|
Changes 2 |
|
a. Older peoples skin is dry, thin and wrinkled; easily damaged. b. Superficial blood vessels less efficient in constricting / dilating; unable to control body temperatures efficiently. c. Finger and toe nails become thicker and brittle. d. Hair becomes dry, thin and grey. IMPLICATIONS FOR CARERS Dryness is due to atrophy of sebacious and sweat glands therefore:- (i). Use fragrance free, chemist recommended bath oil and / 0r cream or oil after bathing. (ii). Soaking feet in warm water and applying oil softens skin and nails. (iii). Regular examinations of bony prominences and pressure areas. (iv). Use of more clothing to keep warm. (v). Aseptic care of wounds and good nutrition to prevent infection and aid healing. a. Bones become more brittle, therefore more vulnerable to fractures. b. Joint action becomes restricted and painful due to loss of cartilage at the ends of weight bearing bones. c. Osteo-arthritis, deposits of calcium and formation of adhesions interfere with joint action leading to inactivity and immobility. d. Fatty infiltration of the muscles produces weakness, e. Muscles begin to waste, we begin to lose strength and stiffen f. The discs in the spine wear and become thinner, our spine curves and we lose height. Our posture alters as the head tilts back to compensate for the spine curve. IMPLICATIONS FOR CARERS (i) Accident prevention - Health & Safety. (ii). encourage exercise and activity within the individuals limitations. (III). DO NOT FOSTER INACTIVITY. Complete bed rest is very dangerous and predisposes to thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, joint stiffness, muscle weakness and breakdown of skin over pressure areas. If a service user is too weak to exercise, passive exercise should be performed, without forcing the range of comfortable movement. a. Eyes become less elastic and the pupils become smaller and less responsive to light. Near vision becomes impaired. b. Decline of hearing. c. Dulled pain perception. e. Sense of smell is less acute, we become oblivious to bad smells. f. The number of taste buds is reduced, food does not have the same appeal and appetite is reduced. IMPLICATIONS FOR CARERS (i). Impaired vision places emphasis on the need for thorough orientation to surroundings. (ii). Ensure good lighting / night lighting. (iii). Keep glasses and hearing aids clean and in good repair. (iv). Extra care with bathing, hot water bottles etc. ( Due to loss of pain sensors, a service users condition may be more serious than implicated by complaints). a. Some degree of cerebral change is associated with the ageing process, but varies greatly between individuals. b. Most ageing minds show some loss of memory, slower comprehension, slower response and shorter span if attention. c. Some become unhappy, complaining and aggressive. Most of these emotional / personality changes are not organic but due to the unfortunate social and economic conditions imposed by todays society. Forced retirement, inadequate income. A society which depreciates the worth of its older citizens. Loss of family members and friends of a similar age may also contribute to these changes in behaviour. IMPLICATIONS FOR CARERS (i). Show respect. (ii). Remember:- DIGNITY RIGHTS INDEPENDENCE PRIVACY FULFILMENT CHOICE |
||
|
|
||