Question

Do physical ailments manifest differently in a geriatric patient verses other patient populations? Give an example and how the MA would demonstrate professionalism and sensitivity in their communications.

Answer 1

Geriatric population suffer from diseases which have dufferent course from that of young adult. Many elderly people suffer from muscle weakness, balance disorders, memory deficits, and other physical, mental and emotional challenges. All this leads to more severe symptoms in aged people. The disabilities related to diseases is also more. Elderly people are immunocompromised which leads more severe symptoms.

Some important methods for MA to deal with elderly are as below:

1. Medical assistant should give more time to elderly
2. He should listen to all the problems of elderly carefully and patiently.
3. MA should always be ready to provide physical assistance and should be gentle in his touch
4. The instructions given by MA should be loud and clear. He should use small, simple sentences.
5. Explain all the procedures and treatment precisely and clearly