Caring For A Sick Elder PP
Caring For A Sick Elder PP
Caring For A Sick Elder PP
Lesson 4
Reported by Kamilah A. Eduardo
Why is it important
to take care of a sick
elder?
As a person gets older, he or she
inevitably encounters stress,
illnesses and problems that affect
the body’s health and
constitution.
Aging is inevitable… Although aging is not
completely understood,
we know that it involves
a progressive change in
the body tissues and
organs. As a person gets
older, the chances of
suffering chronic illness,
of functional impairment
become greater.
To what extent is aging inevitable?
Aging, according to Whitney et al.(1998), is
inevitable, natural process programmed into the
genes and conception. People can, however, slow
down the process within natural limits set by
heredity.
When older adults experience health problems, it is hard to
decipher whether to attribute the problem to normal, age-related
processes or to other reasons. Caregiving of older adults covers the
fields of independent living, assisted living, home health care,
delivery of nutrition, and nursing homes.
Impact of an Aging Population
The difference between care of the young population and
an aging population is the high dependency ratio of older
people. Life experiences have left many people with
chronic disabilities, creating a demand for support
services.
During the Second World War Assembly on Ageing in Madrid, Spain in
2002, it was reported that in the Philippines, older people constitute
8.4 percent of the total population. It is expected to increase to 18.1
percent of the total population, or exceed 11.1 million, by 2025.
The steady increase of…
Dancing
Swimming
Running
Biking
Sleep
Changes in sleep affect the total hours of sleep, the
time of sleep, and the effect of medication.
Recommended sleep regimes for elderly are as follows:
a. Limit intake of drinks with caffeine.
b. Create a relaxing, pleasant atmosphere.
c. Develop regular sleep schedule.
d. Limit naps and time spent without activity.
e. Create a regular exercise routine.
f. Check medications.
Medication
Medications given to the elderly may result in unexpected side
effects. The following can also be problems:
a. Stop taking medication due to financial reasons, or ignorance
about the drugs.
b. Retains medication at a different rate due to various diseases or
complications.
c. Slow capacity of kidneys and liver in removing waste products.
d. Has several physicians, each of whom may be not aware of all the
other medications that have been prescribe by other physicians.
Caregivers
-Must encourage or motivate
elders to eat well, exercise
regularly, drink water, and
engage in healthy lifestyle to
avoid taking medications and
prevent malnutrition NO
MEDICATION should be given
unless ordered by a physician.
Food and Nutrition
The rate of aging varies. The factors affecting aging are
heredity, stress and nutrition (Roth, 2007). In older
adults, the following are risk factors for malnutrition:
a. Difficulties in chewing or swallowing
b. Difficulties in procuring or preparing food
c. Inability to self-feed
d. Altered taste and smell
e. Loneliness
f. Oral health problems
g. Poverty
h. Neurological disorders
i. Chronic diseases
j. Anorexia
k. Recent surgery
l. Multiple drug abuse and alcoholism
Eating familiar, tasty, and nutritious food is
important for the elderly. They can achieve adequate
nutrition by including food from all food groups in their
diets. Here are some guidelines in preparing food for
older people:
a. Choose nutrient-dense food.
b. Provide high quality protein like lean meats, chicken,
fish, eggs, and nonfat and low fat milk products.
c. Choose food with complex carbohydrates like fruits
and vegetables and whole grains.
d. Limit fats.
Thanks for listening!