Role of Geriatric Care Assistant

Who is a geriatric assistant? What are the possible roles a geriatric assistant needs to take up? Geriatric Care Assistants (GCAs), also known as Nursing Aides or Elderly Care Attendants, typically operate in the settings of hospitals, homes, and Old Age Homes. Geriatric nursing assistants are allied health professionals focusing on providing health and hygiene services to the elderly. They might be employed by long-term care facilities, nursing homes, or hospitals. To give their patients the recommended healthcare services, they collaborate with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. They are typically referred to as patient care assistants or nursing assistants abroad.

Empathy, fundamental communication skills, a willingness to learn about geriatric conditions and special needs, the ability to follow directions, and the ability to act morally are all necessary for working with elderly and sick people.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist elderly patients with hygiene; reposition non-ambulatory patients
• Assist patients with transferring between bed and chair or with walking
• Help the patient take care of themselves, dress, and bathe
• Encourage the patient to eat and drink by providing oral or assisted feedings, for example. RT Feeds
• Help the person maintain regular bowel movements
• Keeping the perineum clean and taking care of catheterized patients
• Control and prevent infection in the household
• Treatment of Alzheimer’s sufferers
• Help elderly, paralysed, or immobile patients adjust to changes in their health and well-being and interact with patients.
• When a patient is paralysed or immobile and at risk of falling, implement interventions.
• Behaving within the parameters of one’s power and competence
• Cooperate well with others
• Organise tasks to satisfy deadlines.
• Ensure a secure, safe, and healthy atmosphere
• Observe the code of conduct when carrying out your tasks.
• Observe biomedical waste disposal guidelines.
• Help patients who are semi-conscious or immobilised with their drug regimen.
• Taking care of immobile people to avoid injuries and bed sores
• Determine risk factors and occurrences, then notify the family, doctor, and nurse right away.

Essential Skills:

• Patience
• An attitude to care
• Communication
• Active listening
• Emotional stability
• Flexibility
• Physical strength/ Stamina
• Critical thinking
• Problem-solving
• Time management
• Manual dexterity

As a geriatric nursing assistant or aide, you regularly monitor the comfort and well-being of older patients.

Certification

In any field, certificates that have been accepted by recognised bodies are always advantageous. Having certification is crucial, especially for those working in the medical field. Nursing assistants who work in nursing homes may need to obtain state certification; they must be registered and/or certified by the state. Certification in Geriatric care diploma courses provided by authorized organizations. In clinics, hospitals, assisted living communities, and critical care units, geriatric nursing assistants support licenced nurses. You might be able to visit a patient in their home with the help of a home nursing agency. As the population ages and healthcare facilities require more assistance in caring for their senior patients, there should be a rise in the number of opportunities for geriatric nursing assistants. Hospitals are also attempting to save expenses by placing a growing proportion of senior citizens in long-term care facilities.

A variety of allied professions, including medical assisting and licensed practical or vocational nursing, may be of interest to those considering a career in geriatric nursing aid. Both of these occupations need post-secondary education and entail providing attentive patient care under the supervision of medical professionals, much as geriatric nursing support. If they want to provide personalised healthcare to patients, they could work as personal care or home health aides. Because care in assisted living and nursing homes must be offered around the clock, many geriatric assistants put in a variety of shifts.

The goal is to help seniors maintain their independence and quality of life while providing the necessary care and support. By fulfilling these traits with a whole heart both the elders and the caregivers are satisfied. From providing compassionate care to offering valuable companionship, these professionals contribute significantly to the quality of life for seniors. As our population ages, recognizing and appreciating the importance of geriatric assistants becomes imperative in building a more compassionate and supportive community for our elderly citizens.