Nursing-Focused Assessment for Older Adults

Study Notes

Nursing-focused assessments are used to determine the ability of older adults to meet their health and illness-related needs.
These assessments identify patient strengths and limitations to deliver effective and appropriate interventions.
The goals of a nursing-focused assessment are to support, promote, and restore optimal function, as well as prevent disability and dependence.
Nursing-focused assessment requires the application of various skills and abilities.
The assessment process involves considering complex and varied issues.
It's crucial to have a solid gerontologic knowledge base for effective assessment.
Repeated practice is essential to acquire the art of assessment.
Nurses must recognize responses that reflect unmet needs.
Numerous frameworks and tools are available to guide nurses in assessing older adults.

### Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA)

CGA is considered the multidisciplinary geriatric tool of choice for determining the clinical profile, pathological risk, and residual skills of an older adult.
CGA helps define personalized therapeutic and care plans and facilitates clinical decision-making.
When screening suggests potential frailties, performing a CGA is recommended to identify risks better and tailor treatment accordingly.
CGA is an interdisciplinary approach that produces problem lists and develops goal-driven interventions.
It provides and coordinates an integrated treatment, rehabilitation, support, and long-term care plan.

Physical Medical Conditions: Addressing existing medical diagnoses and managing ongoing health issues.
Mental Health Conditions: Recognizing and addressing any mental health concerns that may be present.
Functioning: Evaluating the patient's performance in Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs).
Social Circumstances: Assessing social support networks, family dynamics, and social engagement.
Environment: Evaluating the home environment, living arrangements, and access to resources.

Habits: Identifying behaviors that can impact health, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and sedentary lifestyle.
Assess potential health hazards to identify risk factors for illness and injury, such as falls, medication errors, and malnutrition.