Baby boomers make up approximately 25 percent of American inhabitants; this means between 2006 and 2024 they are entering their senior years and making up a significant proportion of the population. Whether you have an elderly family member or work in a human services or medical field, it is especially important for you to equip yourself for working successfully and compassionately with seniors. Learning the special considerations unique to an elderly age group will help you be an effective caregiver.
1.
Daily Life
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Whether you are a formal or informal caregiver, it is important to identify what aspects of daily life the elderly person in your life needs help with. The Utah Department of Human Services recommends considering aspects like whether the senior can prepare his own meals, maintain proper hygiene and has access to transportation and social activities. More extreme aspects include whether the elderly person needs round-the-clock care, needs daily medical care or therapy or is overwhelmed by medical costs. Contact local services to find out about senior centers, disability transportation, personal care services, support groups, human services agencies and Medicaid or Medicare to find out how these needs can be met.
Physical Health
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As any person ages, the likelihood of her developing a chronic disease increases - it is just a fact of life. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 75 percent of Americans who are 65 years or older have at least one chronic disease such as arthritis, high blood pressure, diabetes, pulmonary or heart disease, diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis, stroke or Alzheimer's disease. In the next few decades, the situation could become worrisome as the proportion of elderly who suffer from physical health problems may outweigh the number of skilled doctors. However, there is hope. With the development of self-management programs, such as Stanford University's Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, elderly patients can learn how to cope with their physical afflictions and still lead a fulfilling life. An elderly loved one may need your encouragement to enroll in such an educational program.
Mental Health
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Some people suffer from mental health problems for the first time in their lives when they reach their senior years. Feeling isolated in the home, friends and spouses passing away and not being able to do certain activities they could do in their younger years can lead to poor mental health. Dr. Martha L. Bruce and her colleagues reported that of the elderly people they surveyed living in a home care situation, 13.5 people were clinically depressed, but only 22 percent of these were receiving treatment for their mental health. In a 1999 report, Wendy M. Rohlede stated that 17 percent of seniors abuse alcohol or drugs. If you suspect that the elderly person you are caring for suffers from a mental illness of some kind, it is as important to address this issue as a physical health problem.
Coping Skills
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Although elderly people have a lot of challenges to face, as do their caregivers, you can encourage your loved one or client to participate in some positive activities that will help her physical and mental health as well as her every day life. Regular exercise can have huge physical and mental benefits. Making sure the elderly person either has regular visitors or engages in social activities in the community is essential. Encouraging the senior to start a completely new hobby and to develop new passions will help her realize her life is not yet over. Enrolling an elderly person in a local self-management program will allow him to still maintain some independence and reduce his level of frustration or lack of confidence. As a formal and informal caregiver, it is of utmost importance that you look out for your own physical and mental health.
Answered by Dr TAge : 56 1 month ago
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