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Revision as of 17:00, 2 November 2011
Contents |
Psychological
What is it?
Warning Signs and Signs for Intervention
Prevention & Treatment
Adapting to the New Lifestyle
Physical
Social
What is it?
There are multiple aspects included in the social perspective of caring for an aging relative. Throughout the stages of life, everyone experiences multiple changes to their social roles and relationships[1][2]. In elderly people, these changes can include the pruning of relationships down to a small group of people whom they are closest to and feel are most important in their life[1][2]. It can also include social role changes chosen by the elder such as becoming a volunteer or being a significant role in their grandchildren’s lives[2]. Or role changes that are not so positive and not explicitly selected by the older adult. For example, being widowed or becoming a care receiver[2].
Different types of people will react to all of these social transitions in various ways. It is very important, as a caregiver, to recognize and be aware when an elderly adult is not adjusting well to these changes.
Warning Signs and Signs for Intervention
There are several warning signs to look for when determining if an elderly relative is having dificulties adapting to the social changes in his or her life. Feelings of hopelessness and emptiness, withdrawal from close relationships as well as showing unresponsive and depressive behaviours can be a sign for the need of social intervention[1][3][4]. The two important warning signs that your aging relative needs social intervention are feelings of loneliness and social isolation[5].
Loneliness and social isolation in old age have shown multiple consequences in various studies. Both have been linked to higher blood pressure, elevated risks for depression and poor mental health[5][4]. They have also have shown to be predictors of mortality, thoughts of suicide and suicide[5][4]. Therefore, it is extremely important to be aware and know how to implement prevention and treatment techniques to inhibit further harm to the well being of an elderly relative.
Prevention and Treatment
In order for an older adult to stay mentally and physically stable in later life, they need to have strong social support, whether it be from family members or friends. It is important to keep in mind that even if an elderly person has plenty of friends and family surrounding him or her, they can still be lonely. Loneliness is not to be confused with aloneness. One can still feel lonely even if they are surrounded by groups of people[4][5]. Loneliness is described as a painful and unpleasant experience that, as stated earlier, can lead to multiple concequences if it is not intervened[5]. Studies have shown that the quantity of relationships has little to do with feelings of loneliness and social isolation. However, the quality or perceived social support has a great affect on reducing these feelings[1][5]. Emphasis should be put on trying to improve the quality of the relationship between the older adult and their peers or relatives in order to prevent loneliness[5].
There are a few ways to intervene and help an elderly relative to reduce the pain of loneliness. The first class of interventions are at the individual level. These would involve things such as one-on-one contact, whether it be via phone, visits with family or professionals[5]. The next class of interventions are classified at the group level. These could include programs the older adult gets together with other peole their age over something they all enjoy, for example a knitting class, or social lunches [5]. The third class are at the environmental level. These interventions could include teaching the older adult how to use a computer for communication and online video chat programs, which would enable them to connect with friends and relatives that may not live close by. The environmental level could also include providing transport ro remove the common obstacle of not being able to get around in elderly adults[5]
Out of all of these interventions types, it has been suggested that group level interventions are the most effective, particularly group interventions that facilitate educational and social support[3]
Adapting to the New Lifestyle
The best way to help an elderly relative adjust to their lifestyle, and to keep them socially involved would be to implement the idea of day programs, classes or social activities. There are many opportunities in the Niagara area for an elderly adult to get involved. The Niagara Region website[6] has a list of locations and activities that older people may potentially participate in[1]. They also provide a lot of information with regards to long-term programs for elderly adults as well as social and mental support for the caregiver themselves[2].
Notes and References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Berk, L. E. (2010). Exploring lifespan development (2nd ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Bjorklund, B. R. (2011). The journey of adulthood (7th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Cattan, M., White, M., Bond, J. & Learmouth, A. (2005). Preventing social isolation and loneliness among older people: a systematic review of health promotion interventions. Ageing & Society, 25, 41-67.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Routassalo, P., & Pitkala, K. H. (2003). Loneliness among older people. Reviews in Clinical Gerontology, 13, 303-311.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 5.8 5.9 Shiovitz-Ezra, S. & Leitsch, S. A. (2010). The role of social relationships in predicting loneliness: The national social life, health, and aging project. SocialWork Research, 34, 157-167.
- ↑ Niagara Region 2011, Seniors. Community programs for seniors. Retrieved from http://www.regional.niagara.on.ca/living/seniors/programs/default.aspx
Kr09an 13:33, 2 November 2011 (EDT)
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