Hire the best Alzheimer home health aids in Taman Beringin
Asma Rasli
Carer for Alzheimer's
Adibfitsique Fitness & Physiotherapy
Carer for Alzheimer's
Training and studies to become a specialized gerontology nurse.
To become a nurse specialized in gerontology, it is necessary to follow additional training after obtaining the State diploma in nursing. This training can be followed in a university or a nursing school offering a specialization in gerontology, or in a professional training center offering a certification in gerontology. The duration of this training varies generally between one and two years, depending on the institution offering the training and the desired level of specialization. It can be followed alternately, with periods of theoretical and practical training in a hospital or a medical-social establishment. The gerontology training aims to provide nurses with the knowledge and skills necessary to take care of the health needs of elderly people, with a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach. It covers areas such as the pathophysiology of aging, the management of cognitive and behavioral disorders, medication in gerontology, fall and pressure ulcer prevention, etc. To be admitted to a gerontology training, it is generally necessary to have obtained the State diploma in nursing and to have practiced as a nurse for at least one year. Some training may also require prerequisites in biomedical sciences or psychology. At the end of the training, specialized nurses in gerontology must pass an exam to obtain a certification recognized by the State. This certification allows them to work as specialized nurses in gerontology in various healthcare and medical-social service facilities.
The field of intervention of a gerontology specialized nurse.
The field of intervention of a nurse specialized in gerontology is broad and varied, and can concern different types of healthcare facilities and services. A nurse specialized in gerontology can work in healthcare institutions, such as hospitals, Services for Post-acute and Rehabilitation Care (SSR), Communal Social Action Centers (CCAS), or Nursing Homes for Dependent Elderly People (EHPAD). They can also work as a self-employed professional and offer their nursing care services to dependent or autonomy-reduced elderly individuals at home. In a hospital setting, they are responsible for providing nursing care to elderly individuals with geriatric pathologies or suffering from cognitive and behavioral disorders related to diseases such as Alzheimer's. They must respect general hygiene protocols and ensure coordination of care services with doctors and other healthcare professionals involved in patient follow-up. In a medico-social setting, they can work as a care coordinator within a team specialized in the care of elderly people with Alzheimer's disease or related disorders. They manage the entire care pathway for these individuals, in collaboration with all the professionals involved (treating physicians, nursing assistants, caregivers, occupational therapists, etc.). They must also ensure the quality of care provided and the satisfaction of patients and their loved ones. A nurse specialized in gerontology working as a self-employed professional can offer nursing care services at home to dependent or autonomy-reduced elderly individuals. They may be responsible for providing hygiene and comfort care, as well as essential daily living activities, according to a medical prescription. They may also work in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of care professionals and support the loved ones of elderly individuals in their role as caregivers. Finally, they may also be involved in caring for elderly individuals at the end of life and offering palliative care to relieve their suffering and improve their quality of life. They work closely with a multidisciplinary team of care professionals and ensure coordination of care services with doctors and other healthcare professionals involved in patient follow-up. They also have a role in supporting the loved ones of elderly individuals at the end of life and accompanying them through this difficult stage. What are the 3 stages of Alzheimer's? Alzheimer's is a neurodegenerative disease that manifests itself as a progressive loss of brain functions and an alteration of mental and cognitive abilities. It has 3 stages: - Early or mild stage: the first symptoms of the disease appear and may include recent memory problems, difficulties in orientation in space or time, changes in behavior and mood, etc. The affected person may be able to live independently with some support but needs regular monitoring by caregivers and their treating physician. - Moderate or middle stage: cognitive and behavioral disorders worsen, and the affected person may need increased assistance with activities of daily living (eating, dressing, bathing, etc.). They may also have sleep, appetite, communication, etc. disorders. They need attentive care and appropriate management to maintain their well-being and quality of life. - Severe or advanced stage: the dependency of the affected person is total, and they need constant care and monitoring. They may have significant behavioral disorders (agitation, confusion, delirium, etc.), and may have difficulty expressing themselves and communicating. They need appropriate care and palliative care at the end of life, which aims to relieve their suffering and improve their quality of life.
Why call upon a gerontology specialized nurse?
Calling upon a gerontology nurse specialist can be beneficial for elderly individuals with geriatric pathologies or cognitive and behavioral disorders related to diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. A gerontology nurse specialist is able to offer a comprehensive and personalized approach to the health needs of elderly individuals, based on their health status and personal situation. They can also work in collaboration with a coordinating nurse and a multidisciplinary team of caregivers (nurse aides, occupational therapists, etc.) to offer home support tailored to the needs of the elderly individual and their caregivers. As a gerontology nurse specialist, you will be able to assess the needs of the elderly individual and implement a care plan adapted to their situation. You can also provide hygiene and comfort care, as well as essential acts of daily living, according to a medical prescription. You can also assist the elderly individual and their loved ones in administrative procedures and medical appointments. Calling upon a gerontology nurse specialist can also be beneficial for elderly individuals wishing to maintain autonomy and quality of life at home for as long as possible. You can implement prevention and home maintenance actions adapted to the needs of the elderly individual, in collaboration with home-care services and nearby hospitals. Finally, calling upon a gerontology nurse specialist can be a solution for caregivers (loved ones of the elderly individual) wishing to benefit from support and guidance for the care of their loved one at home. You can advise and support them in their role as caregivers and provide them with information on available support services and devices. Does Alzheimer's disease progress quickly? Alzheimer's disease progresses in a variable manner from person to person. The speed at which the disease progresses depends on many factors, such as the age of the affected person, the form of the disease, genetic and environmental risk factors, etc. In general, Alzheimer's disease progresses slowly, over several years. The first symptoms can appear from the age of 65, but it is possible to develop the disease at an earlier age. Cognitive and behavioral disorders gradually worsen over time and can lead to a loss of autonomy and increasing dependence over the years. It is important to note that Alzheimer's disease does not always lead to complete dependence and loss of autonomy. Some people with the disease can remain autonomous and active for many years, thanks to medical follow-up and appropriate care. Do individuals with Alzheimer's disease suffer? Individuals with Alzheimer's disease can experience different types of suffering during the course of the disease. Physical suffering can be related to disease-related disorders, such as weight loss, malnutrition, sleep disorders, falls, etc. It can also be related to age-related pathologies, such as vision, hearing or mobility problems, etc. Psychological suffering can be related to loss of reference points and autonomy, memory and communication disorders, changes in behavior and mood, etc. It can also be related to isolation and loss of social ties. Spiritual suffering can be related to loss of meaning in life, abandonment of projects and passions, loss of identity and self-esteem, etc.
How to find a nurse specialized in gerontology?
There are several ways to find a gerontology nurse according to your needs and situation. Firstly, you can inquire with your general practitioner or local hospital. These establishments often have a list of qualified healthcare professionals available to provide nursing care at home. You can also visit the Social Security website to obtain a list of healthcare professionals practicing near you. Secondly, you can approach home care nursing services offering gerontology care services, such as Home Care Nursing Services (SSIAD) or Home Care and Assistance Services (SSAAD). These structures are generally managed by communal social action centers (CCAS) or health institutions, and can put you in touch with gerontology nurses practicing independently. Lastly, you can consult professional directories and specialized websites to find a gerontology nurse near you. Do not hesitate to inquire about the skills and experience of each professional before making your choice, and to seek assistance from your general practitioner or a trusted health professional if you have any doubts.
The rates of a gerontology specialized nurse.
It is difficult to give a precise pricing range for the services of a gerontological nurse, as they depend on many factors, such as the region, the form of care chosen (at home, in a facility, in a hospital setting, etc.), the pathologies of the person affected (Alzheimer's, related chronic diseases, disability situations, etc.), the hours and duration of the services, etc. Generally, the rates for gerontological nurses are higher than those for general nurses, due to the specificity of their training and expertise. They can be covered by health insurance, within the framework of home assistance or chronic disease management, or by individuals themselves, within the framework of liberal services or personal services. It is recommended to inquire with several gerontological nurses and to compare the rates and modes of care offered before choosing a service. It is also important to verify that the nurse chosen has all the necessary qualifications and insurance to practice their activity in a professional and safe manner.
How to choose a gerontology specialized nurse correctly?
It is important to carefully choose a gerontology nurse, especially if you are elderly, have a loved one with Alzheimer's or related disorders, or are in a situation of dependence or disability. Here are some tips for choosing a gerontology nurse: - Do some research and compare several gerontology nurses before making your decision. You can inquire with your doctor, health insurance provider, local government, or social services center, or search online. - Check the nurse's qualifications and experience. A gerontology nurse should have undergone specific training and hold a state diploma. They should also be registered with the Order of Nurses and covered by professional liability insurance. - Consider the needs and wishes of the person concerned. If you are elderly, in a situation of dependence, or caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's, it is important to ensure that the chosen nurse meets your needs and expectations in terms of care, comfort, and well-being. - Do not hesitate to ask for references and learn about the nurse's reputation. You can also seek advice from healthcare professionals or associations specialized in caring for the elderly.
Questions to ask a gerontological nurse specialist during the first contact.
1. Do you hold a state diploma and are you registered with the Order of Nurses? 2. What are your working hours and how do you provide care (for example, at home, in a facility, in a hospital setting)? 3. What are your rates and how are they covered by health insurance? 4. What are your areas of expertise and which pathologies are you able to manage (for example, Alzheimer's disease, related disorders, dependence, disability)? 5. What is your approach to care and how do you work as a team (with other healthcare professionals, caregivers, etc.)? 6. How do you handle crisis or conflict situations and how do you support people at the end of life? 7. What resources are available to you to ensure the quality of care and the safety of those under your care (equipment, protocols, etc.)? 8. How can we contact you if we have questions or need assistance (telephone, email, etc.)?