What is a Geriatric Nursing Assistant? Roles, Responsibilities, and Benefits

If you have an aging family member who requires extra care, you may be wondering what is a geriatric nursing assistant (GNA) and what services do they provide? A GNA is an integral part of the health care team responsible for providing comprehensive care to elderly people, particularly those who may have complex medical conditions.

They are qualified professionals who work closely with other healthcare providers, including registered nurses (RNs) and physicians, to ensure that elderly patients receive the best possible care. According to estimates, the U.S. will need as many as 30,000 geriatricians by 2030 to care for its ever-growing elderly population (74.1 million by 2030). 

Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA) Roles and Responsibilities

What does a geriatric nursing assistant do? Their primary role is to provide essential, day-to-day care for elderly patients. They may attend to the patient's dressing and personal hygiene needs, assist with mobility (e.g., in and out of bed or wheelchair), track vital signs such as blood pressure, and dispense medication as prescribed by the physician.

In addition to providing direct care for elderly patients, GNAs have specific responsibilities, including:

• Personal care assistance: GNAs may assist with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting.
  
• Vital signs monitoring: GNAs can track vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration.
  
• Medication management: GNAs may dispense and track medication as prescribed by the physician.
• Mobility assistance: GNAs often assist elderly patients with mobility, including in and out of bed or wheelchair.
• Social interaction: GNAs may provide companionship to elderly patients, encouraging a sense of social well-being and mental engagement.
• Emotional and psychological support: GNAs may provide emotional and psychological support to elderly patients who deal with depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues.

Work Settings for Geriatric Nursing Assistants

GNAs work in various settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, home care agencies, and hospice centers. The specific duties of GNAs in each setting will vary depending on the needs of the elderly patient. Here's a closer look:

Nursing Homes

Geriatricians in nursing homes typically provide comprehensive care for elderly patients. This may include helping elderly patients with activities of daily living and providing emotional support.

Assisted Living Facilities

GNAs in assisted living facilities provide more general assistance to elderly residents, such as helping them with tasks like personal hygiene, meal preparation, and socialization. They may also be responsible for administering medications and monitoring vital signs.

In-Home Healthcare Agencies

Home care agencies, like Barr Private Care, employ GNAs to provide elderly patients with in-home private care services. GNAs’ duties may include helping with activities of daily living, administering medications, and providing emotional support.

Hospice Centers

In hospice centers, GNAs provide end-of-life care for elderly patients facing life-limiting illnesses. They may provide physical and emotional support, assistance with activities of daily living, and medication management.

Benefits of Hiring a Geriatric Nursing Assistant

Hiring a geriatric nursing assistant can be beneficial for elderly patients in a variety of ways. Here are some of the key benefits:

Improved Quality of Care

GNAs are qualified professionals with specialized training in providing elderly care. As such, they can provide a higher quality of care than family members who may not be qualified.

Increased Independence

GNAs can help elderly patients remain independent by assisting with activities of daily living and mobility support.

Emotional Support

Geriatric nursing assistants go through training to provide emotional and psychological support for elderly patients. GNAs’ training can help decrease feelings of loneliness and depression.

Peace of Mind

A geriatric nursing assistant can provide peace of mind for family members who may worry about their elderly loved ones.

Increased Safety and Well-being

GNAs can help to ensure the safety and well-being of elderly patients through monitoring, medication management, and assisting with activities of daily living.

Interested in Hiring a GNA? Contact Barr Private Care!

Hopefully, this article painted a clear picture of what is a geriatric nursing assistant and what they do. Without a doubt, they play an essential role in providing comprehensive care for elderly patients. GNAs can help to improve the quality of life for elderly patients by providing physical and emotional support, assistance with activities of daily living, medication management, and monitoring vital signs. 



But before hiring a geriatric nursing assistant, consider their specific roles and work settings when planning elderly care. For instance, if you prefer in-home private care, a GNA part of a home care agency may be the best fit. At Barr Private Home Care, we're passionate about ensuring your loved one gets the right care at the right time so that they can live a healthier life. From medication management to personal companion care and everything in between, our nursing aides are here to help.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment and get started!