EDHD400 STUDY GUIDE QUIZ 2 INFORMAL FORMAL SOCIAL SUPPORT 1 Social support made up of your social networks friends family acquaintances Used to fight negative social consequences of aging the perception actuality that one is cared for has assistance available from other people that one is part of a supportive social network supportive resources may be emotional nurturance tangible financial assistance informational advice or companionship sense of belonging 2 Social integration the degree to which an individual is involved with others in the larger social structure and community encompasses both social networks support refers to the degree with which an individual is involved with others in the larger social structure community 3 Measures of social support social networks social integration social capital assistance related support non assistance related support feelings of worth belonging and perception of support social support measures the specific types of assistance exchanged within networks the frequency of contact how a person assesses the adequacy of support received the perception that one has assistance available anticipated support or the belief that help is available if needed 4 Potential outcomes of social support for the elderly physical and mental well being autonomy competence improved cognitive abilities reduced disability mortality risk outcomes of social support physical mental well being increased life satisfaction morale self confidence reduced depression feelings of personal control autonomy competence self esteem improved cognitive abilities active aging resilience diminished negative effects of stressful life events ex bereavement widowhood disabilities reduced disability mortality risk 5 Dependency as a lack of independence or self sufficiency how much you rely on someone else 6 Signs of inability to live independently requires assistance in performing basic activities of daily living fails to eat regularly or adequately 1 needs assistance in eating weight loss greater than 10 pounds during past 6 months restricted to wheelchair or bed home shows signs of neglect 7 Physical activities of daily living bathing dressing toileting transferring to or from a bed or chair controlling bowels continence feeding 8 Instrumental activities of daily living use phone buy groceries prepare meals keep the house in order do laundry attend to correct and timely use of medications and manage his or her finances 9 What an older family member gives up to move to a family member s home independence leaving a familiar neighborhood of friends and peers leading to a feeling of isolation role reversal parents become childlike as their adult child becomes parent like self reliance their attempts to contribute may be rejected 10 Common concerns of older family members who relocate embarrassment feel like they re a burden feel that they no longer have freedom constantly subject to the whims of their family caregivers 11 Percentage of necessary care assistance provided by family members of elderly individuals 80 12 What is the Sandwich Generation Middle aged people faced with competing responsibilities of parental and child care 13 Challenges frequently faced by caregivers may find it necessary to discontinue or put on hold a career and stay at home to be cause some to reduce or shift their hours or to lose income younger family members may feel resentful because of the decreased attention a full time caregiver from their parents additional expenses that may be incurred as a result of having to make major modifications to the family home full time care giving can affect the physical mental and emotional health of the caregiver preparing meals for the family may become more difficult FALLS 14 Fall an unexpected event in which the participant comes to rest on the ground floor or lower level 2 15 Scope of the problem of falls among the elderly frequency and consequences leading cause of unintentional death among people aged 65 yrs approaching 1 8 million emergency room visits and more than 420 000 hospital admissions of 11 000 deaths a yr or 30 each day adults aged 65 yrs estimated 1 in 3 adults 65 yrs experience a fall each year people who have suffered a fall are at increased risk of falling again about 20 of people who fall and suffer a hip fracture will need nursing home care within a yr 24 will die nearly 1 2 of who survive a hip fracture never regain full mobility nor former quality of life 16 Environmental context of falls 54 of all elderly fall related deaths occur in the home 20 occur in residential institutions most injuries caused by falls happen at ground level and not from high places chances of falling increase when it is dark when things are not put away and when spills are not cleaned up quickly broken or damaged household items more likely to fall when they are sick tired rushed or emotionally upset when they are using alcohol or drugs prescription or OTC 17 Checklist of environmental characteristics to minimize falls FLOORS Keep floors in good repair Loose boards slippery throw rugs frayed carpet and loose kitchen tiles can easily be overlooked until they cause a fall Use throw rugs heavy enough to lie flat and tape their edges down to keep them from skidding Use rugs with nonskid backing in places where they cannot be taped down or simply nail them in place Wipe up spills immediately Don t stretch electrical cords across rooms and never run extension cords underneath a rug or carpet Besides causing falls they could overheat or fray and catch fire Arrange furniture so all the members of your family can move through the house easily Keep floors clear of toys magazines or other objects that may be cluttering them Remember that children toys and pets are dangerous additions to working areas Never run through the house You are more likely to slip when rushed Always use cleaning supplies according to their directions STAIRWAYS AND STEPS Keep stairs and steps well lit and free of objects Good lighting is cheap insurance for safety in all traffic areas especially stairs Make sure that light switches are accessible from the top and bottom of the stairway See Figure 1 Fasten any stair coverings securely Provide sturdy handrails Carry loads that are small enough to not block your vision and allow you a free hand Take your time when going up or down stairs Don t use stairways to store boxes tools equipment or odds and ends even temporarily Use extra care going up or down stairs