CHALLENGES IN GERONTOLOGICAL CARE K.L. Sharma | Sandra P. Hirst (Eds.)

Challenges in Gerontological Care explores a wide range of topics. These include the diversity of vulnerability in older adults, strategies to help address their diminished reserve, and ways to improve their well-being in the last phase of their lives. The domains of challenges and required nursing care, family care, and tertiary care have been discussed, emphasising demographic and other influences on the availability of family, social, and governmental support. The promotion of healthy lifestyles and the development of coping skills, strong family and social ties, and active interests throughout the life course will build reserves and ensure they are robust in later life. Some physical and psychological challenges that adults may face as they age cannot be modified, but others can. Interventions to develop compensatory supports include access to stable housing, good acute care and rehabilitation when needed, substitute professional, social, and psychological help in times of crisis, long-term assistance, and income support. Policy initiatives to reduce vulnerability can ensure that adults reach later life with ‘reserve,’ thus reducing the challenges they face later.

With its comprehensive exploration of the challenges in gerontological care, this book has the potential to inspire significant change in the field. It will be a valuable resource for geriatric nurses, social workers, healthcare professionals, and gerontologists, equipping them with the knowledge and strategies to serve older adults better.