08/03/2024
The book starts with an Introduction to Gerontological Nursing. It covers the definitions, role of the gerontological nurse, interdisciplinary team approach, myths, attitudes, and the current status of gerontological nursing in Sri Lanka.
Chapter Two focuses on age-related changes that cover physical, psychological and cognitive changes during later life, the impact of the environment, and the effect of drugs on the body of older people.
Chapter Three is on the assessment of older people. This is a very important area to know because senses, muscle tone, skills and abilities decline with age. When providing care for older clients, nurses need to know the differences in physical, functional, cognitive, psychological, social, spiritual, and environmental assessments compared to a normal adult. This chapter provides a comprehensive knowledge of the assessments of various aspects of older people.
Chapter Four focuses on important nursing considerations related to providing care for older people which addresses health promotion, communication, medication management, pain management, and more importantly, abuse and neglect. We have heard many incidents in which older persons were subjected to abuse and neglect by the people around them. Such situations could be prevented if nurses could increase the awareness of the public on identifying and reporting different types of abuse faced by older people.
Chapter Five discusses wellness activities that focus on safety and security, vision, hearing, skin care, pressure ulcers, nutritional care, oral health, elimination, sleep and rest, physical activity and exercise, falls and risk reduction. Improving wellness among older people is very essential and generally, these areas have been neglected by many people due to lack of awareness.
Chapter Six discusses nursing aspects related to multi-system alteration and living with chronic health problems. Chronicity is one of the main health problems in older people; therefore, nurses and nursing students get the opportunity to expand their knowledge in providing care for older people with chronic health problems.
Chapter Seven is on family psychodynamics. Caring for an older person while understanding the developmental changes that occur in later life is discussed here.
The next chapter, Chapter Eight discusses mental changes during older age.
Chapter Nine addresses end-of-life care, a subject that many people do not like to discuss but this is a very important aspect regarding older people. In developed countries, older people used to write living wills while getting ready for death which hardly happens in Sri Lanka. Psychological preparation is essential to face the impending death of both living and dying individuals. With this knowledge, nurses can prepare both parties to face the last remaining days and hours with less fear, anxiety or grief.
Chapter Ten discusses ethical and legal concerns in gerontological nursing. This is very important but not paid adequate attention in our country.
The last chapter, Chapter 11 focusses on the challenges in gerontological nursing, particularly in Sri Lanka. It covers trends and issues and the role of gerontological researchers in the development of evidence-based nursing practice in the care of older people.
I am happy about this book authored by Dr. Sarath Rathnayake as it filled a gap in gerontological nursing knowledge within Sri Lanka. Most universities have offered gerontological nursing as a subject but not as a speciality. I view that this book provides a means of expanding the knowledge gained through those programs. In addition, this book will pave the way for students in Schools of Nursing as well as nurses to expand their knowledge of gerontological nursing.
Mrs. Hemamala Vithanarachchi
online Oder👇
https://www.sarasavi.lk/product/text-book-of-gerontological-nursing-9553129811
