Age Specific Care

1. Age Specific Care

2. Age-Specific Considerationsfor Pediatric Patients

3. Children are very special people…not just miniature adults! As a child grows older and changes, they move through stages. Everyone grows and develops in a similar way. The stages are related to their age and therefore, share certain qualities at each stage.

4. Important! Even though children go through stages, everyone develops at his/her own RATE! Every patient is an individual with his or her own… • Likes and dislikes • Feelings, thoughts & beliefs • Limitations and abilities • Life experiences

5. As caregivers, we must… Know enough about the different stages of childhood development that we interact with the children in a way that is positive and helpful for them. Understand that the hospitalized child requires sensitivity and special actions.

6. Infancy(Birth through 1 year) • Parental involvement when appropriate • Stay in infants line of vision • Place familiar object with baby (stuffed animal, etc.) • Pacifier, talk softly, touch • Cuddle, hug after procedure • Adequately restrain • Model desired behavior (opening mouth)

7. Infancy • Stable, caring relationships • Verbal, auditory, visual and tactile stimulation • Reduction and control of negative stimuli • Satisfaction through pleasurable stimuli (sucking, stroking) • Opportunities for motor development and neuromuscular control • Recognition of the individuality of the infants responses • Appreciation of individual patterns • Consistency in care • Support, preparation and teaching for parents

8. Toddlers(1 year – 3 years) • Continuing relationships with parents • Space for mobility and exploration • Consistency in daily routine • Opportunity for play • Continuity of familiar routines of eating, toileting, and sleeping • Acceptance of regression under the stress of hospitalization • Continued contact with security objects

9. Toddlers • Opportunity to express independence • Detailed preparation for parents and brief preparation for the child • Reassurance and brief explanations of procedures or treatments

10. Toddlers • Involve child in procedure by allowing him/her to play with equipment when appropriate. • Use play; demonstrate on doll, stuffed animal • Consistency with daily routines • Explain procedure in relation to what child sees, hears, etc. • Emphasize being still • Let them know – “It’s okay to cry” • Give one direction at a time

11. Preschoolers_(3 years-6 years) • Identification of fears, misconceptions, fantasies, and offering appropriate support and clarification • Recognition of the importance of parental involvement • Opportunity for play and mobility • More detailed explanations and preparations for procedures • Recognition of individuality • Continued contacts with security objects

12. Preschoolers • Explain in simple terms • Demonstrate procedure • Allow to play with equipment/dolls • Encourage child to talk; let them ask questions to clarify • Tell them “this is not punishment”- “you haven’t done anything wrong”

13. School Age(6 years-12 years) • Use of intellectualization as a coping mechanism • More detailed preparation and explanation of procedures • Increased participation in self care and treatment • Continuation of school and age-appropriate educational activities • Opportunity to play and continue with interests and hobbies • Involvement with peers • Continuing need for parents’ presence

14. School Age • Explain using correct terms • Explain reasons – use simple diagrams • Allow to ask questions • Prepare in advance • Tell what is expected • Suggest breathing, counting, etc. • Include in decision (where to get injection, etc.) • Encourage participation • Provide privacy

15. Adolescents(12 years-19 years) • Contact and involvement with peers • Opportunities for increasing independence and responsibility • Recognition of concerns about body image • Need for privacy • Continuation of activities such as schooling, music, telephoning, eating and sleeping patterns

16. Adolescents • Detailed preparation and explanations • Opportunity to talk about concerns with staff and peers • Appropriate parental involvement

17. Adolescents • Explain and give reasons • Encourage questions • Provide privacy • Discuss “after effects”- scars, etc. • Involve in decision making and planning • Accept regression and resentment of authority

18. Adults to age 64 years • Involve these patients in their care, treatment, diagnosis, and procedures • Family support and visitors are necessary to their improvement\ • Allow them to verbalize fears, anxiety, and concerns related to their care

19. Geriatrics 65 + • It is crucial to maintain a safe environment for these patients (side rails up, falls prevention, mobility needs, and communication) • Prior to performing any treatments or procedures, explain fully to the patient and allow time for questions • Provide for sensory losses such as visual impairment and hearing loss • Involve the family in the patients care and decision making

20. In summary… • Know developmental levels and stages. • Keep in mind the importance of family-centered care • Remember to address both the physical and emotional needs of the patient.