I did the crocheting, and she held the ball of yarn, unwinding it as I needed more. What mental health providers should know about working with older adults It also gives you a chance to demonstrate your problem-solving skills in a difficult situation. In my previous role as an elderly caregiver, I was praised by family members for going above and beyond to provide excellent care. 20 Must-Know Elderly Caregiver Interview Questions (With Answers How do you handle situations where an elderly patient is resistant to treatment or medication? When answering this question, its important to emphasize your ability to build relationships and provide emotional support. Talking With Your Older Patients | National Institute on Aging For example, I often take my elderly patients for walks around the neighborhood so they can appreciate the beauty of nature, or we play board games in order to stimulate their minds. This question will help a potential employer understand how you handle difficult conversations, and how you prioritize the needs of the elderly patient. It was an elderly couple, Mr. and Mrs. C, where Mrs. C had Alzheimers. Then, discuss the various strategies you use to keep them engaged and active. She had photo albums filled with pictures of her projects, many of which she donated to charity. Psychologists who specialize in treating these adults offer some ways to brush up onor . There are a variety of conceptions of successful late adult development. Its important for caregivers to be able to connect and build relationships with their patients, as well as provide emotional support. 3. By using this website, you agree to all the Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy. Describe a Skill that You Learned from Older People - IELTS Fever Free I still have one of the stars we made together in my box of treasures. Example: Yes, I have experience administering medications to elderly patients. Talk about strategies you would use to bridge the gap between languages, such as using gestures or facial expressions to convey meaning. Elderly care: your experiences - News, sport and opinion from the Add the company name, workplace location and dates of employment. Start by talking about your experience in the field and any certifications or additional training you have received. If you dont have one, you can talk through your approach to handling these types of situations and emphasize your commitment to putting the patients needs first while also respecting the familys wishes. I have had some experience working with non-English speaking patients in the past, and I am confident in my ability to quickly learn new words and phrases in order to better understand them. Id like to share my experiences as an In-Home Care Provider, Caring for the elderly is a rewarding experience in many ways. Nonetheless, a common consensus is the current workforce is insufficient to meet current and anticipated future demand. Medication management is an important part of elderly care, and being able to administer medication correctly and safely is a key part of the job. Working with older adults. Racial- and ethnic-minority older adults by 2030, increasing from 6.3 million in 2003, 70 Practitioners working with older adults find it useful to be cognizant of the strengths that many older people possess including the opportunities for using skills and adaptations they have developed over their lifespan for continued psychological growth in late life. Caregivers must be able to work with elderly patients who may not always be compliant with their care regimens. This means preparing meals, ensuring that they eat enough, and recognizing when there may be an issue with their diet. While opportunities abound for psychologists who want to work directly with older adults, they are particularly needed on integrated-care teams, says geropsychologist Maggie Syme, PhD, an assistant professor in the Center on Aging at Kansas State University. The best way to answer this question is by providing a real-life example of how you handled such a conflict in the past. Talk about activities that you have done with them in the past, like going for walks, playing board games, or engaging in conversation. Practitioners are encouraged to be proficient in the functional assessment of strengths and limitations in activities of daily living (such as bathing) and independent activities of daily living (such as managing finances) in the context of environmental demands and supports. The purpose of this paper is to describe and discuss both assessment and psychotherapeutic techniques that can be applied in primary-care medicine for . To allow him some free time, I was hired to sit with her during her lunch hour. My grandmother had taught me to crochet (before she had dementia), so I bought some yarn and found a pattern, and we crocheted matching scarves. However, one in four older adults will experience a mental health problem such as depression or anxiety, and the physical and cognitive changes some people experience as they age can make these issues even more challenging. Novotney, A. How do you handle emergency situations involving elderly patients? How your resume should look: The job title on your resume should match your application for the role. They need someone who is patient and can build trust and rapport with them, so they feel comfortable and safe in their care. The document "What Practitioners Should Know about Working with Older Adults" was developed in 1997 as an initiative of APA President Norman Abeles by the APA Working Group on the Older Adult Brochure. Describe your approach to providing emotional support to elderly patients. I stayed with them for a long time. I listen to their stories, ask questions, and show genuine interest in what they have to say. The document was revised to align with the APA Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Older Adults (2013) by the 2013 and 2014 APA Committee on Aging. Top Caregiver Interview Questions with Example Answers [2020] - Hiration But the companionship was easy. What steps do you take to ensure that elderly patients receive proper nutrition? In my previous role as an elderly caregiver, I responded to several falls and administered basic first aid until professional medical help arrived. People 65 years old and older are the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population. Life Lessons I've Learned Working with the Elderly - Study Breaks 10 Myths About Aging | National Institute on Aging Through the contests research and writing process, students learned about how to age well. Above all else, I am passionate about helping people who are facing physical or mental challenges due to aging. And one of the most rewarding benefits of caring for seniors is the relationships developed. "Older adults just bring such a richness of experience and so much complexity into our jobs as psychologists. The physical / cognitive problems that the caretaker and the senior will be dealing with. Additionally, you can share examples of times when youve successfully built these relationships with elderly patients in the past. Karen Roberto, PhD that highlights the necessity of increasing the geriatric workforce to address mental health and substance use needs of older adults. I have tried various care homes but often found the level of compassion is appalling.. Many older adults have significant psychological symptoms that are less impairing or distressing, but remain important to address. What strategies do you use to ensure safety and security for elderly patients? Question Overview: A caregiver candidate's answer should focus on the positive aspects of working with elderly people. Caregivers need to have a lot of patience and understanding when it comes to elderly patients. Seniors are extremely vulnerable and require special attention. It goes without saying that patience and compassion are often needed when dealing with the elderly. Some mental health disorders have unique presentations in older adults. To answer this question, you should talk about any prior experience administering medications to elderly patients. Despite the broad range of exciting opportunities for practice with older adults, not enough practitioners exist to keep pace with the increasing demand for psychological services. Common Elderly Caregiver Interview Questions. Common Elderly Caregiver interview questions, how to answer them, and sample answers from a certified career coach. To do this, I assess the patients home environment for potential risks, create an individualized safety plan based on their needs, and monitor their behavior and health to detect any changes that may indicate a need for additional care. When I was young, I cared for my grandmother, and volunteered in nursing homes and for the Meals on Wheels program. Additionally, discuss any strategies that you use to ensure that your elderly patients are as comfortable and happy as possible. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'inhomecare_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_2',121,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-inhomecare_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); One thing I learned during my trips to the dining hall was that seniors move at a slower pace than younger people. But while such efforts offer hope for the future, for now there continue to be too few psychologists who specialize in agingparticularly academic psychologists to train the next generation of geropsychologists, Carpenter says. Even when cognitive impairment does interfere with a person's ability to exercise autonomy in the present, it may remain possible to ascertain what the individuals' values are or have been in the past and act according to those values. 1. I could not have done the job well without it. APA, 2017, 78 million Answer: "I have worked with elderly patients for . The job (though not for pay) was full time, 24-hours a day. With nearly two-thirds of psychology health service providers reporting that they occasionally, frequently or very frequently provide care to adults age 65 and older, according to a 2015 APA survey, its also important that even those without specific geropsychology training understand older adults, says Emery-Tiburcio. For most older adults, normative age-associated changes in cognition are mild and do not significantly interfere with daily functioning. Discover 11 unique skills you need to become a caregiver below. The friendships that develop when caring for seniors are inevitable and very sweet. Talk about any methods or techniques that you use to ensure the patient is comfortable and well cared for, as well as how you handle difficult conversations around end-of-life care. She says that the need for psychologists who can work with both older adults who might be experiencing cognitive issues as well as their caregivers continues to grow exponentially. 2016 data from the Centers for Disease Control and, www.apa.org/workforce/publications/supply-demand/demand-age-groups.pdf. I would arrive around 11:30 and prepare her food (she ate the same thing every day), give her her pills, visit with her and watch the Golden Girls, her favorite show. Disease accelerates age-related decline in sensory, motor and cognitive functioning, whereas lifestyle factors may mitigate or moderate the effects of aging on functioning. I take the time to listen to the patients wishes and discuss their options with them and their family, while also considering the medical advice of their doctor and nurses. Discriminatory life experiences can result in health disparities. The interviewer wants to make sure you have the necessary experience to provide care for elderly patients. But with any level of dementia, there are extra demands on an in-home care provider. It links readers to the complete set of APA guidelines and additional resources for those currently working with older adults or hoping to work with this population in the future. This question is designed to evaluate your ability to handle such a situation. The experience came in handy when my grandmother needed a temporary in-home care provider. Explain that you work to understand why a patient may be resistant to treatment or medication, and then use empathy to try to find a way to help them see the benefits of following their care plan. I also provided nutritional snacks and monitored for signs of malnutrition. 11 Unique Skills You Need to Become a Caregiver - Caring Senior Service During the past decade, professional geropsychology has been recognized as a specialty by APA and the American Board of Professional Psychology, and specialists in the field have developed a specific training model (known as the Pikes Peak model) and formed the Council of Professional Geropsychology Training Programs, or CoPGTP, to expand predoctoral, internship and postdoctoral training opportunities available for budding geropsychologists. There are many inaccurate stereotypes of older adults that can contribute to negative biases and adversely affect the delivery of psychological services. So, when should you be concerned? "Psychologists can help explore questions about what it means to have a good death, and how to help people accomplish that when circumstances might be very challenging from a medical, social or psychological point of view.". This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Later, I cared for my elderly parents for more than ten years. My primary responsibility was to be a companion to Mrs. C and take her to the bathroom whenever she requested, which was about every five minutes. I also like to use positive reinforcement, such as praising the patient for good behavior and offering small rewards for completing tasks. "The end of life is a culmination of a persons experiences, the apex of their story, but we know too little about how people approach that moment and how to make it better," he says. Careers Working with the Elderly: A Complete Guide - Online Degrees for The only difficult part was that her commode was in the same room. I would also provide emotional support by listening to them, offering reassurance, and suggesting activities such as light exercise, reading, music, or hobbies. Mr. C told me that I was like a daughter to him. If you dont have direct experience, talk about other experiences that have prepared you for this role, such as volunteering in a nursing home or caring for an aging relative. Interviewers want to know that you have the ability to recognize potential risks, create a safe environment, and take the necessary steps to ensure the wellbeing of your patients. Providing Care to a Diverse Population - National Institute on Aging I didnt know how to sew, so she had to guide me through the basics. This question is meant to gauge your understanding of the importance of providing social and emotional support to elderly patients. They may also be looking to see if you have any special certifications or training that would make you a better candidate for the position. Her husband was her only support; she had no family or friends to help. And for every patient for whom theres a cognitive problem, theres a caregiver who may be elderly themselves and may need help coping with these changes.". But before you get to show off your skills and experience, you must first answer some tough questions. Describe Your Experience Working With Elderly Patients. . Mary S. Harper, RN, PhD 1. I find that speaking in a calm, reassuring voice and offering gentle reminders can help de-escalate the situation. I developed a detailed plan to ensure that all of the patients needs were met, from scheduling their daily medications to anticipating any potential changes in their condition. I make it a priority to build strong relationships with my patients by taking the time to get to know them and their unique needs. I also make it a point to communicate with family members on a regular basis so that everyone is aware of the patients progress and needs. Mental health providers can be valuable resources in the education and training of other health and aging professionals, direct care workers, members of interprofessional teams and families and caregivers of older adults. Finally, talk about how you adjust these strategies depending on the patients needs and interests. Elderly caregiving requires a great deal of emotional intelligence and compassion. . Give examples of how you have managed multiple tasks for the same patient or handled complex situations in the past. Her dementia was not too severe, so we had some great times together, even celebrating New Years Eve. It can also be quite rewarding, as you help others live their best lives in their golden years. Those who are older might be used to more formal terms of address. 14 Jobs for Working With Older Adults - Job Search I also respect their decisions and opinions, remain patient when they need more time or assistance, and provide reassurance that they are safe in my care. Persons with multiple minority statuses have often suffered discrimination from the larger society, including from the mental health professions. "My struggle is that I dont know of many providers who are appropriately trained in the care of older adults or who are particularly interested in working with them," says Binder, who is also a professor of medicine at Washington University in St. Louis. How do you ensure that the elderly patients needs are met in a timely manner? Elderly caregiving is a unique job that requires a special set of skills. Answer (1 of 12): My experience was a mixed bag. Even though, Mrs. C couldnt remember how to crochet (or what she had done five minutes earlier), she did remember how to make Polish Christmas Stars. "In many peoples lives, older adults are kind of invisible," Qualls says. Start by talking about your experience with elderly nutrition. Members of the 1997 APA Working Group on the Older Adult Brochure, Susan Cooley, PhD Showing that you can remain calm and professional under pressure is important. I worked with a few different people until I found a regular client that was the perfect fit for me. Start by talking about your experience working with elderly patients. My Experience Working With the Elderly: Caregiver Experience By In Home Care | March 16th, 2020 I'd like to share my experiences as an In-Home Care Provider Caring for the elderly is a rewarding experience in many ways. But the company offered excellent training and worked hard to pair up their caregivers with someone who shared similar interests. Copyright InterviewPrep All Rights Reserved. Elderly care requires a special set of skills and knowledge in order to ensure the safety and security of those in your care. Learning these settings is likely to require some supervised experience working in them. In consultation to other professionals, institutions, agencies and community organizations, practitioners may play key roles in the training and education of staff working directly with older adults. Working with the elderly can be challenging, so its important to show that you understand the importance of keeping them mentally stimulated. I applied to a local agency, interviewed for the position, shared why I felt I would be a good fit and got hired for the job. 10 examples of relevant experience in social work Here are some opportunities that employers may consider as relevant experience in social work: 1. One example is CONAs 2017 work with APAs Teachers of Psychology in Secondary Schools (TOPSS) to develop the theme for the TOPSS annual essay contest for high school psychology students. Introduction The aging population continues growing in number, diversity and mental health needs. This question allows the interviewer to get a sense of your understanding of the complexities of elderly care, and your ability to provide the highest quality of care. An interviewer will want to know if you have the organizational skills and compassion necessary to provide the best care. When assessing older adults, practitioners must consider their multicultural competence. This could include providing companionship, helping them take part in hobbies they enjoy, or encouraging them to participate in social activities.