In particular, it behooves practitioners to consider potential confounds that may affect performance including sensory deficits, disability, language barriers or lack of access to resources (e.g., formal education) and to select culturally appropriate assessment instruments as available. . What Is Relevant Social Work Experience? (With 10 Examples) - Job Search Start by talking about your experience in the field and any certifications or additional training you have received. Do you have experience administering medications to elderly patients? Older adults are at increased risk for alcohol-related problems due to age-related physiological changes. Mrs. C used to be a master crocheter. One of the most important responsibilities of an elderly caregiver is to ensure that their patients are receiving proper nutrition. You could also talk about any certifications or training you may have related to medication administration. Some mental health disorders have unique presentations in older adults. What strategies do you use to ensure safety and security for elderly patients? Dr. Smith gently pursues her reasons. The InterviewPrep Team is a highly skilled and diverse assembly of career counselors and subject matter experts. How do you handle situations where an elderly patient is resistant to treatment or medication? What strategies do you use to help elderly patients stay engaged and active? Take your loved one to a memory disorder clinic, if one exists in your community, to get an accurate diagnosis. Explain how you kept your composure and showed empathy for the patient, even in difficult situations. Of course, practitioners are not the only psychologists needed to support this population. It was an elderly couple, Mr. and Mrs. C, where Mrs. C had Alzheimers. They may also be looking for examples of your ability to anticipate and respond to the needs of your patients. What experience do you have working with elderly patients? Showing that you have the skills, empathy, and patience to handle difficult situations with elderly patients is key in order to be successful in this role. Psychological issues experienced by older adults may differ according to factors such as age cohort, gender, race, ethnicity and cultural background, sexual orientation, disability status, rural/frontier living status, education and socioeconomic status, and religion. How your resume should look: The job title on your resume should match your application for the role. I didnt know how to sew, so she had to guide me through the basics. Finally, emphasize that safety and well-being are always top priorities when caring for an elderly patient. You should be prepared to discuss the strategies you use to build trust and rapport with elderly patients. Aging in Society Understand the difference between senior age groups (young-old, middle-old, and old-old) Describe the "greying of Canada" as the population experiences increased life expectancies Examine aging as a global issue Studying aging populations Phases of aging: the young-old, middle-old, and old-old It is rewarding and fun. Im also knowledgeable about medication management and how to ensure that medications are taken correctly and on time. I have been a certified nursing assistant for the past five years and I have worked in both residential and long-term care settings. One example is CONAs 2017 work with APAs Teachers of Psychology in Secondary Schools (TOPSS) to develop the theme for the TOPSS annual essay contest for high school psychology students. 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. ", Much of this stigma stems from societywide negative attitudes about agingand may obscure the rewards of working with older adults, says Emery-Tiburcio. When I was young, I cared for my grandmother, and volunteered in nursing homes and for the Meals on Wheels program. Work history. The interviewer wants to make sure you have the necessary experience to provide care for elderly patients. Finally, demonstrate your commitment to providing quality care by talking about specific ways in which you have provided excellent care in the past. Stay positive when you describe the situation and . Physical challenges, slow movement, forgetfulness . Ethical and legal issues may also arise while providing services to older adults (e.g., issues of confidentiality within families and facilities). 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. But with any level of dementia, there are extra demands on an in-home care provider. The couple had a lovely baby grand in the living room. Seniors are extremely vulnerable and require special attention. Working with the elderly can be challenging, so its important to show that you understand the importance of keeping them mentally stimulated. Advance pricing ends June 30. Next, we describe the role nurse practitioners play in caring for vulnerable patients, and the specific responsibilities that fall under the purview of a nurse practitioner. 1. Other responsibilities included cooking meals, taking them shopping (I would drive their car), helping Mrs. C get up in the morning, getting her in the shower, picking out her clothes and helping her get dressed. Eventually, I decided I would explore becoming a professional senior care provider. Rates may be even higher among older adults in residential facilities. I also understand the importance of maintaining such devices, and Im comfortable performing basic maintenance tasks like cleaning and replacing parts. Multiple evidence-based therapies have demonstrated utility in the treatment of depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance, pain, sexual issues, alcohol abuse and interpersonal relationship difficulties. It also gave me some experience with senior care. The Alzheimers training I received was indispensable. Elderly caregiving is a highly specialized field. An interviewer will want to know if you have the organizational skills and compassion necessary to provide the best care. I find that speaking in a calm, reassuring voice and offering gentle reminders can help de-escalate the situation. Explain how you take into account their age, medical history, mobility issues, dietary restrictions, and any other relevant factors when providing care. Jennifer Moye, PhD Shed laugh and laugh. 25, No. Best Caregiver Resume Example - Pro Tips and How To Guide I understand the importance of responding quickly and efficiently in emergency situations and Im confident in my ability to handle them with the utmost care and attention.. One could make the case that it is the ideal job. These might include playing board games, doing puzzles, taking walks, reading books together, or engaging in other activities that stimulate their minds. Her hands were too shaky to do the work herself, but she was sharp enough to teach me. Cognitive screening typically involves use of brief instruments to identify global impairment with high sensitivity but with relatively low diagnostic specificity. Accurate understanding of the professional roles and services, regulatory requirements and operational challenges faced by other professionals can be important when providing effective interdisciplinary collaboration. APA Guidelines for Psychological Practice With Older Adults, Council of Professional Geropsychology Training Programs, Competence in and attitudes toward working with older adults, APA Prolonging Vitality: Insights from Psychological Science, APA Guidelines for Assessment of and Intervention With Persons With Disabilities, APA Guidelines for Psychological Practice With Sexual Minority Persons (PDF, 1.5MB), APA Multicultural Aging and Mental Health Resource Guide, APA Multicultural Competency in Geropsychology, Minority Aging and Health Disparities (National Institutes of Health), APA Aging and Human Sexuality Resource Guide, Elder abuse: How to spot warning signs, get help and report mistreatment, APA Older Adults and Insomnia Resource Guide, The State of Mental Health and Aging in America (Issue Brief #1: What Do the Data Tell Us?) So, when should you be concerned? (2018, December 1). This question is designed to evaluate your ability to handle such a situation. 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). As the need for mental health services grows in the older population, additional geriatric health care providers will be required. But the company offered excellent training and worked hard to pair up their caregivers with someone who shared similar interests. Her dementia was not too severe, so we had some great times together, even celebrating New Years Eve. Caring for elderly patients requires a special level of attention and patience. Talk about how you would explain the importance of compliance in a way that is respectful, understanding, and non-judgmental. I thrive on working with others on solution-based outcomes. For example, I often take my elderly patients for walks around the neighborhood so they can appreciate the beauty of nature, or we play board games in order to stimulate their minds. I have six years of experience in geriatric medicine, and before that, I worked for two years in a medical center where I helped to treat many geriatric 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. www.apa.org/workforce/publications/supply-demand/demand-age-groups.pdf, Ethical Practice in Geropsychology You should provide examples of how you have made elderly patients feel comfortable and respected in the past. Having physical, sensory, or cognitive impairments does not lessen the maturity of an adult patient. Mrs. Houssani explains that it is Ramadan and she cannot eat or drink from sunrise to sunset. I also try to provide a calming presence and remind everyone of the importance of putting the patients wellbeing first. Mrs. C would let me tinker on the piano from time to time, even though I could only play beginner music. I had recently moved to the area, and it quickly became apparent how difficult it was for them both. You can also mention any strategies you have used before, such as providing incentives or rewards for compliant behavior. Barry Edelstein, PhD What is your experience taking care of an elderly family member? - Quora However, age had taken a toll on his ears, and he could not hear notes correctly. 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. Estimating the current mental health workforce serving older adults remains challenging. Adam Brickman, PhD Compassion. I had to use tricks and tactics to get her to comply with ordinary tasks like taking a shower. Ive had success in the past building strong relationships with elderly patients, and I look forward to doing the same in my next role.. it means the medicine and any lifestyle changes you have made are working. 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. Anxiety disorders, while relatively common in older adults, are not part of normal aging. Usually, she didnt remember that we had just gotten back. Symptoms are typically similar to those of young adults, but the content of older adults' fears and worries tend to be age related (e.g., health concerns). "In many peoples lives, older adults are kind of invisible," Qualls says. Additionally, I make sure to provide companionship and encourage participation in social activities, such as attending community events or visiting friends and family. Individuals who work in senior living communities often feel that they get back as much or more than they give. The contest asked students to describe an "Aging World," and provide information . This training is particularly essential as the country continues to move toward "age-friendly health systems," an approach that focuses on the four Ms: mobility, medications, mentation/mental activity, and what matters. With nearly two-thirds of psychology health service providers reporting that they occasionally, frequently or very frequently provide care to adults age 65 and older, according to a 2015 APA survey, its also important that even those without specific geropsychology training understand older adults, says Emery-Tiburcio. 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. Main Menu. I had to help her get on it and then dump and clean it. Additionally, it would be beneficial to discuss any safety protocols you follow when administering medication to ensure the patients safety. When answering this question, its important to emphasize your ability to build relationships and provide emotional support. 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. 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. Then, discuss the various strategies you use to keep them engaged and active. My ultimate goal is to make sure the patient is safe, secure, and comfortable in their environment.. Practitioners are encouraged to be proficient in the functional assessment of strengths and limitations in activities of daily living (such as bathing) and independent activities of daily living (such as managing finances) in the context of environmental demands and supports. Information is empowering. "Theres a large body of evidence pointing to the range of caregiving outcomes that affect the well-being of the care recipient as well," says Gaugler, past president of APA Div. 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. There are a variety of conceptions of successful late adult development. "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. that highlights the necessity of increasing the geriatric workforce to address mental health and substance use needs of older adults. The only difficult part was that her commode was in the same room. 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. Start by discussing your understanding of the physical and mental needs of elderly patients. So I had to make sure it was kept clean, which meant dumping it if it was full when I arrived. Pair these needs with the meager number of psychologists who specialize in geropsychologyonly 1.2 percent of psychologists, according to 2018 data from APAs Center for Workforce Studiesand its clear there is a crisis brewing when it comes to serving older adults (Training and Education in Professional Psychology, in press). For example, if the patient is a music lover, I might play some of their favorite songs and discuss the lyrics. Another cause for concern is substance use problems among older adults. It goes without saying that patience and compassion are often needed when dealing with the elderly. 2016 data from the Centers for Disease Control and, www.apa.org/workforce/publications/supply-demand/demand-age-groups.pdf. What steps do you take to ensure that elderly patients receive proper nutrition? She says that the need for psychologists who can work with both older adults who might be experiencing cognitive issues as well as their caregivers continues to grow exponentially. 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. Its also a way of seeing how you can help create an environment that encourages them to be active and engaged in activities that are appropriate for their age and health. Brian Carpenter, PhD . Working with elderly people is not your typical job but it can be a very rewarding experience. 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. The aging population continues growing in number, diversity and mental health needs. What strategies do you use to keep elderly patients mentally stimulated? Families can often have different opinions and expectations when it comes to the care of their elderly loved ones, and its important that a caregiver can handle those situations with tact and diplomacy. This includes using standardized measures shown to be reliable and valid with this population and/or measures with age appropriate normative data. Being able to come up with strategies to keep them engaged and active is a key job requirement. So I had to make sure it was kept clean, which meant dumping it if it was full when I arrived. This includes the elderly, those in hospice care and people with other impactful medical conditions. In general, most older adults have good mental health. Caregivers must be able to communicate effectively with their elderly patients, but this can be difficult when language barriers are present. Researchers are also needed to explore such areas as cognitive changes; adjustment to and potentially poor treatment of multimorbidity; sexuality and sexual health; caregiver and family stress; and more. Practitioners are encouraged to consider methods of assessment appropriate for older adults. This could include providing companionship, helping them take part in hobbies they enjoy, or encouraging them to participate in social activities. I stayed with them for a long time. Additionally, Im aware of the importance of socialization and communication for elderly patients, so I make sure to take the time to talk with them and listen to their stories. Caregivers must be able to work with elderly patients who may not always be compliant with their care regimens. Many current professors of aging are nearing retirement, and the pipeline to fill their spots hasnt been able to keep up. Finally, talk about how you adjust these strategies depending on the patients needs and interests. Glenn Smith, PhD, Why Practitioners Need Information About Working with Older Adults, Competence in and Attitudes Toward Working With Older Adults, General Knowledge About Adult Development, Aging and Older Adults, Intervention, Consultation and Other Service Provision, Advancing psychology to benefit society and improve lives. The older adult population is highly diverse and is expected to become even more so in the coming decades. I believe that building trust and rapport with elderly patients is essential to providing quality care. I also respect their autonomy and make sure to give them choices whenever possible. I also made sure to establish regular communication with the family so they could be kept up-to-date on the patients progress. What would you do if an elderly patient was exhibiting signs of depression or anxiety? By using this website, you agree to all the Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy. Elderly caregiving is not just about providing basic physical care, but also about keeping your patients mentally and emotionally engaged. 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. This question is designed to assess the candidates ability to handle difficult situations with compassion and understanding, as well as his or her ability to think on their feet and come up with creative solutions. Mr. C told me that I was like a daughter to him. Additionally, discuss any strategies that you use to ensure that your elderly patients are as comfortable and happy as possible. How do you handle conflicts between elderly patients and their family members? Then, explain the strategies you use to ensure safety and security for elderly patients. Persons with multiple minority statuses have often suffered discrimination from the larger society, including from the mental health professions. Example: I understand that elderly care is a highly specialized field and requires an in-depth knowledge of the needs of elderly patients. Caregivers need to have a lot of patience and understanding when it comes to elderly patients. I think anyone's experience depends on a few factors 1. "So, a powerful positive experience personally creates visibility. "Its just not a sexy choice to be in aging. If you stop taking your medicine, your blood . Older adults, those aged 60 or above, make important . 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. And with a few struggles, she taught me how to make them too. For example, late-life depression may have a relative emphasis on somatic rather than emotional symptoms. , Vol. Led by the American Hospital Associations Health Research & Educational Trust, the Institute for Healthcare Improvement and the Catholic Health Association of the United States, the method is designed to ensure that older adults get the best care possible. If you dont have much experience in this area, explain how you would handle an emergency situation involving an elderly patient, such as calling 911 immediately and providing basic first aid until help arrives. The heterogeneity among older adults surpasses that seen in other age groups. Mental health and well-being are as important in older age as at any other time of life. I worked with a few different people until I found a regular client that was the perfect fit for me. Qualls also points to the need to foster student engagement with older adults through coursework, service learning opportunities or other initiatives. This publication is designed to provide psychologists and other health care practitioners with resources, tools and information to enhance their work with older adults (defined as persons 65 years of age and older). I have had some experience working with non-English speaking patients in the past, and I am confident in my ability to quickly learn new words and phrases in order to better understand them. Above all, I strive to provide the highest quality of care, with empathy and compassion.. This helps me anticipate their needs before they even become issues.. A confirmed diagnosis is essential in accurately determining treatment options, identifying risks, and planning for the future. Interviewers want to make sure you have the necessary skills to handle such situations with care, compassion, and respect. I then work with them to come up with a solution that meets both of their needs. 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. Despite the broad range of exciting opportunities for practice with older adults, not enough practitioners exist to keep pace with the increasing demand for psychological services. 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. The aging of the population is creating unprecedented opportunities and responsibilities for psychologists, but drawing them into the geropsychology field remains a challenge. APA, 2017, 78 million Estimating the current mental health workforce serving older adults remains challenging. Example: I take the time to get to know each of my elderly patients. To allow him some free time, I was hired to sit with her during her lunch hour. Their lives can be incredibly lonely, and a good caregiver can meet that need in many ways, sometimes being their sole companion. Example: When it comes to end-of-life decisions, I always strive to ensure that the patient and their family are comfortable and informed. 6 Tips for Strengthening Customer Service for Seniors This includes consideration of the older adult's ethnic, racial and cultural background but also other factors, such as degree of health literacy and prior experience with mental health providers. Advancing psychology to benefit society and improve lives. Irene M. Deitch, PhD APA Guidelines 1 and 2: Competence in and attitudes toward working with older adults. Nonetheless, a common consensus is the current workforce is insufficient to meet current and anticipated future demand. Approximately 15% of adults aged 60 and over suffer from a mental disorder. Answers that include a focus on the elderly person's needs, such as a need for companionship, are best. The work is not difficult. The field has also put an increased focus on attracting and supporting professionals throughout their careers working to improve the lives of older adults. It is useful for the practitioner to distinguish normative patterns of change from non-normative changes, and to determine the extent to which an older adults presenting problems are symptoms of physical illness, or represent the adverse consequences of medication. Working with older adults 3. Answer (1 of 12): My experience was a mixed bag. Common Elderly Caregiver Interview Questions. But while such efforts offer hope for the future, for now there continue to be too few psychologists who specialize in agingparticularly academic psychologists to train the next generation of geropsychologists, Carpenter says. 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. By engaging in these activities, I am able to foster a sense of purpose and help keep my patients healthy and happy..
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