All posts by dsaapmin

Intergenerational Programs

It is good to know that there are increasing numbers of government and non-government associations who are continually are working for means to create an efficient division of services for aging and adults with physical disabilities intergenerational programs.

A shift in the lifestyle of older people was observed recently wherein they get to take care of younger generations due to the fact that the shifts and changes in family set-ups and economic trends are also at hand.

It may not be an easy-to-adapt change to majority of families but it doesn’t mean that there are no ways of addressing it. Governments have to understand that families should be a top priority and as much as possible, they have to come up with the best means on how to deal with it. One way of addressing the situation is to guide the grandparents and relative caregivers on how to use resources and services available primarily to children for an easier completion of tasks.

The intergenerational programs will include information regarding child care, immunizations, child care requirements as well as how to avail of them including how to collaborate with private agencies in order to be able to bring this about.

A lot of factors have contributed to why the responsibility of taking care and raising the children has been handed down to grandparents and relatives. It may be because of dealt of actual parents, government might have encountered some delay on coming up with the best ways on how to make both ends meet so that proper care and assistance can be provided, or maybe because some parents fell into vices and habits which is not suitable to have especially when carrying the responsibility of childcare. In the past years, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of substance abuse, incarceration, mental illness, child abuse, joblessness as well as HIV/AIDs cases, and these are just some of the contributory factors of the aforementioned situation.

The Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities intergenerational programs that are being created will help the grandparents in finding, identifying, and accessing available resources. The information will include general topics, emergency phone numbers and other necessities that grandparents have to learn in order to thrive.

The information guide is a helpful tool for grandparents and relative caregivers for them to know which agency to contact to especially in cases where misbehaviors from children are noted.

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Effective Communication with People with Disabilities

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Different disabilities among adults may present a different and dynamic approach for establishing an effective channel of communication.  This presents the importance of identifying what specific disability does the person possess in order to properly address it.

Communication is an essential way of exchanging ideas and thoughts over certain matters.  While majority opt to use words as a method of communication, there are some whose capabilities of executing similar means are limited.  This is the reason why they tend to find some alternative ways to express their messages such as the use of sign language or making use of a pen and paper for scribbling.

When dealing with people with disabilities, it is important to know how to communicate effectively with them as their condition might solicit an abrupt rise in emotions when the thoughts and words that comes out from your mouth is differently interpreted and misunderstood.

For an effective communication, grab the opportunity to introduce yourself first as this can help you establish a trusting relationship with the person you’re interacting with, considering the fact that it would be more comfortable to talk to somebody whom you knew rather than to strangers.

You could also extend out an invitation for a handshake.  This will also solicit an idea that you are opening yourself for communication and also present a welcoming sign for his possible opinions.

Talk to the person directly for him to know that he is really the one you’re talking to.  As much as possible maintain eye contact with the person in front of you.  Such act can give him the idea that you are attentively listening to him and somehow pose a sign of interest to what he is saying.

When the person in front of you is currently talking, pay attention to what he is saying.  This is a form of respect which any individual deserves to have.  Most especially with these groups, respect is much needed to be shown, for them not to feel so differently just because of their disabilities.

Speak clearly.  Nothing beats clearly spoken words in order to avoid any form of misunderstanding which could possibly harbor some negative emotions.

Politely ask whether the person in front of you has some questions or in your part, politely ask him if there are some things whose meanings are not vivid and therefore need further explanation or clarification.

Effective communication does not only establish a trusting relationship between a person with disability and his health provider but it will also be a means by which needs are addressed and assistance will be offered accordingly.

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Maintaining People Among Aged Groups

Maintaining good health is not just the young generation’s necessity and concern but as well as those who already belonged in the aged population.

The human body during this stage will more likely experience some alterations in its functions and capacities, thus increasing the need for a keener eye to look after one’s health.  Fragility has increased and accidents are prone to happen especially when the possibilities provided by the surroundings are ignored.

As a healthcare provider assigned to look after the aged groups, it is necessary to derive at some alternatives on how to maintain the health of aged man and woman, not just physically but covering the whole health aspects as much as possible.

First and foremost, ensure that these people will get their daily nutritional requirements.  Being older means putting a limit on salty and fatty foods intake and not totally cutting a large portion of the daily meal, resulting to a lower calorie consumption which in return could end up with low energy levels and imbalance nutrition.  Watching what the person eats is far different from depriving what he should eat.

As a health care provider, see to it that each meal contains the right amount of fruits, vegetables, and other foods rich in vitamins and minerals, taking notice of any restricted foods in their diet.

Choose a healthy diet.  This will also contribute to the prevention of gaining more and unnecessary pounds which could result to overweight, leading to the possible development of health diseases such as diabetes mellitus, heart attack, stroke, and high blood pressure.

Include exercise in the routine.  It doesn’t have to come in s strenuous form since older people can make use of a light to moderate jog or even just a simple walking exercise.  It is much advisable though to contact a health or medical professional for the appropriate form of exercise which can be enjoyed and executed by these groups of people.  Exercise, however, yield a lot of benefits especially in the prevention and minimizing health risk factors.

It is also essential to remind them to get enough rest in order for their body to recover from their daily activities.

A care provider can also provide some mental exercise such as mind games in order to maintain a sharp mind among these aged groups.  Any form of recreational activities which will elicit fun and enjoyment is also a healthy way of boosting up the older people’s self-esteem and worth.

Encouraging these groups to practice and maintain a healthy lifestyle is of vital importance and showing one’s support and dedication in helping them to achieve such stage can contribute to their determination of keeping oneself in a healthy condition.

 

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Information

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The demographic information from the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities is valuable information that the government can use in order to determine the shift that will occur in the older population generation and according to its released information, The older population is within the age bracket of persons 65 years old and in the year of 2010 in the U.S alone they already have a number of 40.4 million.

In the same year it was found out that there are already 23 million older women and 17.5 older men and the female to male sex ration will increase with age. Over the years the number of older people is increasing and this will help dictate the kind of services that the government and private sectors should be offering.

Demographic information is vital in determining the laws, provision of facilities, determining the average life expectancy of individuals and how this will change the world in the upcoming years.

The population projection includes the age breakdowns for the 60, overpopulation including the age totals for those who are aged 60 and up, and percent change for each change group over a specific year.

By the year 2030, projected statistics of the United States demographics would be 72.1 million elderly persons, which is more than twice the number that has been recorded in the year 2000.  This included the profile of older Americans, census date, population estimates, as well as the projected future growth of the older population, minority aging information, and the key-indicators of well-being.

Also included in the demographics are the living arrangements, marital status, geographic distribution, income, poverty, employment, housing, racial and ethnic composition, education as well as the analysis of the health insurance coverage they are being given as well as the disability and activity limitations and other factors that would provide further information regarding the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities demographic information.

In order to manage the resources and provide help to different sectors, the aforementioned information should be gathered and reviewed as it is essential for decision makings in a locality.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Conditions and Disabilities Among Adults

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Certain conditions have contributed to the causes of disabilities among adults.  Some of these may be easily preventable in comparison to other conditions.

Most of these causes are due to unhealthy lifestyle practices such as poor and unhealthy eating habits, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, lack of physical activity, not obtaining enough sleep, stress, and sedentary lifestyles.

Examining the aforementioned factors, it is not impossible to inject some sort of modifications onto it in order to come up with a more favorable and healthier lifestyle.

Arthritis for example affects a huge percentage of adults in various ways, depending on its type and severity.  It may be due to the loss of the cartilage’s elasticity, infection such as that in septic arthritis, inflammation, or even over consumption of foods rich in uric acid.

Arthritis can affect a person’s ability to perform the daily activities and would often elicit frustrations and irritability especially during its first stage where the host hasn’t adjusted himself yet to the condition.

Other than arthritis, back ache is also a common complaint especially during the course of aging while some might just be a result of fall or other related accidents.

Heart diseases often mark some restrictions to a person’s activity and even in one’s diet.  A person who is used in doing active activities might find himself opting for some alternatives which is lighter to execute and diets which is low in fats, sugar, and salt contents.  This condition shouldn’t be ignored as it can be detrimental if left unmanaged.

Another condition is cancer as it involves a lot of surgery, treatments such as chemotherapies which can hinder a person from performing one’s duty and given the condition that they become more susceptible to various diseases.

Diabetes is also common among adults and if it remained unmanaged, it can progress to further complications and even amputation of affected extremities if deemed necessary.

Mental health conditions can also be a cause of disability among adults as every activity and actions require the mind to function properly for the dissemination of commands to the respective body parts.  Conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder and other disorders are considered as one of the causes of adult disabilities.

Certain nervous system conditions such as epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease can also result to disabilities, especially as the latter two affects mostly the person’s memory.

Some of these conditions may be hereditary, however, if these conditions cannot be prevented, at least there are means by which their progress will be in a slower pace.

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Interacting People with Disabilities

Interacting with people with disabilities may be a challenging task for some caregivers.  Some persons from this group would knowingly or unknowingly react to their surrounding stimuli either through calm expression of emotions or an expression which is mostly dominated with irritability.

The care provider is expected to have a broader range of understanding when dealing with these groups of persons and patience in dealing with their various responses.  Aside from the challenging difficulties, there are also some instances where the idea of dealing and interacting with them creates a room for fear and hesitation, thinking that they might get upset over a word said or things done.

Below are some approaches which can help in establishing a better interaction with persons with disabilities:

  • Putting yourself in their position.  The best way to understand them is to picture yourself out to be in their situation.  You will realize how it feels under such undertakings and value any form of help extended by another individual.
  • Know and understand that these persons did not choose to acquire their disabilities.  Some might be born with it while others obtained it through accidents or some other factors.  Their conditions have somehow affected their daily routines wherein they no longer have the ability to perform some of the daily activities like they used to.
  • Try to think of these people as someone dear to you or whom you knew.  This will give you the idea on what you should do in cases where either a friend or a family member is experiencing the same situation, thus eliciting further affection and understanding.
  • Be patient.  Don’t rush the person in front of you who is slowly taking his pace because you never know what that certain individual is experiencing and he might just have some disabilities which hinder quick execution of movements.
  • Give way.  When you see someone who has any form of disability, move out and give him the necessary space for his course.
  • Offer assistance.  Politely ask if the person with disability need any sort of assistance or help.  If he will accept the offer then don’t hesitate to render it according to your capability.  However, don’t keep on pushing or forcing if the person himself firmly declines the offer.
  • Treat them with respect.  In any form of approaches you render towards these groups of people, always associate it with respect.  They may be experiencing disabilities but this doesn’t make them any less human who are capable of getting hurt when treated unfairly.

Interacting with people with disabilities may be a challenging act but the feeling of being able to help someone in need is far more rewarding.

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Wellness Activities

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The Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities wellness activities helps ensure that the incorporated activities and hobbies will not merely focus on helping the clients but would also foster a fun environment.

Activities to be implemented may be based on the interest of your client. In this manner, there is a higher probability of soliciting cooperation from your client. Activities such as cooking and baking can be applied especially if it is in line with both of your interests. It may be essential for you to facilitate in identifying, discovering, and trying out new recipes, taking into consideration its nutritional content which the elderly or physically disabled client needs. You might also want to conduct a mini lecture on the proper interpretation of nutritional labels and later incorporate what has been learned into your recipes.

Another activity that can be conducted is socialization. You may want to set up a scene with some roles to be portrayed by the client, or coming up with a real arrangement such as setting up a carpool for the elderly and the physically disabled to watch a movie, head out to get lunch, forming a breakfast club (especially for those who get up early) and having yourselves potluck dinners on a weekly basis.

Inclusion of exercise is also necessary for the elderly and physically disabled clients to stay in shape. Consider and review different exercises and choose the one that best fits them. You may want to consider aerobics and yoga, and in cases where they aerobics, you can look for some activities that can be done even in a sitting position.
It is also recommended to conduct activities that could sharpen p their minds. Such activities include crossword puzzles, trivia games, or even allow them to watch television quiz shows, or maybe give them the opportunity to learn another language.

Whatever activities are introduced to them, it is recommended to ensure its suitability to the condition of the client, given that each client is unique and has his own individual needs.

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Volunteer Opportunities

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The Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities volunteer opportunities is a part of the program that aims to encourage citizens to provide assistance and help to the community.

Certain model programs like the Foster Grandparent program has been established by the government to encourage the youth to incorporate a large part of compassion when taking care of the aged and those people with physical disabilities. It also aims to volunteers on how to become more efficient and establish rapport upon caring for the elderly.

Training and pre-service orientation are given to those aspiring volunteers. Those who are under this volunteer program would be able to serve up to 40 hours per week and would qualify for a tax-free hourly stipend. Included in the volunteer program benefits are paid holidays, vacation as well as sick leave, travel allowance, monthly in-service training, day care centers, head start programs, schools, medical facilities, and youth and family service centers in which they can serve in.

It is the goal of the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities to train them in helping grandparents remain mentally active and physically strong which could later contribute in enhancing their self-esteem upon interaction with the community.

Other services would include a series of advocacy services that will include legal services, medicare patrol program and other health and social services including those that will include adult protective services program counseling.

Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities volunteer opportunities provides its volunteer programs with a wide array of services such as: adult day services; creation of a guide on how people can get assistive devices for their condition as well as serving of congregate meals; nursing home transition program; respite information and referral; inclusion of profit and non-profit organizations as well as those that are related to environment; family issues; financial assistance; food and clothing; health and medical care as well as housing and legal services.

Other volunteer programs fixed its focus on helping people with disability and teaching senior citizens learn on how to keep track of financial matters, thus training them on checkbook balancing and bill paying so as to help them keep their life in order.

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Training Opportunities

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Part of the Area Agencies on Aging, or AAAs, that could provide you with both information and services when it comes to helping the elderly as well as those who are physically disabled is the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities. It also provides training opportunities in order to render proper care to them.
The following access can be gained by getting in touch with your local agent for the Division Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities training opportunities:
• The available services within your immediate area
• Assistance programs, specifically those for housing, meal planning as well as mobility
• Counselling on an individual level, caregiver training and contact with various support groups
• Respite care
Upon accomplishment of training, you can expect to be part of a team of professionals whose dedication and commitment in providing advanced, cost-effective and top-notch care to the elderly as well as the physically disabled is insurmountable.

Undergoing different training opportunities can help you move and understand further what really is taking care of the elderly and physically disabled person all about. It can open the gate of chances for you to be able to mingle and work with not just elderly individuals but also elderly groups, their families and other caregivers. In addition, it will also allow you to identify and the different and essential community contacts, sources for referrals and optional care methods that can and will suit the client at hand. It can also assist in the collaboration with different healthcare professionals in order to effectively and efficiently resolve a number of concerns as well as introduce choices, independence and safety for the ones who need a helping hand.

The Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities training opportunities will ensure that the training undertaken will be beneficial in establishing rapport and rendering effective services to the client and their families.

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Services

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In order to hasten the search for services, the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities services provided a list intended for older people and persons with disabilities. The list contains services and program funded and provided by both state and private partnership.

Indicated in the list is on where to avail adult day services especially when planning to join some activities and get the needed assistance as well. Adult foster care is also included in the services offered which is comprised with housing option for those who are in need of it. Such care would provide the necessary supervision to those who can no longer be retained in their own homes.

Protective services were also tackled by several sectors of the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities services wherein the members are held responsible for responding to cases of unsuspected abuse, exploitation and neglect of senior citizens and those with physical disabilities.

Specific programs were also available for specific conditions such as Alzheimer’s Day program whose focus are on the victims of Alzheimer’s disease. Support needed for those with the said condition were provided including medical, recreational as well as personal care services.

In addition, a program called Alzheimer’s respite was also established. The program is intended to provide assistance to caregivers so that they can function more productively along their course of responsibility. Another program available is the assisted living program wherein the highlight is on the need for the provision of a residential option that will include personal services and light medical or nursing care. Other function, which is the Assistive devices, includes all agencies that are selling equipment and has the capacity to provide assistance to individuals who need them including shower or bath chair, ramp, stair glides and m any other tools.

The aim is to provide information on how people with disability and senior citizens can avail personal care as well as support services that would enable them to perform their functions inside their respective home, with their family as well as in the community in general.

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