The perfectionistic patient

Family members, residents, and care givers often react negatively when perfection is demanded by the geriatric patient. This type of reaction presents a challenge to the nurse providing care. When a geriatric patient is perfectionistic, it is important to step back, to observe and assess, and to plan appropriate strategies that will facilitate the patient's adjustment. When the behavior is related to situational stressors, it may be appropriate to respond to the stressors and ignore the behavior. When the behavior results from a feeling of loss of control and powerlessness, intervention should be directed in that direction. In any case, actions of the nurse should respond to the patient's need for self-esteem and improved ability to cope with the environment. Responding to the perfectionistic geriatric patient presents a particular challenge to the nurse in long-term care, and the nurse's strategic intervention can significantly increase the patient's ability to adjust to the ongoing changes that accompany the aging process.