describe your experience working with the elderlyirvin-parkview funeral home

The heterogeneity among older adults surpasses that seen in other age groups. The job (though not for pay) was full time, 24-hours a day. Talk about any strategies youve used in the past that have been successful, such as distraction or redirection. Brian Carpenter, PhD Are you familiar with any assistive technologies or devices used to support elderly patients? While the family worked on finding a suitable home for her, I was privileged to stay with her for a couple of weeks. I have found that when. I was a little fearful of working for someone that I did not know. Leaders in the field are now developing a two-day continuing-education workshop based on these recommendations, which they hope to eventually make available online as well to supplement existing resources. Walking to dinner could take 10 or more minutes. 3. I also made sure to establish regular communication with the family so they could be kept up-to-date on the patients progress. Explain that you work to understand why a patient may be resistant to treatment or medication, and then use empathy to try to find a way to help them see the benefits of following their care plan. Example: I approach providing emotional support to elderly patients with compassion, understanding, and patience. An interviewer will want to know that you understand the importance of nutrition for elderly patients and that you have the skills and knowledge to ensure they are receiving the proper nutrition. Above all, I strive to provide the highest quality of care, with empathy and compassion.. Do you have experience administering medications to elderly patients? I also like to read books with them, as this encourages conversation and helps them to stay engaged. Age intersects with other aspects of diversity (e.g., 75-year old, low-income, self-identified lesbian with osteoarthritis). . Practitioners are encouraged to pursue continuing education to develop and enhance their competence in providing mental health services to older adults. Mary S. Harper, RN, PhD DISCLAIMER: All materials on this site were designed for informational and educational purposes only, and are not to be taken as professional, legal, financial, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. Sample answer: My experience with people in the workplace is connected to building interconnected teams. I have experience working with hospice care, so I am familiar with the legal and ethical considerations of end-of-life decisions. Ive used a variety of strategies to do this, including playing board games, doing puzzles, and taking walks. Common Elderly Caregiver interview questions, how to answer them, and sample answers from a certified career coach. Additionally, those working with older adults are encouraged to remain alert to changes in health care policy and practice that will impact practitioners' professional work. Talk about activities that you have done with them in the past, like going for walks, playing board games, or engaging in conversation. You should provide examples of how you have made elderly patients feel comfortable and respected in the past. Mrs. C would let me tinker on the piano from time to time, even though I could only play beginner music. Elderly caregiving requires a special set of skills and empathy, and its important for the interviewer to understand your experience with this population. I make sure to take the time to listen to their stories and offer companionship. The shared and unique factors to consider when providing mental health treatment to older adults make the field highly rewarding and challenging. "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. . 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. You can also discuss any strategies you use to make sure that elderly patients are treated with respect, such as speaking calmly and slowly, using simple language when communicating, and avoiding making assumptions or judgments. Rates may be even higher among older adults in residential facilities. Compassion. Example: In my experience as an elderly caregiver, I have found that the key to helping patients stay engaged and active is providing them with meaningful activities. Online Degrees See All Online Degrees Community Colleges Criminal Justice Advancing psychology to benefit society and improve lives. Psychologists with expertise in aging help health-care teams better understand the unique needs of older adults, says neuropsychologist Vonetta Dotson, PhD, an associate professor of psychology at Georgia State University. Furthermore, these negative stereotypes can adversely affect health care providers' attitudes and behaviors toward older adult clients. 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 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). My primary responsibility was to be a companion to Mrs. C and take her to the bathroom whenever she requested, which was about every five minutes. By 2020, the number of older adults with substance use issues is expected to double to 5 million, likely attributable to the higher drug use rates among the baby boomer generation compared with previous generations. Start by discussing how you approach end-of-life decisions with your patients and their families. The producers, authors, editors, and all other contributors are not liable, obligated, or responsible in any case, to any person or entity for any damage, loss, or harmful outcomes, claimed to have happened directly, or indirectly, as a consequence of materials on this website. You can also talk about how you would provide emotional support by listening to them and offering reassurance. Show Respect It's a fairly common pet peeve of seniors to feel like they're being patronized or belittled when interacting with employees who are younger than them. Additionally, I am certified in nutrition for elderly patients and am knowledgeable about the latest research on nutrition for this population.. The ability to bridge the gap between not understanding the language and communicating in a compassionate way is essential for a successful relationship between caregiver and patient. I listen to their stories, ask questions, and show genuine interest in what they have to say. In fact, studies show that older adults are less likely to experience depression than young adults. 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. Working with elderly people is not your typical job but it can be a very rewarding experience. Emerging cohorts of older adults (e.g., baby boomers) are likely to have generational perspectives that differentiate them from earlier and later cohorts, and these generational perspectives will continue to profoundly influence the experience and expression of health and psychological problems. 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. This question allows the interviewer to gauge your ability to think on your feet and respond appropriately in a crisis. www.apa.org/workforce/publications/supply-demand/demand-age-groups.pdf, Ethical Practice in Geropsychology How do you stay informed about new treatments and therapies for elderly patients? The work is not difficult. Additionally, I make sure to provide companionship and encourage participation in social activities, such as attending community events or visiting friends and family. (2018, December 1). Sample Answer: I love working with seniors . I take the time to listen to the patients wishes and discuss their options with them and their family, while also considering the medical advice of their doctor and nurses. Instead of talking down to your elderly customers, recognize their wisdom and treat them how you would treat others. ", APA Fact Sheet Series on Psychologist Supply and Demand Projections 20152030: Demand Across Age Groups There are a variety of conceptions of successful late adult development. Multiple evidence-based therapies have demonstrated utility in the treatment of depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance, pain, sexual issues, alcohol abuse and interpersonal relationship difficulties. Choose From 10+ Customizable Elderly Caregiver Resume templates She lived in a private cottage in a retirement village, so, thankfully, her meals were prepared for her. Shed laugh and laugh. Many of the student essays included reflections on grandparents and other older figures in their lives who had illustrated the importance of healthy aging. Given the complex medical and mental health care needs of this population, educating physician, pharmacy, and occupational and physical therapy colleagues and working with them and other providers to develop appropriate treatments are key to improving older adults overall well-being. Elderly caregiving can be a rewarding experience, but it isnt without its challenges. For older adults living in structured environments, it is important to consider if and how the physical/social environment and organizational culture may hinder or promote their functioning and general well-being. My ultimate goal is to make sure the patient is safe, secure, and comfortable in their environment.. My grandmother had taught me to crochet (before she had dementia), so I bought some yarn and found a pattern, and we crocheted matching scarves. My goal is to ensure the safety and security of those in my care. Hospital volunteer A hospital volunteer generally performs non-medical tasks under the supervision of a nurse. Older adults are at increased risk for alcohol-related problems due to age-related physiological changes. Describe your approach to providing emotional support to elderly patients. I also make sure that I am aware of the patients environment, and I take all necessary steps to ensure their safety and the safety of those around them. . Additionally, I have found that providing incentives or rewards for compliant behavior can be helpful. If youve been selected for an interview to become an elderly caregiver, congratulations! You could also talk about any certifications or training you may have related to medication administration. Highlight some work experience that helped you or your organization stay up-to-date with trends. Psychologists who specialize in treating these adults offer some ways to brush up onor . Identifying Vulnerable Populations Interviewers want to know that you understand how to address the physical and mental needs of elderly patients and can come up with creative solutions to keep them engaged. For practitioners who wish to specialize in professional geropsychology, more detailed guidance is available in the Pikes Peak Attitudes, Knowledge and Skills Competencies for Practice in Professional Geropsychology," and the corresponding competencies assessment tooldeveloped by the Council of Professional Geropsychology Training Programs. Interested in expanding your practice to occasionally work with adults who have intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)? Elderly caregiving is a unique job that requires a special set of skills. This means preparing meals, ensuring that they eat enough, and recognizing when there may be an issue with their diet. I believe in active listening so that I can better understand my patients and their concerns, and I also make sure to provide them with the resources and support they need. Be sure to include any techniques or strategies that you use to defuse tense situations and bring all parties to an agreement. Caring for elderly patients requires a special level of attention and patience. Most of these adults will continue to enjoy stable mental healthin fact, historically, the rates of mental health disorders for this group are lower than those of younger adults. After my grandfather passed away, there was a time that my grandmother (suffering dementia) was home alone and needed someone to be with her around the clock. If you have, or suspect you may have, a health problem, you should contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible. I would arrive around 11:30 and prepare her food (she ate the same thing every day), give her her pills, visit with her and watch the Golden Girls, her favorite show. Its important for caregivers to be able to connect and build relationships with their patients, as well as provide emotional support. The temperament of both the caregiver a. . The majority of older adults adapt successfully to these changes. They were beautiful people in a nice neighborhood. Life is full of family, marriage, work, school and so many other aspects that fill up our 24 hours in a blink. 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. I could say that she has a lot of knowledge and experience in knitting, and she introduced me to various knitting styles that are really well-known. So I had to make sure it was kept clean, which meant dumping it if it was full when I arrived. During that time, I developed strong relationships with my patients and their families, providing compassionate care while helping them maintain their independence. If not, explain that you are eager to learn about such devices and that you understand their importance in providing quality care for elderly patients. "Thats an aggressive rollout, and we need to make sure psychologistsincluding generalists and those in subfields that regularly work with older adults such as rehabilitation psychology, clinical neuropsychology and clinical health psychologyare involved with this and informing the whole health-care team about how to meet the mental health needs of older adults.". I believe that everyone deserves dignity and respect, regardless of age, and I strive to create an environment where my patients can feel safe and secure.. Learn more about how to work with older adults, and read about 14 careers that involve working with older adults. Practitioners working with older adults find it useful to be cognizant of the strengths that many older people possess including the opportunities for using skills and adaptations they have developed over their lifespan for continued psychological growth in late life. Mr. C used to be a brilliant musician, even having a band back in the days of his youth. Additionally, you could suggest activities such as light exercise, reading, music, or hobbies that might help to reduce stress and lift their mood. Dr. Smith gently pursues her reasons. Mrs. C used to be a master crocheter. Having physical, sensory, or cognitive impairments does not lessen the maturity of an adult patient. 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. If you, or your loved one, is having a medical emergency, you should contact 911 immediately. If you have any specific examples of how you kept them mentally stimulated, this is a great place to highlight those. I have experience driving seniors to appointments or errands, as well as helping out with light housekeeping tasks. HelenDucal writes: I have worked for 18 years as a live-in carer in the private sector, (in client's homes). Finally, emphasize that safety and well-being are always top priorities when caring for an elderly patient. Describe your experience working with dementia patients. This question will help a potential employer understand how you handle difficult conversations, and how you prioritize the needs of the elderly patient. Americans 65 years and older by 2035, compared with 76.5 million children under 18, 21.1 million Then, give your opinion on what you expect to happen in the health care industry. However, prevalence estimates suggest that 20-22 percent of older adults meet criteria for a mental disorder. Her dementia was not too severe, so we had some great times together, even celebrating New Years Eve. We would look through photo albums, read Mr. Cs memoirs, talk about different topics (usually about her past), read poetry, listen to music or even watch television. 13.1. Who Are the Elderly? They are also interested in hearing about any specific techniques or strategies you use to ensure that the elderly patients you care for feel comfortable and respected. The purpose of this paper is to describe and discuss both assessment and psychotherapeutic techniques that can be applied in primary-care medicine for . But before you get to show off your skills and experience, you must first answer some tough questions. It also gives you a chance to demonstrate your problem-solving skills in a difficult situation. You should be prepared to discuss the strategies you use to build trust and rapport with elderly patients. Explain the techniques you use to de-escalate a situation, such as speaking calmly and using positive reinforcement. Another cause for concern is substance use problems among older adults. I often find myself learning way more from them than they are getting from me.". It is intended to serve as a resource in response to the Institute on Medicine's 2011 report, "The Geriatric Mental Health and Substance Use Workforce: In Whose Hands?" Then, discuss the various strategies you use to keep them engaged and active. You can talk about things like taking time to listen to their stories, offering companionship, being patient with them, and respecting their autonomy. It requires a deep understanding of the needs of elderly people, and how to best meet those needs in a safe and compassionate way. How do you handle situations where an elderly patient is resistant to treatment or medication? I still have one of the stars we made together in my box of treasures. The interviewer wants to know that you can build a relationship with your elderly patients and that you understand the importance of trust and rapport in elderly care. They might communicate slower, but they certainly aren't stupid. The best way to answer this question is to provide specific examples of how you have helped elderly patients stay engaged and active. Leveraging decades of experience, they deliver valuable advice to help you feel confident and prepared for your interview.

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