An older adult tends to be from the age of 65+. The older adult with Down syndrome as can everyone else may experience health difficulties. They age earlier so may experience health difficulties earlier than a typically developing adult. Physically it is important that the older adult maintains a healthy diet as well as doing some form of exercise such as going walking if they still have independent mobility. The older adult is more prone to develop osteoporosis and therefore it is very important that they attend regular health checks with their GP. Dementia is also a common health risk which affects the older person and if this occurs it also effects family and friends dealing with it. Older people tend to suffer from sensory impairment where there eyesight and hearing becomes less sufficient. Those who can help them with this need in the community is the optician and the ENT. Hearing loss can be due to wax build up which would require the older person to visit their GP or ENT. Also they may not have the mobility to make their own meals and so Meals on wheels would have to meet this need for them. …show more content…
The older person with Down syndrome has similar needs of those of the typical developing older adult. They tend to be lonely and may require supported living. They seem isolated from the world and may not receive regular contact with their family, co-workers or friends as they used because of loss of mobility. The older adult with Down syndrome commonly suffers from Alzheimer’s which can lead to stress on the family. Also the older adult with Down syndrome does not deal with bereavement loss very well because of the close attachment and bond they establish with people. Some older people with Down syndrome may continue attending the community centre, lunch clubs, church groups or other volunteering that may get them out into the community to interact with
The most common health problems within older people and causes of health problem are respiratory and heart disease, stroke, cancer, fractures and diabetes. If we can improve services, we can minimise risks of getting these diseases leading to less health problems and less hospital admissions. Problems like malnutrition are also more common in older people as the prevalence has been estimated to be between 11%-44% in the general hospital population but 29%-61% in older
Kristen Isgro highlights the challenges that the mothers and caregivers go through on a daily basis. Three groups of women, ages ranging from 33 to 66 and all having a child with Down syndrome, discussing the issues such as how they advocate for their children. They also discuss what they have learned from experience dealing with health care providers and educators, and deal with how their children are viewed in different settings.
With an older adult it can be a difficult time of their life as they are going through the aging process. They physical appearance include hair turning grey, bones becoming fragile, skin wrinkles, sight and hearing deteriorates and sense of taste and smell is reduced. Their intellectual development has declined as they find it difficult to remember, they are too confused to manage affairs but
The well-being and safety of your aging loved one is important to you. Since you cannot be with them every day, you want to make sure they are receiving the best care possible. Although, you know that your senior loved one needs assistance at home they might not be as open to the decision. There are things that you can do to communicate your worries and concerns with your aging senior.
Physical changes, mental changes, cultural and environmental changes. These changes can make it hard for an older person to seek help due to independence, and stubbornness. Depending on the change it can cause trust issues and fear in them.
The aim of this paper is to show the need for services and education for both the public and parents of children with Down syndrome to assist in the transitioning into independent adult living.
As this video illustrates, eating a well-balanced diet can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type two diabetes. If your loved one already has a chronic disease, then elderly in home care can help your loved one better manage the symptoms. For example, senior care can help reduce high blood pressure, lower cholesterol and manage diabetes. Senior care can also help your loved one learn to eat better,
Most aging adults do not receive the necessary preventive services to help promote health and wellness during this stage of life. These preventive services include vaccinations and screenings. These important services help detect many diseases, delay their onset, or identify them early in their most treatable stages to ensure healthier, longer, and more productive lives for older adults (Prevention, 2011). Better people take care of themselves the longer they will live. People who balance: the right diet, making better choices and not acting sedentary has a better chance in living longer lives.
Which means that seniors rely on public transportation to get them around. Infrastructure in America isn't always up to scratch in terms of public transportation, and this leaves many seniors at risk of isolation. 14. Caregiving Risks There are heavy responsibilities that come with giving care to elderly relatives or even just ill relatives who need care. When caregivers are dealing with someone with dementia, a physical impairment or other diseases it's easy to put aside your own needs and relationships.
Health care will be needed more in the older population than any other. The old age is growing continuously. There are more of the older adults today than babies. Older adults are more likely to have a long-term illness. During the 80’s the government said they were no longer able to pay for health care. This resulted in eligibility and limits in paying off the payments. If limits continue to be present, this can result in the poor and older people to face untreated illnesses and have a higher risk of death. Physicians are mainly trained to watch over the youth meaning the less interest in helping the older adults. The older population will be neglected and can be mis-diagnosed. Those who also have lack of transportation will also end up with inadequate care.
Recognition, evaluation and treatment of this population requires interdisciplinary approach. The interdisciplinary approach collaborate with various groups to provide adequate resources to the vulnerable population. The internal and external factors impact health status of older adults and contributes to vulnerability risk. The internal factor occur due to physiological changes such as increasing age, gender, sensory impairment, memory impairment, substance abuse along with medical co morbidities, malnutrition, decrease in performance of activity of daily living or dependency on care giver or
As people grow older, they develop dental problems which lead to nutritional intake issues. Cognitive function declines affecting memory, decision making, conversing, and problem solving. In addition, falls can occur with mental status disturbances. Lack of social interaction, depression, and anxiety also crop up in the elderly. Sleep patterns are altered by restless legs, snoring, and disrupted breathing sequences. At times, pain can be constant from arthritis, osteoarthritis, or other medical issues (Tabloski, 2014).
Chronic disease and conditions are usually defined as those diseases which last for more than six months and which have a severe effect on the life of the individuals (Chronic Conditions and Injury, para.1). While chronic diseases can affect people of all ages and demographics, these types of diseases are very often found in the elderly. Chronic disease are also characterized by "…multiple risk factors, long latency periods, a prolonged course of illness and functional impairment or disability" (Key indicators of progress for chronic disease and associated determinants, 2011, p. 1). Chronic disease is also found to be more prevalent in the ageing demographic of most countries.
Many people think that a person who has Down syndrome doesn’t live a normal life. Although they do have to work harder at some things, they can do most things that everyone else can do. Some have more issues than others. People with Down syndrome face obstacles such as physical and behavioral abnormalities, health issues, working, and social development skills, but there are different ways we can help.
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.