Upgradation of geriatric care over 5 years in Malaysia
Introduction
What is geriatric care?
Geriatric care is derived from the Greek “geron” which means “old man” and “iatreia” which means “the treatment of disease”.
According to UN- World Assembly on ageing in 1982, Vienna, in Malaysia, older persons are defined as those who are 60 years and above. Ageing nation are defined as a nation where more than 10% of the population is aged more than 60 years old” and by 2020, Malaysia will be defined as an ageing nation (9.9%)
Ther eare many phases in life and elder age is considered quite a sensitive phase. This is because old people need attention and care to have a healthy and quality life. In this era, many countries including Malaysia, are now facing the problem of an ageing population. However we should start preparing for future ageing problem in our country and implies strategies such as applying geriatric care professionals to help other states in Malaysia that do not have such services.
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According to Prof Dr Philip Poi Jun Hua from the Malaysian Society of Geriatric Medicine (MSGM), who pioneered and now leads the Geriatrics Division of University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Kuala Lumpur said that the biggest issue for health professionals is to be able to persevere in providing good services for older adults in Malaysia because they themselves will grow old, and if they don't think about it now, when they get old, it is too late for
Australia is one of the most advantaged aged care systems in the world. The increasing numbers of ageing population is one of the major transformations being experienced by
The human species of the world are growing older, and existing longer. Research shows that the average life expectancy of humans living past the age of 80, since the 1800s to that of 2011, has increased by almost 10% per year, with women leading the way with a growth expectancy growing from that of 6.4% to that of 9.6%, surpassing their male counterpart whose life expectancy show an increase from 5.9% to that of 8.2%. As the human life expectancy increases, there also comes an increase concerns by individuals and government official alike in regards to elder care. This literature looks at what is being carried out by individuals as well as government officials to deal with the cost of living longer. We will examination approaches identified
The new eldercare service model must be one of inclusion. We can no longer afford to marginalize any group of seniors. –Author
Whilst searching for literature, it shown that some elderly patients specific needs were not being met. The World Health Organisation (WHO) believe that it is important for health professionals to take a holistic approach towards the elderly patients, to see explore any other possible factors that will influence the reduction of their quality of life. (WHO, 2011).
The patient’s previous function should always be considered so as to know how far the patient has deteriorated and thus be able to consider the decline as either normal or abnormal. Nevertheless, Nathan also mentioned this, saying that older people are not afforded the same history and investigation as younger ones, thus driving basically the same point home. Older patients are discharged quickly without even being properly treated, consequently making their ailment become worse as time passes. We cannot just assume that what a patient is going through is normal and thus unimportant, rather the authors make it clear that we should give older people the same options, care, and patience that we offer to the younger
According to Statistics Canada, aging population has steadily increased since the mid-1960. The age of 65 and older comprised 15.7% of the country’s population. Promoting health in these aging population is very crucial to minimise the severity of health complications that might occur in the long run. Gerontological Nursing involves the care of aging people and emphasize the promotion of the highest possible quality of life and wellness throughout the lifespan (Eliopoulos, c2014 p73). Aging people need Gerontological Nurses who are knowledgeable and willing to promote health and optimum quality of life with the consideration of their core needs such as physiological balance, connection and gratification (Eliopoulos, c2014 p78).
In 2011, the first of the Baby Boomers – the 78 million men and women born between 1946 and 1964 – will begin turning 65 at a rate of more than 8,000 per day. By year's end, the nation's senior population will have increased by almost 3 million, to nearly 49 million. By 2025, then, the total will reach 72 million – more than double the 35 million at the turn of the new century. (Home Instead Senior Care, 2010). Millions of Americans with chronic diseases and disabilities, like Alzheimer's, heart failure, kidney disease, and diabetes, need careful monitoring but do not want enter a nursing home or skilled care facility. I can recall my grandfather would only agree to go to the doctor's office if he was certain he could return
aging populations will put big financial burdens on the government as older people will need more health care and translation services. More home care. As the number of elderly people increases, the health care system is short of medical doctors, nurse. So it can be said that doctors and nurses are a great field of study to attract
The Living Old program is about the United States of America population of people who are over 85 years old. This video was broken down into a six chapters. The first chapter was called, “Our Aging Society.” This chapter was about how the geriatric population is growing and changing our current society. In addition to the present changes, Doctor Audrey Chun commented on how people in the past died from pneumonia, flus, and other things such as infectious diseases. Whereas, in present time people are dying from chronic diseases such as hypertension, heart failure, strokes, diabetes and other things that require management over the years. This chapter also touched on how the current health care system is not set up to treat chronic diseases.
Reminiscing to 2010, when I was faced with my grandmother 's illness during the adolescent years in my life I knew that I had a passion to care for the elderly (aging) population. From this passion, it ignited a fire so strong that I pursue my certified nursing assistant certification to gain a better understanding of working with the elderly population. By doing so, it has been a great benefit to my life; aging is an inevitable experience that we all will go through during our life. It is important to ensure that our elderly individuals are still able to enjoy the best quality of life after retirement. However, as we age, there will be a lifestyle change that the aging population must encounter.
Aging is a universal phenomenon and humans are no exception. Gerontology deals with the psychological, social and biological aspects of aging process. A recent study shows that people aged 85 years and older are expected to augment from 5.3 million people to 21 million as the world reach 2050. In today’s world Gerontology has an enormous role to play so that the senior citizens could be analyzed and their needs may be addressed with compassion and empathy.
With the population of adults 65 and over steadily climbing, medical professionals and the healthcare system are struggling to keep up. One major issue concerning the healthcare system is that it is not set up properly provide care for these older adults. The physicians today, who regularly see patients, focus mainly has been; diagnose—usually in a 15-20 minute office visit, treat, and cure. Many of these senior citizens have multiple chronic illnesses or diseases, which require time to manage and treat. The problem is that they may not be able to explain what the real problem to a doctor in that time.
As people age they develop many special needs related to the later period of life. Many elderly people have specific physical needs where adaptations to their home are necessary or where they need specific equipment for self care. Old age also brings new emotional challenges for the elderly person when the family can be useful in helping to meet the persons mental health needs. Senior citizens experience needs in their social life; they also experience the need for activities with other seniors. Health needs also negatively affect the elderly and cause multiple physical problems. Every elderly person experiences needs that are related to each of these areas.
One of the greatest challenges of the twenty first century will be the tremendous increase in the number of older adults throughout the world. Elderly people are the most rapidly increasing age group in Canada. In 2000 there was about 3.8 million Canadians were 65 years older. Statistics of Canada projects that by 2021, it will get doubled (Hick S., 2010, p.270). It is sure that this demographic trend will affect most part of our society, especially the health care needs and the delivery of health services. There will be a huge increase in the issues that affect the older Canadians. It is important that future health care professionals especially the social Service workers should be prepared to meet the needs of the increasing aging population across the globe. This paper examines the main problems faced by senior population in Canada, the different social work theories related to ageism and the different roles, values, knowledge and responsibilities needed for gerontological social work practice.
According to the UN World Health Organization definition of aging over 65 years as "elderly", when the population of a region or country, the ratio of the elderly more than 7%, referred to as "aging society."