1st October is International Day of Older Persons (IDOP).
At Hunter Primary Care, we recognise and respect the wisdom and contribution older people make to our society. We also recognise and celebrate the specialty of gerontic nursing that supports older people whose health needs have increased.
Our Aged Care Nursing Clinical Placement Program aims to educate nursing students about the joy and fantastic career opportunities available when caring for older people. Students are reporting how much they have enjoyed their aged care placements and are considering an aged care career.
Our Aged Care Nurse Practitioner Service supports good health for older people in aged care homes, providing person-centred care in consultation with the older person, their family, their GP and the aged care home staff. Older people receiving this care really enjoy the time spent talking with their Nurse Practitioner to work out their best treatment plan.
One of the Nurse Practitioners recently wished a resident a Happy 101st Birthday, to which he replied, "thanks for your care". Astonished by his response, our Nurse Practitioner said "I haven't done anything", because he is amazing for 101. He responded with "you keep me motivated".
Interactions and moments like this are absolutely priceless.
Written by Kerry Turnbull and Melanie Tume, Clinical Facilitators from our Aged Care Clinical Placement Program