AACN Older Adult Competencies

AACN Older Adult Competencies Older Adult Competencies Recognize one’s own and others’ attitudes, values and expectations about aging and their impact on care of older adult and their families Adopt the concept of individualized care as the standard of practice with older adults Communicate effectively, respectfully and compassionately with older adults and their families Recognize that sensation and perception in older adults are mediated by functional, physical, cognitive, psychological, and social changes common in old age Incorporate into daily practice valid and reliable tools to assess the functional, physical, cognitive, psychological, social and spiritual status of older adults Assess older adults’ living environment with special awareness of the functional, physical, cognitive, psychological and social changes comm. In old age Analyze the effectiveness of community resources in assisting older adults and their families to retain personal goals, maximize function, maintain independence, and live in the least restrictive environment Assess family knowledge of skills necessary to deliver care to older adults Adapt technical skills to meet the functional, physical, cognitive, psychological, social, and endurance capacities of older adults Individualize care and prevent morbidity and mortality associated with the use of physical and chemical restraints in older adults Prevent or reduce common risk factors that contribute to functional decline, impaired quality of life, and excess disability in older adults Establish and follow standards of care to recognize and report elder mistreatment Apply evidence-based standards to screen, immunize, and promote healthy activities in older adults Recognize and manage geriatric syndromes common to older adults Recognize the complex interaction of acute and chronic co-morbid conditions common to older adults Use technology to enhance older adults’ function, independence and safety Facilitate communication as older adults transition across and between home, hospital, and nursing home, with a particular focus on the use of technology Assist older adults, families and caregivers to understand and balance “everyday” autonomy and safety decisions Apply ethical and legal principles to the complex issues that arise in care of older adults Appreciate the influence of attitudes, roles, language, culture, race, religion, gender, and lifestyle on how families and assistive personnel provide long-term care to older adults Evaluate differing international models of geriatric care Analyze the impact of an aging society on the health care system Evaluate the influence of payer systems on access, availability, and affordability of health care for older adults (Consider management text) Contrast the opportunities and constraints of supportive living arrangements on the function and independence of older adults and on their families Recognize the benefits of interdisciplinary team participation in care of older adults Evaluate the utility of complementary and integrative health care practices on health promotion and symptom management for older adults Facilitate older adults’ active participation in all aspects of their own health care Involve, educate and when appropriate, supervise family, friends, and assistive personnel in implementing best practices for older adults Ensure quality of care commensurate with older adults’ vulnerability and frequency and intensity of care needs Promote the desirability of quality end-of-life care for older adults, including pain and symptom management, as essential, desirable, and integral components of nursing practice AACN and The John A Hartford Foundation Institute for Geriatric Nursing, July 2000