Geriatric Care Worker Research Paper

A geriatric care worker is a health and human services specialist who acts as a guide and advocate for families who are caring for older relatives or disabled adults. The growing population is increasing the number of elderly individuals due to America’s advanced medical facilities and advancement in medical research. The eldercare workforce stated that “America faces an unprecedented challenge. The number of people reaching retirement will double in number by 2030, accounting for an increase from 12 percent of the U.S. population to almost 20 percent” (“Caring for an Aging America: Meeting the Health Care Needs of Older Adults”). The growing number of retirement age individuals means there will be an increase in jobs available in the area …show more content…
Oftentimes they work under the direction of a licensed practical nurse or a Registered Nurse”(“How to Become an Elder Care Worker”). A geriatric care worker is responsible for many tasks throughout the day. One big task involves nutrition and assisting the patient with feeding. In order to ensure a balanced diet, the geriatric care worker gives certain measurements and intervals of food and drink. Nourishment of the body has a substantial impact on one’s health and can be very beneficial or detrimental in the treatment process. Oral care is provided daily by the geriatric care worker, typically before breakfast. Oral care has many proven benefits including decreasing the chances of tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. The geriatric care worker must ensure they provide this care daily along with other tasks such as daily motion. Daily motion and movement is key to prevention of muscle atrophy and decreases loss of bone mass. The human body cannot sit or lay in one place for long periods of time. Exercise benefits the body in many ways and it is essential that the geriatric care worker provides the patient the opportunity to exercise daily. A geriatric care worker is also responsible for assisting to the patient to the restroom. Howevers, if the patient is bedridden then the geriatric care worker is responsible for allowing the resident to use a bedpan or in some cases a bedside commode. After the patient has successfully used the bathroom, the geriatric care worker is responsible for the cleaning the resident’s genital area. Another responsibility of the geriatric care worker is to bathe and clothes the patient. Washing the body helps to prevent infection and