Adult health IV allowed us to dive deeper into caring for the older adult population. This class emphasized the importance of caring for this type of patient as a whole, and understanding the importance of promoting health, wellness, and safety. When caring for this individuals, we as nurses always want to encourage autonomy and independence for as long as possible as long as it is safe. It’s important to remember that although these individuals are older, it doesn’t mean they are any less capable of continuing to do what they have always done. The two biggest take-aways I will always remember from this class include the importance of medication reconciliation and promoting safety and independence.

Medication reconciliation is a huge aspect of nursing, but plays an even bigger role with older adults. As people age, it is more common to develop conditions and be put on medications. However, many common medications that are prescribed have interactions with other medications, and cause more issues at times. This can then cause the individual to seek more treatment, and be at risk to be placed on other medications. The nurse should always perform medication reconciliations and encourage providers and pharmacists to identify possible contraindications or other routes for treatment if adverse effects present.

The promotion of safety and independence in older adults comes with establishing an open and therapeutic relationship with clients. Allowing them to ask questions and having an open discussion about their needs as they change and get older promotes safety via altruism. As a nurse, it shows that you care and are willing to help provide them the necessary resources to promote their independence. This encourages adherence to safety because it promotes acceptance of their situation and capabilities which in turn encourages safety. It is incredibly important for nurses to understand how this makes older adults feel and come off as someone they can rely on.