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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

wellness-activities

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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