks. A thorough evaluation will focus on both strengths and weaknesses, determining how problems interrelate and taking account of contributing factors. My Experience Working With the Elderly: Caregiver Experience By In Home Care | March 16th, 2020 I'd like to share my experiences as an In-Home Care Provider Caring for the elderly is a rewarding experience in many ways. "The end of life is a culmination of a persons experiences, the apex of their story, but we know too little about how people approach that moment and how to make it better," he says. I believe that everyone deserves dignity and respect, regardless of age, and I strive to create an environment where my patients can feel safe and secure.. They provide important support to patients and health care staff. How do you handle ethical dilemmas related to elderly care? Exercise Patience and Compassion . I did the crocheting, and she held the ball of yarn, unwinding it as I needed more. They might communicate slower, but they certainly aren't stupid. In fact, a critical part of psychologists work on geriatric care teams is helping other health providers overcome any stereotypical ideas they have about older people, says Syme, who notes that such misconceptions are among the reasons too few students pursue careers working with older adults. The couple had a lovely baby grand in the living room. My approach to bridging language gaps is to be patient and use gestures, facial expressions, and other non-verbal communication to convey my meaning. Elderly caregiving is a highly specialized field. Difference Between Medical & Skilled Care Agencies. I use an online scheduling system that allows me to track tasks and deadlines for each of my patients, as well as any special requests they might have. Caregiving for the elderly can be a tough job. "My struggle is that I dont know of many providers who are appropriately trained in the care of older adults or who are particularly interested in working with them," says Binder, who is also a professor of medicine at Washington University in St. Louis. This question is designed to evaluate your ability to handle such a situation. I was a little fearful of working for someone that I did not know. I had to help her get on it and then dump and clean it. Introduction The aging population continues growing in number, diversity and mental health needs. To answer this question, you should talk about any prior experience administering medications to elderly patients. The shared and unique factors to consider when providing mental health treatment to older adults make the field highly rewarding and challenging. Her husband was her only support; she had no family or friends to help. Start with your current or last job and work backwards. This question is designed to show the interviewer that you have a deep understanding of the complexities of end-of-life care and can handle the difficult decisions that come with it. When faced with a situation like this, my first step is to try to understand why the patient is resisting. 10 examples of relevant experience in social work Here are some opportunities that employers may consider as relevant experience in social work: 1. The producers, authors, editors, and all other contributors are not liable, obligated, or responsible in any case, to any person or entity for any damage, loss, or harmful outcomes, claimed to have happened directly, or indirectly, as a consequence of materials on this website. Answer: "I have worked with elderly patients for . Older adults living with dementia may evidence coexistent psychological symptoms (e.g., depression, anxiety, paranoia, behavioral disturbances). "In many peoples lives, older adults are kind of invisible," Qualls says. Even though, Mrs. C couldnt remember how to crochet (or what she had done five minutes earlier), she did remember how to make Polish Christmas Stars. I also make it a point to communicate with family members on a regular basis so that everyone is aware of the patients progress and needs. InHomeCare.com is not a substitute for professional care. Seniors are extremely vulnerable and require special attention. As some age-related biases may result in professional blind spots, it is often useful to seek consultation from colleagues who are experienced in working with older adults. Additionally, you could suggest activities such as light exercise, reading, music, or hobbies that might help to reduce stress and lift their mood. Additionally, I try to build trust with the patient by showing them respect and understanding. Sample Answer: I love working with seniors . As functional ability declines, the environment becomes increasingly important in maximizing the older adult's functioning and ability to maintain their quality of life. Example: I understand that elderly patients may be resistant to treatment or medication at times, and I believe that building trust and rapport is essential for successful care. If this is your first job as a caregiver, include transferable skills from other roles, like communication and attention to detail. She says that the need for psychologists who can work with both older adults who might be experiencing cognitive issues as well as their caregivers continues to grow exponentially. Showing that you have the skills, empathy, and patience to handle difficult situations with elderly patients is key in order to be successful in this role. Example: Yes, I have experience administering medications to elderly patients. Start by discussing how you approach end-of-life decisions with your patients and their families. 20 (Adult Development and Aging). Start by talking about how you approach each situation with understanding and patience. However, one in four older adults will experience a mental health problem such as depression or anxiety, and the physical and cognitive changes some people experience as they age can make these issues even more challenging. Dr. Smith determines it would be safe to adjust Mrs. Houssani's medication schedule so that she can take her morning pills before sunrise during the month of fasting. But while such efforts offer hope for the future, for now there continue to be too few psychologists who specialize in agingparticularly academic psychologists to train the next generation of geropsychologists, Carpenter says. Later, I cared for my elderly parents for more than ten years. Caregivers must be able to work with elderly patients who may not always be compliant with their care regimens. However, an appreciable minority of older adults suffers impaired cognition that adversely impacts functional abilities. The interviewer wants to make sure you have the necessary experience to provide care for elderly patients. Many presenting issues for older adults are similar to those of middle-aged adults and generally respond to the appropriate evidence based treatments offered by mental health professionals. What strategies do you use to build trust and rapport with elderly patients? "In the last quarter of their lives, people experience a higher frequency of loss compared to other life stages, whether its people around them dying, a loss of their roles in society, or losses in terms of hearing, vision, mobility or function," she says. I thrive on working with others on solution-based outcomes. If you have, or suspect you may have, a health problem, you should contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Karen Roberto, PhD Recruiters and hiring managers suggest fitting your resume on one page. Psychological issues experienced by older adults may differ according to factors such as age cohort, gender, race, ethnicity and cultural background, sexual orientation, disability status, rural/frontier living status, education and socioeconomic status, and religion. Estimating the current mental health workforce serving older adults remains challenging. What is your experience taking care of an elderly family member? - Quora Id like to share my experiences as an In-Home Care Provider, Caring for the elderly is a rewarding experience in many ways. Physical challenges, slow movement, forgetfulness . In general, most older adults have good mental health. Ultimately, my goal is to help them stay mentally active and engaged in life.. Then, explain the strategies you use to ensure safety and security for elderly patients. I believe in active listening so that I can better understand my patients and their concerns, and I also make sure to provide them with the resources and support they need. But the pace can be a little too slow, which for me is very tiring. Additionally, I make sure to provide companionship and encourage participation in social activities, such as attending community events or visiting friends and family. APA, 2017, 78 million I strive to create a supportive environment for my patients by offering comfort, companionship, and reassurance. I believe its important to be patient and understanding in these situations, while also taking the necessary steps to ensure their safety and wellbeing.. Hearing Impairment I have had some experience working with non-English speaking patients in the past, and I am confident in my ability to quickly learn new words and phrases in order to better understand them. How do you handle communication barriers with elderly patients who may not speak English fluently? If you dont have any direct experience, emphasize your ability to learn quickly and be patient when communicating with someone who doesnt speak the same language as you. This question is a great way to show you have the skills and experience to handle the job. Working with elderly people is not your typical job but it can be a very rewarding experience. Learning these settings is likely to require some supervised experience working in them. Working with an Alzheimers patient in her condition was harder than helping my grandma with mild dementia. The time it took was not the issue; it was just difficult to walk so slow, keeping an eye on my grandmother the whole time, opening doors so she could get through with her walker. The guide includes: CONA is also creating a companion lesson plan for high school and undergraduate instructors to use in their AP psychology and introduction to psychology classesan effort that the committee hopes can boost interest in geropsychology careers. I find that speaking in a calm, reassuring voice and offering gentle reminders can help de-escalate the situation. This training is particularly essential as the country continues to move toward "age-friendly health systems," an approach that focuses on the four Ms: mobility, medications, mentation/mental activity, and what matters. Depending on the severity, you may need to contact their family doctor or a mental health professional for advice and treatment options. I even had the opportunity to play the piano. However, prevalence estimates suggest that 20-22 percent of older adults meet criteria for a mental disorder. You can also discuss any strategies you use to make sure that elderly patients are treated with respect, such as speaking calmly and slowly, using simple language when communicating, and avoiding making assumptions or judgments. Members of the 1997 APA Working Group on the Older Adult Brochure, Susan Cooley, PhD I have found that when. Example: I have extensive experience working with elderly patients and I have completed additional training in elderly care. You can also mention how you respect their decisions and opinions, remain patient when they need more time or assistance, and provide reassurance that they are safe in your care. "Thats an aggressive rollout, and we need to make sure psychologistsincluding generalists and those in subfields that regularly work with older adults such as rehabilitation psychology, clinical neuropsychology and clinical health psychologyare involved with this and informing the whole health-care team about how to meet the mental health needs of older adults.". As the need for mental health services grows in the older population, additional geriatric health care providers will be required. Even when cognitive impairment does interfere with a person's ability to exercise autonomy in the present, it may remain possible to ascertain what the individuals' values are or have been in the past and act according to those values. Explain how you take into account their age, medical history, mobility issues, dietary restrictions, and any other relevant factors when providing care. The relationship they have had with the elderly person 2. I had to use tricks and tactics to get her to comply with ordinary tasks like taking a shower. I still have one of the stars we made together in my box of treasures. Kelly O'Shea Carney, PhD Best Caregiver Resume Example - Pro Tips and How To Guide By engaging in these activities, I am able to foster a sense of purpose and help keep my patients healthy and happy.. But for someone looking for a way to earn money in a laid-back, slow-paced environment, I would definitely suggest looking into becoming a caregiver. The friendships that develop when caring for seniors are inevitable and very sweet. Be sure to include any specific strategies or techniques you used to help de-escalate the situation. In this area, add your work experience in reverse chronological order. I understand the importance of responding quickly and efficiently in emergency situations and Im confident in my ability to handle them with the utmost care and attention.. Compassion. Practitioners are encouraged to consider these factors in providing culturally sensitive mental health services. It also gave me some experience with senior care. Thankfully, I was able to train while I worked with clients. However, age had taken a toll on his ears, and he could not hear notes correctly. Hospital volunteer A hospital volunteer generally performs non-medical tasks under the supervision of a nurse. You can also talk about how you use technology, such as scheduling apps, to ensure that all of the patients needs are met on time. There are a variety of conceptions of successful late adult development. Few people back then reached what we would now call old age, as 80% died before what we would consider the middle age. It is important that practitioners strive to ensure the right that the older adults they serve direct their own lives. However, one in four older adults will experience a mental health problem such as depression or anxiety, and the physical and cognitive changes some people experience as they age can make these issues even more challenging. Question Overview: A caregiver candidate's answer should focus on the positive aspects of working with elderly people. 10 Myths About Aging | National Institute on Aging Persons with multiple minority statuses have often suffered discrimination from the larger society, including from the mental health professions. Next, we describe the role nurse practitioners play in caring for vulnerable patients, and the specific responsibilities that fall under the purview of a nurse practitioner. The pace was hard for me to adjust to, and it made me feel tired and lazy. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Talk about the different strategies you use to connect with elderly patients such as active listening, providing reassurance, being patient, and understanding their needs. Rates may be even higher among older adults in residential facilities. Jennifer Moye, PhD Being a caregiver for the elderly is an important job that requires dedication and compassion. In addition, the vast majority of research thats been done on older adults now needs to be redone with the baby boomers because their generation is quite different from those who came before them, particularly in the area of drug use, says Emery-Tiburcio. They want to know that you understand the need for respect, dignity, and patience when providing care for elderly patients. Pair these needs with the meager number of psychologists who specialize in geropsychologyonly 1.2 percent of psychologists, according to 2018 data from APAs Center for Workforce Studiesand its clear there is a crisis brewing when it comes to serving older adults (Training and Education in Professional Psychology, in press). How your resume should look: The job title on your resume should match your application for the role. The ability to bridge the gap between not understanding the language and communicating in a compassionate way is essential for a successful relationship between caregiver and patient. The candidate should demonstrate that they are compassionate and empathetic. Im experienced with providing assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting. . 1. Caring for elderly patients requires a special level of sensitivity and understanding. Then discuss the different types of care that are necessary for elderly patients, such as assistance with activities of daily living, medication management, socialization and communication, transportation, and more. Example: If I noticed my elderly patient exhibiting signs of depression or anxiety, my first step would be to assess the situation. Choose From 10+ Customizable Elderly Caregiver Resume templates A common values conflict involves older adults who are moderately to severely cognitively impaired and may be in some danger of causing harm to self or others. Multiple evidence-based therapies have demonstrated utility in the treatment of depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance, pain, sexual issues, alcohol abuse and interpersonal relationship difficulties. Im confident that my experience and strategies will ensure that the elderly patients I care for are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.. Caring for elderly patients comes with a unique set of challenges, and the person you hire needs to be prepared to handle any situation that may arise. Novotney, A. What do you do to make sure elderly patients feel comfortable and respected? HelenDucal writes: I have worked for 18 years as a live-in carer in the private sector, (in client's homes). Leveraging decades of experience, they deliver valuable advice to help you feel confident and prepared for your interview. Individuals who work in senior living communities often feel that they get back as much or more than they give. Victor A. Molinari, PhD, Members of the 2012-2013 APA Guidelines for Psychological Practice With Older Adults Revision Working Group, Gregory A. Hinrichsen, PhD (Chair) Based on the survey results, the group recommended that psychologists looking to obtain "exposure" level training to work with older adults receive at least 15 hours of continuing education focused particularly on normal aging, including the biological and health-related aspects of aging and mind-body interactions; the psychology of aging, including changes in sensory processes, cognition, personality and emotions; and the social dynamics of the aging process, including work and retirement, friendships, roles and family relationships. "Almost everyone is going to experience some degree of decline, and sorting out what is normal can be difficult. What are the challenges of being a caregiver? Psychologists are also increasingly in demand to study the psychological, medical and spiritual issues people experience at the end of life, says Brian Carpenter, PhD, a professor of psychological and brain sciences at Washington University and a former member of CONA. I didnt know how to sew, so she had to guide me through the basics. This helps me anticipate their needs before they even become issues.. . Additionally, you can mention any training courses you may have taken related to this topic, or any research youve done on your own. Finally, demonstrate your commitment to providing quality care by talking about specific ways in which you have provided excellent care in the past. People 65 years old and older are the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population. 2, 2018 We would look through photo albums, read Mr. Cs memoirs, talk about different topics (usually about her past), read poetry, listen to music or even watch television. I am confident in my ability to provide quality care in this area.. By 2030, older adults will account for 20 percent of our nation's people, up from 13 percent in 2008. APA Guidelines for Psychological Practice With Older Adults, Council of Professional Geropsychology Training Programs, Competence in and attitudes toward working with older adults, APA Prolonging Vitality: Insights from Psychological Science, APA Guidelines for Assessment of and Intervention With Persons With Disabilities, APA Guidelines for Psychological Practice With Sexual Minority Persons (PDF, 1.5MB), APA Multicultural Aging and Mental Health Resource Guide, APA Multicultural Competency in Geropsychology, Minority Aging and Health Disparities (National Institutes of Health), APA Aging and Human Sexuality Resource Guide, Elder abuse: How to spot warning signs, get help and report mistreatment, APA Older Adults and Insomnia Resource Guide, The State of Mental Health and Aging in America (Issue Brief #1: What Do the Data Tell Us?) . ). that highlights the necessity of increasing the geriatric workforce to address mental health and substance use needs of older adults. Above all else, I am passionate about helping people who are facing physical or mental challenges due to aging. I have six years of experience in geriatric medicine, and before that, I worked for two years in a medical center where I helped to treat many geriatric patients. Start by talking about your experience in the field and any certifications or additional training you have received. Do you have experience administering medications to elderly patients? Interviewers want to know that you understand how to address the physical and mental needs of elderly patients and can come up with creative solutions to keep them engaged. Families can often have different opinions and expectations when it comes to the care of their elderly loved ones, and its important that a caregiver can handle those situations with tact and diplomacy. How do you ensure that the elderly patients needs are met in a timely manner? Often the elderly receiving the care see their caregiver as family.. The only difficult part was that her commode was in the same room. This attribute is first on the list because many home health clients are in distressing and even painful situations (recovering from surgery, losing . Finally, discuss any special techniques you may have developed to help build trust with the patient and their family. Americans 65 years and older by 2035, compared with 76.5 million children under 18, 21.1 million Many of the student essays included reflections on grandparents and other older figures in their lives who had illustrated the importance of healthy aging. Telling Their Story: Working with Older Adults - The Field Educator To reduce biases that can impede their work with older adults, it is important for providers to examine their attitudes toward aging and older adults. Working with adults with developmental disabilities Inevitably, aging includes the need to accommodate to physical changes, functional limitations and other changes in psychological and social functioning, although there are significant individual differences in the onset, course and severity of these changes. How do you handle emergency situations involving elderly patients? Many older adults have significant psychological symptoms that are less impairing or distressing, but remain important to address. Take your loved one to a memory disorder clinic, if one exists in your community, to get an accurate diagnosis. Talking With Your Older Patients | National Institute on Aging Finally, explain how you were able to successfully resolve the situation and what you learned from it. Describe your approach to providing emotional support to elderly patients. The majority of older adults adapt successfully to these changes. 11 Unique Skills You Need to Become a Caregiver - Caring Senior Service The temperament of both the caregiver a. Additionally, Ive taken a course on medical device safety that included a module on assistive technology for elderly care.. Caring for elderly patients requires a special level of attention and patience. Elderly caregiving requires a special set of skills and empathy, and its important for the interviewer to understand your experience with this population. You can also talk about how you create a supportive environment for elderly patients by offering comfort, companionship, and understanding. They want to know if youve worked with elderly patients before, if youre comfortable with the physical and mental challenges of elderly care, and if youre able to provide the kind of compassionate, understanding care elderly patients need. You should also explain why you are passionate about providing care to the elderly and what qualities make you well-suited for the job. I also like to read books with them, as this encourages conversation and helps them to stay engaged. For older adults living in structured environments, it is important to consider if and how the physical/social environment and organizational culture may hinder or promote their functioning and general well-being. It was a beneficial relationship for all of us. While the elderly rarely seem to have many regrets, they do wish that they had appreciated what every single day offered. Sample answer: My experience with people in the workplace is connected to building interconnected teams. "Older adults just bring such a richness of experience and so much complexity into our jobs as psychologists. Many current professors of aging are nearing retirement, and the pipeline to fill their spots hasnt been able to keep up. They were beautiful people in a nice neighborhood. Others may have histories of chronic mental illness or personality disorders, which may change in presentation because of other factors (cognitive impairment, medical comorbidity, polypharmacy and end-of-life issues). Additionally, those working with older adults are encouraged to remain alert to changes in health care policy and practice that will impact practitioners' professional work. For example, I have experience using walkers and wheelchairs to help them move around safely, as well as grab bars and other devices to aid in bathing and dressing.

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