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Articles related to focusing on healthy aging, prevention, mobility, cognition, nutrition, independence, and caregiving support.

3 min

What do gems stand for in healthcare?: Decoding the Acronym

While the term 'gems' might conjure up images of precious stones, in healthcare, it has a very specific and important meaning. A significant number of emergency medical transports involve older adults—one study found that between 1997 and 2000, older adults made up 38% of EMS transports to an emergency department. This statistic underscores the critical need for specialized training, which is exactly what do gems stand for in healthcare.

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4 min

When Would the Geriatric Depression Scale Be Used?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, depression is not a normal part of aging, yet millions of older adults are clinically depressed. The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) is a specialized screening tool used to help identify symptoms of depression in this population, but when exactly would the geriatric depression scale be used?.

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7 min

Which action will the nurse take if elder mistreatment is suspected?

According to the National Council on Aging, as many as 1 in 10 Americans aged 60 and older have experienced some form of elder abuse. When a nurse suspects elder mistreatment, their primary and immediate action is to ensure the patient's safety and initiate the mandatory reporting protocol according to state laws and facility policy.

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4 min

What are the Objectives of CGA? A Guide to Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment

Studies show that older adults who receive a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) in hospital settings are more likely to be alive and living at home at follow-up. This multidisciplinary diagnostic and therapeutic process determines the medical, psychosocial, and functional limitations of frail older people, addressing the core question of **what are the objectives of CGA** in clinical practice.

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4 min

Can you use FLACC for adults? Understanding pain assessment in non-verbal patients

The Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) behavioral pain scale, though developed for pediatric patients, has been shown to be a reliable tool for assessing pain in certain adult populations. This raises a key question for caregivers and clinicians: can you use FLACC for adults, and if so, when is it appropriate?

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4 min

What is the Johns Hopkins fall risk assessment tool?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults. Healthcare professionals utilize specific screening instruments to combat this preventable issue and identify at-risk individuals. The Johns Hopkins fall risk assessment tool (JHFRAT) was developed to aid medical staff in determining whether an adult inpatient has a low, moderate, or high risk of falling during their stay.

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