NU 455 - Gerontological Policy, Service and Social Issues

• Intervene to assist older adults and their support networks to achieve personal goals, based on the analysis of the living environment and availability of community resources (AACN Gerontological Essential VII)
• Analyze actual or potential mistreatment (physical, mental or financial abuse, and/or self-neglect) in older adults and initiate appropriate referrals (AACN Gerontological Essential V)
• Recognize and respect the variations of care, the increased complexity, and the increased use of healthcare resources inherent in caring for older adults (AACN Gerontological Essentials IV & IX)
• Facilitate ethical, non-coercive decision making by older adults and/or families/caregivers for maintaining everyday living, receiving treatment, initiating advance directives, and implementing end-of-life care (AACN Gerontological Essential VIII)
• Promote evidence-based practice and Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) principles that promote safety in care (AACN Gerontological Essential II)
• Plan client-centered care with consideration for the caregivers and their mental and physical health (AACN Gerontological Essential IX)
• Utilize resources and programs to promote functional, physical, and mental wellness in older adults and their caregivers (AACN Gerontological Essential VII)

• Aging and caregiving
• Abuse/legal Issues
• Bioethics
• Economic resource issues
• Government/state policy issues on Medicare
• Health care economics
• QSEN/AHRQ social policy concerns and EBP
• Quality and safety initiatives
• Restraints (chemical and physical)