Why Do Many People Seem To Have Negative Feelings Toward Eld

Why Do Many People Seem To Have Negative Feelings Toward Elders What

Why do many people seem to have negative feelings toward elders? What do you think that they fear when interacting with or touching older people? How can you as a nurse overcome some of those fears or hesitations? What types of rights do you feel older adults should have when it comes to the end or prolong their life? If older adults with dementia or longstanding chronic illnesses choose to withhold food/water or refuse treatment for an illness, do you feel that is within their rights? How would you counsel family members to deal with these types of issues? Mention some strategies for assisting older adults in avoiding the problems of polypharmacy and organizing their medications in an easy-to-understand and use format. What are the different strategies that could be used? How would strategies change if the patient had hearing or vision deficits? What about if the patient were illiterate?

Paper For Above instruction

Negative perceptions towards elders are often rooted in societal stereotypes, misconceptions, and fear. Many individuals harbor negative feelings towards older adults due to stereotypes that associate aging with decline, dependency, and diminished worth. These stereotypes can foster ageism, a form of discrimination that influences social attitudes and behaviors towards the elderly. People may also fear the vulnerability or frailty associated with aging, leading to discomfort or avoidance when interacting with older persons. Additionally, cultural factors may contribute to negative views, especially in societies that undervalue or marginalize the elderly, perceiving them as burdens rather than individuals with ongoing contributions and rights.

From a clinical perspective, as a nurse, overcoming these fears or hesitations involves education, empathy, and fostering respectful interactions. Nurses can enhance their comfort levels by increasing knowledge about aging processes and gaining cultural competence to understand different perceptions of aging. Building rapport with older adults through active listening, patience, and genuine concern helps dispel fears and misconceptions. It is essential to promote positive attitudes about aging, emphasizing dignity, autonomy, and the value of older adults in society. Nurses can participate in awareness campaigns, education programs, and advocacy efforts aimed at reducing ageism and promoting the respect that elders deserve.

Regarding the rights of older adults concerning end-of-life decisions, they should have autonomy over their healthcare choices, including the right to accept or refuse treatment, make decisions about prolonging life, and control their quality of life. Respect for elderly patients’ wishes is a core ethical principle in nursing, emphasizing autonomy and informed consent. For individuals with dementia or chronic illnesses who choose to withhold food, water, or refuse treatment, it is important to recognize their rights, especially if they have previously expressed their wishes through advance directives. Respecting their decision aligns with ethical standards of respecting patient autonomy, provided they are mentally competent. In cases of cognitive decline, involving surrogate decision-makers and respecting previously expressed wishes is crucial.

Family counseling involves a sensitive approach. Nurses should educate families about the importance of honoring the older adult's autonomy and respecting their wishes, even if they differ from family members’ views. Strategies include encouraging open communication, using ethics consultations when needed, and providing emotional support to navigate complex decisions. Families should understand the importance of dignity, quality of life, and the legal aspects related to end-of-life care to make informed decisions that align with their loved one’s values.

To help older adults avoid problems related to polypharmacy, several strategies can be employed. Organizing medications using pillboxes, medication lists, or electronic reminders aids in reducing confusion and medication errors. Implementing medication reconciliation during healthcare visits ensures accuracy. Strategies should be tailored to accommodate sensory deficits; for example, using large-print labels, auditory alarms, or visual aids for patients with hearing or vision impairments. For illiterate patients, utilizing pictorial instructions or involving family members in medication management can improve adherence. Regular medication reviews by healthcare professionals can also prevent unnecessary medications and adverse drug interactions, thereby improving medication safety and efficacy.

In summary, understanding and addressing the negative perceptions of elders requires societal change, education, and empathetic caregiving. Nurses play a pivotal role in advocating for elder rights, supporting ethical decision-making, and implementing strategies to improve medication management. These efforts contribute to enhancing quality of life and dignity for older adults, ensuring they receive respectful and appropriate care tailored to their individual needs and circumstances.

References

• American Geriatrics Society. (2019). Medication management in older adults. Journal of Geriatric Nursing, 40(3), 101-108.
• Cohen, L. W., & Snyder, M. (2018). Ageism: A receptor of societal fears and stereotypes. Geriatric Nursing, 39(2), 147-154.
• Hornsby, W. (2020). End-of-life decision making among elders with dementia. Journal of Palliative Care, 36(4), 254-260.
• National Institute on Aging. (2022). Respecting autonomy in elder care. Retrieved from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health
• Smith, S. M., & Soubhiea, J. (2021). Strategies for medication adherence among older adults. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 30(5-6), 859-866.
• World Health Organization. (2018). Ageism and its impact on elder health. WHO Press.
• Jones, K., & Martin, R. (2020). Overcoming barriers in healthcare for older adults with sensory impairments. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 52(1), 23-30.
• Lee, S., & Kim, H. (2019). Ethical considerations in withholding treatment: Respecting patients' rights. Journal of Medical Ethics, 45(7), 455-460.
• Alzheimer’s Association. (2021). Advance directives and end-of-life planning. Retrieved from https://www.alz.org
• Taylor, R., & Johnson, M. (2022). Pictorial medication instructions for low-literacy older adults. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 125, 104095.