Effects Of Ageism In Nursing

Ageism is widespread in the healthcare setting. According to DeBrew, author of “Can being ageist harm your older adult patients?” stereotypes and discrimination are evident in various aspects of patient care. “Ageism [is] defined as stereotyping or discrimination aimed at older adults and a lack of knowledge about normal changes of aging and presentation of illness in older adults (. . .)” (DeBrew, 2015). When ageism is present in the healthcare setting it poses a risk to the patient’s safety and quality of care. According to the article, almost half of the patients hospitalized in the U.S. are older adults so it is important for the nurses to have knowledge and training in caring for older adults. When the care provider has sufficient knowledge

As suggested by DeBrew, a way to address biases in one’s own nursing practice is to take Palmore’s facts on aging quiz to identify myths about aging and determine if more education is needed (DeBrew, 2015). Assure that providing needed care for the older adult with a chronic illness is not a low priority. Act based on the premise that being in pain is not a normal part of aging; pain in older adults requires prompt intervention. Due to the increasing elderly population, the nurse will need to attain a greater understanding of the normal process of aging. According to DeBrew (2015), “normal aspects of aging can mimic signs and symptoms of disease, while other changes can mask early clinical manifestations of illness” (DeBrew, 2015). Also, educate the family to identify early signs of infection such as sudden onset confusion and incontinence in people over age 65. These changes may be early signs of a urinary tract infection, and the patient will need prompt medical care for proper recovery (DeBrew, 2015). The nurse will look at the patient as a whole to determine if all of the patient and family needs are being addressed and make referrals for additional services, as needed. By incorporating these interventions into nursing practice the care provided would be quality, safe, and compassionate, thus decreasing an attitude of