Nursing Assistant Monthly MAY 2007 Caring for a younger resident

Challenges and rewards

Caring for a younger resident

Nursing Assistant Monthly MAY 2007 Caring for a younger resident

How many younger residents are there?

Research shows that approximately

10 percent of nursing home residents in

the U.S. are under the age of 65.

Nursing Assistant Monthly MAY 2007 Caring for a younger resident

•Disability from birth•Disability due to injury•Mental illness•Early onset of diseases such as:

•Multiple sclerosis (MS)•Stroke•Parkinson’s disease•Dementia

•Rehabilitation (usually shorter term stay)

Why younger adults enter nursing homes

Nursing Assistant Monthly MAY 2007 Caring for a younger resident

Younger residents’ needs• Most nursing homes are geared for older adults

• Younger residents often need:

» help finding ways to connect with peers

» special care related to their disability (example: mobility equipment)

» emotional support in grieving loss of independence at a young age

» help finding activities geared for younger person

» lots of encouragement

Nursing Assistant Monthly MAY 2007 Caring for a younger resident

Caring for younger residents-points to remember

• Boredom is a common problem

• Help resident to find an activity he/she enjoys

• Help resident to find ways to spend time with

others in the same age group

• Encourage family to visit if they can

• Help resident to locate a support group for others

with similar challenges (social worker can help)

Nursing Assistant Monthly MAY 2007 Caring for a younger resident

Dating and sexual expression

•Dating and sexuality may be a priority for a younger

resident

•The resident may need support and guidance from a

counselor, social worker, or chaplain

•Encourage socializing with similar others in resident’s age

group

•Respect the resident’s need for sexual expression

•Offer privacy

Nursing Assistant Monthly MAY 2007 Caring for a younger resident

Depression risk

Younger residents are at risk for depression, especially when

•there has been sudden loss of independence

•there are many unfulfilled dreams

•he/she experiences chronic or significant pain

•family or friends don’t visit often

Nursing Assistant Monthly MAY 2007 Caring for a younger resident

Watch for and report signs of depression

• Persistent sad mood

• Loss of interest in activities he/she once

enjoyed

• Talk of death or suicide

• Crying

• Excessive sleeping

• Appetite changes (loss of interest in food/

overeating)

For example: