WHITE PINE, Michigan (September 17, 2013) – Fifty nurses from three Aspirus facilities in the Upper Peninsula gathered in White Pine on Monday for a two-day regional training program designed to help hospitals improve the care of older adults.
Introduction to Geriatrics and ACE (Acute Care of Elderly) was held at the Konteka Black Bear Resort, where nurses from Aspirus Keweenaw, Aspirus Ontonagon and Aspirus Ironwood Hospitals gained advance training in geriatric care. According to officials, more than 60 percent of U.P. hospital patients are 65 years of age or older.
During the two-day program, nurses gained in-depth training on best practices, covering topics including: geriatric assessment, transitions of care, nutrition, advanced directives, the 3 D’s (delirium, depression and dementia), maintaining mobility and ACE.
ACE is an evidence-based system of care specifically designed to address the needs of hospitalized older adults, and to improve clinical outcomes for older patients by preventing functional decline and other complications. It integrates a physical environment designed to foster functional independence, dedicated staff with expertise in aging, an inter-professional team approach, patient and family-centered care, and discharge planning to the least restrictive environment.
Participants also engaged in activities, including an age sensitivity training exercise. The exercise was designed to increase empathy, understanding and patience among nursing staff.
“We give them eye glasses that mimic cataracts. We put popcorn seeds in their shoes to make if feel like neuropathy. We tape their fingers together to make them arthritic-like. So they’re actively feeling like older adults,” said Patti Pagel, MSN, RN, GCNS-BC, a visiting presenter from Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare. “We put them in their patients’ shoes as best we can.”
Nurses also learned how to communicate effectively with patients and their family members, in particular, making sure all individuals are on the same page in terms of what’s best for the patient and their needs.
“It’s important that we include them in the care of their elderly, making sure they understand things we’re saying or telling their loved one. It’s also important that family members understand they can be a part of their loved ones’ care,” Aspirus U.P. Regional Chief Nursing Officer Grace Tousignant said.
Introduction to Geriatrics and ACE was sponsored by Aspirus Wausau Hospital. Nursing staff who completed the program received advanced training certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.