These might include playing board games, doing puzzles, taking walks, reading books together, or engaging in other activities that stimulate their minds. Careers Working with the Elderly: A Complete Guide - Online Degrees for Caring for elderly patients requires a special level of sensitivity and understanding. I was a little fearful of working for someone that I did not know. 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. You can talk about how you take time to get to know them, listen to their stories, ask questions, and show genuine interest in what they have to say. By 2050, nearly 84 million Americans will be age 65 or older, according to estimates by the U.S. Census Bureau. Manfred Diehl, PhD Can you describe your level of experience working with geriatric populations? 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. How do you handle end-of-life decisions for elderly patients? Working with Elderly Clients - Psychology Today: Health, Help, Happiness 10 Long Term Care Nursing Interview Questions And Answers Practitioners are encouraged to pursue continuing education to develop and enhance their competence in providing mental health services to older adults. Medication management is an important part of elderly care, and being able to administer medication correctly and safely is a key part of the job. Her husband was her only support; she had no family or friends to help. Showing compassion means being able to tune in to other people's distress and feeling a desire to alleviate it. I didnt know how to sew, so she had to guide me through the basics. As the need for mental health services grows in the older population, additional geriatric health care providers will be required. Answer: "I have worked with elderly patients for . 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. Despite considerable individual differences, older adults almost inevitably experience changes in sensory acuity, physical appearance and body composition, hormone levels, peak performance capacity of most body organ systems, and immunological responses and increased susceptibility to illness. "Psychologists can help explore questions about what it means to have a good death, and how to help people accomplish that when circumstances might be very challenging from a medical, social or psychological point of view.". The older adult population is highly diverse and is expected to become even more so in the coming decades. However, it is very important to continue your treatment and activities long-term. One thing that developed . "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. However, some mental health problems may be more prevalent among older adults than younger adults and symptoms may manifest differently across the lifespan (e.g., anxiety, depression), thus requiring modifications to treatment approaches. Above all, I strive to provide the highest quality of care, with empathy and compassion.. Mental and neurological disorders among older adults account for 6.6% of the total disability (DALYs) for this age group. 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. It also reveals how the candidate responds to stress and conflict. Talk about any strategies youve used in the past that have been successful, such as distraction or redirection. I did the crocheting, and she held the ball of yarn, unwinding it as I needed more. Mr. C used to be a brilliant musician, even having a band back in the days of his youth. If you dont have one, you can talk through your approach to handling these types of situations and emphasize your commitment to putting the patients needs first while also respecting the familys wishes. 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). Example: If I noticed my elderly patient exhibiting signs of depression or anxiety, my first step would be to assess the situation. The field has also put an increased focus on attracting and supporting professionals throughout their careers working to improve the lives of older adults. How do you handle communication barriers with elderly patients who may not speak English fluently? Advancing psychology to benefit society and improve lives. Knowledge of Medicare and Medicaid can be useful, as some states provide reimbursement for mental health services for older adults who have both Medicare and Medicaid (dual eligibles). if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'inhomecare_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_2',121,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-inhomecare_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); One thing I learned during my trips to the dining hall was that seniors move at a slower pace than younger people. Other tasks included making sure she took her medication each day on schedule, providing snacks as needed, making her bed, tucking her in at night, making sure she took showers (never a favorite for seniors), assisting her to the restroom, helping her get dressed in the morning and getting her pajamas on at night. "Its so important for APA and other organizations to continue to fight ageism and promote increased education on adult development and aging and interactions with older adults at all ages.". Describe your approach to providing emotional support to elderly patients. . Practitioners may also benefit from knowledge about Social Security, through which the vast majority of older adults receive income, and the array of other social supports and services available to older adults. But my favorite part was working on a quilt project that she had never finished. In my previous role as an elderly caregiver, I responded to several falls and administered basic first aid until professional medical help arrived. Shed laugh and laugh. Thankfully, I was able to train while I worked with clients. Show that you understand the importance of prioritizing the patients safety and comfort in any crisis situation. Mental health providers can be valuable resources in the education and training of other health and aging professionals, direct care workers, members of interprofessional teams and families and caregivers of older adults. 3. Advance pricing ends June 30. Example: I understand that elderly care is a highly specialized field and requires an in-depth knowledge of the needs of elderly patients. Her hands were too shaky to do the work herself, but she was sharp enough to teach me. She lived in a private cottage in a retirement village, so, thankfully, her meals were prepared for her. Estimating the current mental health workforce serving older adults remains challenging. The first step is identifying the types of vulnerable populations a nurse may encounter at work or in the community. Having physical, sensory, or cognitive impairments does not lessen the maturity of an adult patient. Does someone in my family need home care? As functional ability declines, the environment becomes increasingly important in maximizing the older adult's functioning and ability to maintain their quality of life. If necessary, I will use empathy and explain the importance of following their care plan in a way that is respectful, non-judgmental, and understanding. Interview Question: "Why Do You Want To Be a Caregiver - Job Search Elderly caregiving is a unique job that requires a special set of skills. Placing my mother in a nursing home was a difficult decision, but it gave . Explain how you kept your composure and showed empathy for the patient, even in difficult situations. Usually, she didnt remember that we had just gotten back. Choose From 10+ Customizable Elderly Caregiver Resume templates Other interventions unique to older adults include reminiscence therapy and life review, grief therapy and psychoeducational programs for older adults, family members and other caregivers. I had to use tricks and tactics to get her to comply with ordinary tasks like taking a shower. Eventually, I decided I would explore becoming a professional senior care provider. Challenges You'll Face Working With The Elderly - Where the World of Give examples of how you have managed multiple tasks for the same patient or handled complex situations in the past. In fact, in 2012, the Institute of Medicine reported that health providers from all disciplines were woefully underprepared to meet the mental and behavioral health needs of the nations older adult population. Ideally, a geriatric assessment is conducted by an interdisciplinary team to insure a comprehensive view of the individual. You can also talk about how you would provide emotional support by listening to them and offering reassurance. 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. Explain how you take into account their age, medical history, mobility issues, dietary restrictions, and any other relevant factors when providing care. Novotney, A. The pace was hard for me to adjust to, and it made me feel tired and lazy. One of the most pressing needs for this population is help coping with loss, says geropsychologist Sara Honn Qualls, PhD, who directs the Gerontology Center at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. Aging in Western Cultures. While the family worked on finding a suitable home for her, I was privileged to stay with her for a couple of weeks. Members of the 1997 APA Working Group on the Older Adult Brochure, Susan Cooley, PhD 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. Highlight some work experience that helped you or your organization stay up-to-date with trends. 1. The job (though not for pay) was full time, 24-hours a day. Talk about any experience you have had in emergency situations with elderly patients, such as responding to a fall or administering first aid. During the past decade, professional geropsychology has been recognized as a specialty by APA and the American Board of Professional Psychology, and specialists in the field have developed a specific training model (known as the Pikes Peak model) and formed the Council of Professional Geropsychology Training Programs, or CoPGTP, to expand predoctoral, internship and postdoctoral training opportunities available for budding geropsychologists. I also respect their decisions and opinions, remain patient when they need more time or assistance, and provide reassurance that they are safe in my care. I listen to their stories, ask questions, and show genuine interest in what they have to say. I also respect their autonomy and make sure to give them choices whenever possible. Moreover, even if a professional does not work directly with older adults, related issues may arise in work with younger clients (e.g., caregiving for aging parents, grandparents raising grandchildren). Example: Ive worked with elderly patients for several years and understand how important it is to keep them mentally stimulated. "Career opportunities are increasing along with the growth and diversity of individuals 65 years and older," says Deborah DiGilio, director of APAs Office on Aging. "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. 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. InHomeCare.com is not a substitute for professional care. This question allows the interviewer to get a sense of your understanding of the complexities of elderly care, and your ability to provide the highest quality of care. The interviewer wants to know if you have the skills to handle the unique challenges of elderly care. By engaging in these activities, I am able to foster a sense of purpose and help keep my patients healthy and happy.. This question allows the interviewer to gauge your understanding of mental health issues and your ability to take appropriate measures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of your patients. Mental health of older adults - World Health Organization (WHO) Additionally, you could suggest activities such as light exercise, reading, music, or hobbies that might help to reduce stress and lift their mood. 20 Must-Know Elderly Caregiver Interview Questions (With Answers I could not have done the job well without it. Additionally, discuss strategies you would use to ensure that elderly patients receive proper nutrition such as preparing meals ahead of time, monitoring food intake, providing nutritional snacks, and recognizing signs of malnutrition. In fact, studies show that older adults are less likely to experience depression than young adults. My approach to bridging language gaps is to be patient and use gestures, facial expressions, and other non-verbal communication to convey my meaning. It also allows them to assess how well you understand the needs of elderly patients and how you prioritize their safety and comfort. 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. For example, you could talk about how you assess a patients home environment for potential risks, such as loose carpets or lack of handrails on stairs; how you create an individualized safety plan based on the patients needs; and how you monitor their behavior and health to detect any changes that may indicate a need for additional care. I also try to provide a calming presence and remind everyone of the importance of putting the patients wellbeing first. Consider the aspects of the position you appreciate most and explain why they attracted you to the field. that highlights the necessity of increasing the geriatric workforce to address mental health and substance use needs of older adults. How do you handle challenging behaviors from elderly patients? Describe a time when you had to handle a difficult situation involving an elderly patient. Being able to come up with strategies to keep them engaged and active is a key job requirement. This helps me anticipate their needs before they even become issues.. Qualls also points to the need to foster student engagement with older adults through coursework, service learning opportunities or other initiatives. ). The ability to communicate, educate, and coordinate with other concerned individuals (e.g., providers, family members) may often be a key element in providing effective mental health services to older adults. The experience came in handy when my grandmother needed a temporary in-home care provider. They also want to make sure you can take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of the patient and those around them. Disease accelerates age-related decline in sensory, motor and cognitive functioning, whereas lifestyle factors may mitigate or moderate the effects of aging on functioning. Start by talking about any past experience you have working with elderly patients. This question is designed to evaluate your ability to handle such a situation. Emphasize your understanding of elderly patients' requirements and their desire to remain independent. The friendships that develop when caring for seniors are inevitable and very sweet. "There's not many psychologists who have a lot of experience working with people 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. Caring for Adults with Cognitive and Memory Impairment Depending on the severity, you may need to contact their family doctor or a mental health professional for advice and treatment options. How your resume should look: The job title on your resume should match your application for the role. www.apa.org/workforce/publications/supply-demand/demand-age-groups.pdf, Ethical Practice in Geropsychology 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. However, an appreciable minority of older adults suffers impaired cognition that adversely impacts functional abilities. Finally, demonstrate your commitment to providing quality care by talking about specific ways in which you have provided excellent care in the past. Approximately 2.2 percent of older men and 1.4 percent of older women report using illicit drugs such as cocaine, heroin and marijuana and this rate is expected to increase as baby boomers age. Rates may be even higher among older adults in residential facilities. These key communication tips can help facilitate successful interactions with all of your patients, including older adults: Speak to the patient as a fellow adult. 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. Start by talking about your experience in the field and any certifications or additional training you have received. The couple had a lovely baby grand in the living room. This question is a great way to gauge a potential hires understanding of and aptitude for emotional intelligence. I still have one of the stars we made together in my box of treasures. Answers that include a focus on the elderly person's needs, such as a need for companionship, are best. Register now for APA 2023! You should provide examples of how you have made elderly patients feel comfortable and respected in the past. It also gives you a chance to demonstrate your problem-solving skills in a difficult situation. The Alzheimers training I received was indispensable. It links readers to the complete set of APA guidelines and additional resources for those currently working with older adults or hoping to work with this population in the future. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'inhomecare_com-banner-1','ezslot_5',120,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-inhomecare_com-banner-1-0'); I was a single mother at the time, so the job provided a little extra income. Geriatric Nurse Interview Questions & Answers | MyPerfectResume I understand the importance of proper nutrition for elderly patients and the potential health risks that can arise from a lack of proper nutrition. What experience do you have working with elderly patients?
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