what does it mean by treatment of the elderly

Elderly care, or simply eldercare (also known in parts of the English speaking world as aged care ), is the fulfillment of the special needs and requirements that are unique to senior citizens.

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What drugs are not recommended for elderly?

Elderly care at home allows people to continue to live in their own homes with assistance at hand whenever it is needed. A dedicated live-in carer ensures that loved ones are always safe, well-fed, looked after and taken to appointments and social events whenever necessary. Unlike the old ‘home help’ system of flying visits, a private live ...

What are the most common medications for the elderly?

 · Ethics and the Elderly: Treating the Aged With Respect and Dignity. Most people have seen someone they know and love grow old, and we know we must always remember to treat our elders with utmost respect. In the medical field, when seniors are often at their most vulnerable, reverence isn’t always easy to develop and display.

What is the best antidepressant for an elderly person?

 · According to Social Gerontology: A Multidisciplinary Perspective, 7.2 percent of the Japanese population will be 80 or older in 2020 (compared to …

How the elderly are treated around the world?

This is one of the indications that treatment of the elderly needs to be an area of great concern to all of us. There seems to be two views of age in today's society. The most prevalent view seems to be that of repulsion. Age is looked upon as an incurable disease. We fight against aging, we do not want to be reminded of what time can do to us.

What is the study and treatment of the elderly?

Geriatrics, or geriatric medicine, is a specialty that focuses on health care of elderly people.

How do we treat the elderly?

Treating the Elderly with Respect and DignityListening Carefully. One of the most important action family members and caregivers can take in caring for elders is to listen to them carefully. ... Affording Respect. ... Understanding Values. ... Relinquishing Independence.

Which term means care of the elderly?

Elder careElder care, often referred to as senior care, is specialized care that is designed to meet the needs and requirements of senior citizens at various stages. As such, elder care is a rather broad term, as it encompasses everything from assisted living and nursing care to adult day care, home care, and even hospice care.

What is considered an elderly patient?

Ageing, an inevitable process, is commonly measured by chronological age and, as a convention, a person aged 65 years or more is often referred to as 'elderly'.

Why should we treat elderly with respect?

The Importance of Treating Elders with Respect. Seniors have plenty of experience in life and they can teach us about enduring change and handling life's challenges. They have a great amount of wisdom and knowledge to share with us.

Why should we take care of the elderly?

Why is elderly care important? Ageing cannot be prevented, but we can learn how to deal with arising conditions for great health of our loved ones. Most health concerns for the elderly are memory loss, dementia and Alzheimer's disease among others.

Whats the definition of elderly?

Definition of elderly (Entry 1 of 2) 1a : rather old especially : being past middle age. b : old-fashioned. 2 : of, relating to, or characteristic of later life or elderly persons. elderly.

What kind of care does an elderly client need?

Senior Care: 10 Important Things Personal Caregivers Should Observe in Elder CareBathing and Personal Hygiene: ... Safety Supervision: ... Assistance with Ambulation: ... Light Housekeeping: ... Meal Preparation: ... Shopping and Running Errands: ... Medication Reminder: ... Exercise or Range of Motion:More items...

Is 70 years old considered elderly?

Typically, the elderly has been defined as the chronological age of 65 or older. People from 65 to 74 years old are usually considered early elderly, while those over 75 years old are referred to as late elderly.

What is another word for elderly person?

What is another word for elderly person?older adultseniorsenior citizeneldergeriatricoldsterancientpensionerretirerMethuselah20 more rows

Is the age 55 considered a senior citizen?

As I mentioned, 55 is the age at which you're considered to be a senior citizen -- at least in the eyes on many businesses offering discounts. Being labeled a senior citizen might make you feel old, but you should still take advantage of the perks. For example, you can now get discounts on: Restaurants.

Care Home or Elderly Care at Home?

Until recently there were only a couple of options for older relatives in need of help and assistance. Either they would receive limited help within their own homes or they would be placed in a dedicated care home.

Advantages of Live-in Care

Many older people struggle to remember names and faces, and when a succession of carers visit their homes, they can be left feeling helpless and confused. Having one or two regular home care workers providing 24-hour care at home helps to bring stability into the home.

Specialist Skills

Of course, with ageing comes a host of related problems, and one that gives concern to many people is that of memory loss. Many live-in carers specialise in dementia care or Alzheimer’s care, meaning that they are able to cope with the additional demands that these problems cause.

A New Family Member

Elderly care in the home offers a new way of coping with the problems of ageing. Now that families are dispersed around the country, it’s not always easy to accommodate the special needs of an elderly relative, which causes huge amounts of stress for all concerned.

Call us for expert live-in care advice

With an increasingly ageing population, it is important to establish the most appropriate form of care on an individual basis.

Related Questions

Ask most people, and they will tell you that age means a variety of new hurdles – isolation and resistance to change to name just a few. We look at some of the most commonly held beliefs about growing older, and how applicable they are to today’s ageing population.

How to deal with an aging loved one?

Always be open and honest regarding emotions. Strive to be perceptive regarding unspoken issues that may be plaguing an aging loved one. Never neglect rituals or events that are important. Ask about the aging loved one’s perspective on aging, life, and death.

What is a legacy letter?

Also known as legacy letters, these documents can inform caregivers about a patient’s beliefs and wishes and can give lasting and satisfying closure to family members and loved ones. Ethical wills boast no concrete format, and they may be as formal or familiar as desired.

What is the Hippocratic Oath?

The Hippocratic Oath remains relevant today in every facet of medical care, including geriatrics. Even non-medical professionals who are charged with caring for an aging loved one can benefit from adhering to the Hippocratic Oath in their loved one’s care. Though the wording of the oath varies from institution to institution (and often from year to year), its main tenants remain the same: 1 Aim for beneficence and non-maleficence 2 Pass on knowledge to future health care providers 3 Maintain confidentiality

Is the Hippocratic Oath still relevant today?

The Hippocratic Oath remains relevant today in every facet of medical care, including geriatrics. Even non-medical professionals who are charged with caring for an aging loved one can benefit from adhering to the Hippocratic Oath in their loved one’s care. Though the wording of the oath varies from institution to institution ...

What is an ethical will?

Once a Jewish cultural tradition and now a widespread document useful to seniors and their caregivers alike, an ethical will allows an aging individual to commit to writing those values he or she holds most dear. Also known as legacy letters, these documents can inform caregivers about a patient’s beliefs and wishes and can give lasting and satisfying closure to family members and loved ones. Ethical wills boast no concrete format, and they may be as formal or familiar as desired.

Who is Shelley Webb?

Provide as much liberty as is appropriate for the loved one’s mental and physical state. Post By Shelley Webb ( 456 Posts) Shelley Webb is a retired Registered Nurse who is dedicated to helping women live a life of joy and meaning, by following their dreams and achieving their biggest goals, no matter their age.

What does the Bible say about the elderly?

That the elderly are giants of the forest, wise, full of experience, worthy of our praise and adoration. This is the view the Bible holds on age. In Proverbs 23:22, Solomon exhorts his son to "harken to your Father who begot you and do not despise your mother when she is old.". In the story of Job, we find that Elihu the younger ...

What does the Bible say about age?

That age demands respect and dignity. That the elderly are giants of the forest, wise, full of experience, worthy of our praise and adoration. This is the view the Bible holds on age. In Proverbs 23:22, Solomon exhorts his son to "harken to your Father who begot you and do not despise your mother when she is old.".

Where in the Bible does it say to honor your father and mother?

In Exodus 20:12 we find the commandment - to honor your -father and mother, that your days may be long in the land which the Lord your God gives you. In Mark 7:10-12, we find Jesus saying, "He who speaks evil of his father and mother, let him surely die.". He goes on to say that the Pharisees had made void the law of God by their disgraceful ...

What is the Golden Rule?

That someone will care and want to return the love and care that was given so long ago to others. It is the Golden Rule in effect. They now want others to do unto them what they have done unto others. Fourthly, remember - growing old is not a disease or a woe to humanity.

What does nature teach us?

Nature herself teaches us that age demands dignity and honor. The older the redwoods, the more majestic. The older wines and cheeses are, the more they are praised and honored for taste. Should it not hold true that the older a man, the more he is to be appreciated by others.

What are psychotropic drugs used for?

Psychotropic drugs are often used to manage the behavioral disturbances as well as the overt psychotic symptoms (hallucinations and delusions) that present in elderly psychotic patients.

What is the relationship between Parkinson's disease and dementia?

There is a complex relationship between dementia, depression, and the dopaminergic medications (l-dopa or carbidopa) used to treat patients with Parkinson's disease. Psychotic symptoms may result from the disease process, emerging dementia, or depression or the dopaminergic drugs used to treat the disease.

Does ziprasidone help with psychosis?

Consequently, it has not as yet had wide use in treating psychotic symptoms in elderly patients. The pharmacologic profile of ziprasidone suggests that it will also be effective in treating psychosis in the elderly and have similar side effects of sedation and orthostasis but limited EPS in this population.

Does Parkinson's disease cause psychotic symptoms?

Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, multiple sclerosis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis can all lead to the development of psychotic symptoms.17. There is a complex relationship between dementia, depression, and the dopaminergic medications (l-dopa or carbidopa) used to treat patients with Parkinson's disease.

Is buspirone a benzodiazepine?

Buspirone, a novel serotonergic 5-HT1agonist drug with anxiolytic properties, has also been used in the management of agitation in psychotic elderly patients.45,46The side effects of buspirone are fewer than with the benzodiazepines and are generally limited to headaches and/or dizziness in the elderly.

Is olanzapine better than placebo?

Olanzapine was significantly better than placebo in double-blind nursing home studies of psychotic, demented elderly patients.56After starting treatment at doses of 2.5 mg/day, final titrated doses between 5 and 10 mg/day are usually effective in managing delusions, hallucinations, and aggression.

Does quetiapine increase EPS?

Unlike risperidone or olanzapine, quetiapine has had no reports of increased incidence of EPS with rising doses in younger schizophrenic patients or in Parkinson's disease patients. The starting dose of 25 mg/day can be effective in some patients, although the mean dose in elderly patients is about 125 mg/day.58.

What are the behaviors that can disrupt the daily lives of seniors and their caregivers?

Obsessive or Compulsive Behaviors . Saving tissues, worrying if it’s time to take their medications, constantly picking at their skin and hypochondria, are all types of obsessive behaviors that can disrupt the daily lives of seniors and their caregivers.

Why do elderly people pull their hair out?

Many family caregivers are pulling out their hair over their loved ones’ excessive spending habits. Some seniors rack up debt, gamble, or send money to charities and scammers, while others refuse to spend a single penny on things they actually need, such as medications, adult briefs and long-term care.

What does "they are driving me crazy" mean?

“They are driving me crazy!” This phrase is uttered (or screamed) by family members everywhere who are caring for elderly loved ones. Caregivers often deal with unusual, unruly and embarrassing behavior from their care recipients. The AgingCare.com Caregiver Forum is filled with stories of irrational elderly parents, personality changes, hallucinations and temper tantrums.

Can age affect personality?

Age and illness can intensify longstanding personality traits in some unpleasant ways. For example, an irritable person may frequently become enraged, or an impatient person may become demanding and impossible to please. Unfortunately, their primary caregiver is often an angry elder’s main target.

What to do if someone is physically abused?

If physical abuse is the issue, then seek professional help. This may consist of a phone call to the police or adult protective services (APS), attending counselling, or permanently handing over your loved one’s care to a court-appointed guardian, professional caregivers or a long-term care facility.

What is obsessive behavior?

Obsessive behavior can be related to several disorders, including anxiety, depression, dementia and other neurological issues. It is important to discuss a senior’s symptoms with their doctor, especially if they are interfering with their quality of life and daily routines. Therapy and/or medication may be the answer.

Is obsessive compulsive behavior a character flaw?

View your parent’s obsessive-compulsive behaviors as a symptom, not a character flaw. Obsessive behavior can be related to several disorders, including anxiety, depression, dementia and other neurological issues. It is important to discuss a senior’s symptoms with their doctor, especially if they are interfering with their quality of life and daily routines. Therapy and/or medication may be the answer.

What is the definition of an older person?

The strict definition of "elderly" is an individual who is 65 years of age or older in Westernized countries. 1  This definition is dated, and while it remains accurate, in this day and age there are many 65-year-olds who are running marathons, working full time, and enjoying life to the fullest.

What is geriatrics in medical terms?

Geriatrics is the specialty of caring for adults 65 and older. As the population is aging, the simple fact is that most surgeons who treat adults, regardless of specialty, are specializing in the care of the elderly.

Is it good to not act your age?

If you are technically elderly, not acting your age may be a great thing. When we talk about age, the mind and body are often not in synch. Surely you know that young person who “acts old” or that older person who seems to have more energy than people decades younger.

Does sister #2 have a medical degree?

In our example above, sister #2 has a much higher risk of complications during her recovery from surgery. You don’t need a medical degree to understand the significant differences between the two sisters and their lifestyles and health history.

How long after surgery can you die?

Individuals who experienced an adverse event in the immediate preoperative period, as well as those with a postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) admission, had a higher risk of death both in the 48 hours after surgery and within 30 days of the procedure.

Should elderly people avoid surgery?

Avoiding Surgery. It is easy to say that the elderly should avoid surgery, or take their time preparing for a procedure to decrease their risk factors, but most surgery is unplanned and necessary, and can’t be delayed indefinitely.

Do older patients have the same access to information as younger patients?

The older patient deserves the same quality of care and the same access to information needed to make healthcare decisions as younger patients. That means, first and foremost, not making surgery decisions based solely on one factor: chronological age.

Is it easy to care for someone at the end of their life?

Caring for a loved one through the final stage of life is never easy. Whether you carry all the responsibility or just want to be there for them, you probably wonder what to expect. Getting familiar with end-of-life symptoms in older adults can help you understand what your loved one may be experiencing, and promote a smooth transition for everyone.

Is it easy to care for a loved one?

Caring for a loved one through the final stage of life is never easy. Whether you carry all the responsibility or just want to be there for them, you probably wonder what to expect.

How to help a patient with a swollen ear?

Whether or not you have professional caregivers or hospice care, there are some basic ways you can provide physical comfort: 1 Use a humidifier to aid breathing. 2 Apply lip balm and alcohol-free lotion to soothe dry skin. 3 Help them stay hydrated with ice chips or applying a wet washcloth to the lips. 4 Change positioning every few hours to prevent bedsores. 5 Provide comfy bedding and refresh as necessary. 6 Prepare soft foods, but don’t force a person to eat. 7 Use low lighting and block out loud or distracting sounds. 8 Let them sleep when they want to.

How to help a friend who is not a good listener?

To help provide emotional and spiritual support: 1 Encourage conversation if they’re up for it. Let them lead, be a good listener, and avoid initiating potentially stressful topics. 2 Even if they don’t respond, assume they hear you. Speak directly to them rather than about them. Identify yourself when you enter or leave the room. 3 Provide light physical contact by holding their hand or placing a hand on their shoulder. 4 Play their favorite music at low volume. 5 Don’t ignore, interrupt, or dismiss their thought process. Remain calm if they’re confused. If they’re talking to or seeing someone who isn’t there, let them be. 6 Express your love. 7 Don’t deny reality. If they want to say goodbye, let them. It can provide you both with peace of mind.

How do you know if you are resigning?

Some of the earliest signs have to do with a sense of resignation. That may involve low mood, lack of motivation, and withdrawal. The person may spend more time reminiscing about their childhood and earlier life experiences. Loss of appetite, general weakness, and increasing fatigue become noticeable.

What are the symptoms of a low mood?

That may involve low mood, lack of motivation, and withdrawal. The person may spend more time reminiscing about their childhood and earlier life experiences. Loss of appetite, general weakness, and increasing fatigue become noticeable.

Can a loved one sleep more than they are awake?

Your loved one will likely sleep more than they’re awake. They’ll move and talk less and may not respond to conversation or commotion. Their sense of hearing is most likely unchanged, but vision may be impaired.

Understanding Aging and Geriatric Issues

Medical Issues of Aging

Cognitive and Mental Health Concerns

Therapy For Geriatric Issues

• Therapy can help older adults who may have difficulty with the transitions of aging to manage their emotions, find new sources of enjoyment and meaning, and find new support systems. It can help people face their fears of death, if they have such fears, and deal with grief as friends and family members pass on. Family or individual therapy can also...

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Promoting The Health of Older Adults

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