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Geriatrics

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Matt Farrah,

Co-founder of Nurses.co.uk, Hailsham, East Sussex, United Kingdom

CLINICAL TOOLS

Abstract: Elderly patients who require surgery are often considered "high-risk" by healthcare providers for many reasons. Most elderly are frail and in poor health. Although outcomes of surgery are improving for elderly patients, experts recommend avoiding procedures if less invasive methods are available.
Key Words: elderly, surgery, high-risk, dementia, assessment.
Elderly patients about to undergo surgery should seek advice to improve their blood glucose levels if diabetic and increase iron levels if anemic.
Elderly patients tend to require more physical rehabilitation compared with their younger counterparts.
Support from family and friends can also help a patient's recovery.
The success rate for geriatric surgery is increasing, especially for those older people who live a healthier, more active lifestyle. With education and patience the risks involved with surgery can be mitigated if not eliminated.
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Related Terms: Geriatrics, assessment, dementia, elderly, surgery, high-risk
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Abandoning Treatment Due to Age Alone

Author(s)
Michael Gordon
Deck
When caring for older adults with comorbidities, especially those at the extreme upper limits of life…
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Teaser

For some older individuals’ chronic conditions, the odds of a positive outcome may seem too distant or the patient’s discomfort—or, in many jurisdictions, the financial burden—may act as a barrier to the pursuit of answers.

When caring for older adults with comorbidities, especially those at the extreme upper limits of life, it may be easy for providers to lessen the intensity of their curiosity and medical investigation. For some older individuals’ chronic conditions, the odds of a positive outcome may seem too distant or the patient’s discomfort—or, in many jurisdictions, the financial burden—may act as a barrier to the pursuit of answers.

Topic
Geriatrics
Section
Blogs
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