NUR341 Healthy Ageing Assessment 3 Case Study Answer

Question 1: What Aged Care and Interdisciplinary Services Can Help Flo Maintain Independence?

Aged care is the assistance given to elderly individuals in an assisted living facility, nursing home, or in their own homes. It involves assistance with equipment, housing, living, personal care, and health care. People who are 65 years of age or older and are identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people are provided with government-funded aged care services (Australian Government, 2020). Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, which enhances and safeguards the health, safety, and general well-being of senior citizens. It encourages the providers in acting to follow quality standards and gives consumers more control (Australian Government, 2021). Various aged care services can help Flo to maintain her independence. Dementia and Aged Care Services (DACS) and National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Programme are the two aged care services. A wide range of high-quality aged care services is offered throughout New South Wales by Dementia and Aged Care Services. The staff is sensitive to the difficulties that elderly patients with dementia experience. DACS collaborates with allied health professionals to provide older Australians with evidence-based programmes that help to enhance their quality of life (Dementia and Aged Care resources, 2023). DACS oversees the operation of two different programmes. The first is the Home Care Package (HCP), which provides numerous alternatives of care and support options while enabling seniors to live freely at home (Dementia and Aged Care Services, 2023). The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), which is the second program, assists older Australians in living independently and safely at home (Dementia and Aged Care Services, 2023). National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Programme help Aboriginals to remain close to their home and meet their basic needs that are required. In addition to this, it also recognises and supports the culture of Aboriginals (Australian Government, 2023). Interdisciplinary referrals involve team members who are from different disciplines working collaboratively with the common purpose to make decisions and set goals to share the resources and responsibilities. The team generally consists of caregivers, nurses, social workers, physicians and the client's family members. Interdisciplinary referrals are important as the older people in the hospitals have different needs as compared to the younger ones (Department of Health, 2021). Occupational therapy and social workers can help Flo to maintain independence in her life. Occupational therapists work adjacent to people suffering from dementia and their carers to facilitate them to live independently in the community (Brisbane South PHN, n.d.). Social workers help in describing problems and then developing the solution for those problems. They ensure that Aboriginals get their human rights and respect. Social workers are culturally competent which makes them able to connect to Aboriginals more easily and address the problems faced by them ( Australian Human Rights Commission, 2008).

The occupational therapy will help Flo with her mobility and the suggested strategies will improve her potential for Flo to move around safely at her home. The modifications needed at Flo’s home will comprise the installation of a ramp. In addition to this equipment like mobility scooters. The occupational therapist will also help Flo to develop the plan that is required for the management of Lionel’s care and needs while she is busy with her appointments and activities outside the home. The social worker will provide support in various areas that will help Flo in coordinating transport services or home care. In addition to this, they will also help in advocating her rights and needs. The social worker will also associate Flo with the resources in the community. This will help her feel less isolated than before and she would be able to cope with caregiving responsibilities. As Flo used to feel lonely, social workers will help her to provide the guidance that is required on how she can get the family members involved in Lionel’s case. Moreover, this will help the family members to understand how to manage the difficult behaviour that Lionel may exhibit (Australian Human Rights Commission, 2008). DACs will provide Flo with additional support to cope with Lionel’s care needs. The service that is provided by DACs will also help Flo to manage her wound making sure that her wound is properly dressed. The cultural needs will be taken care of by the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Programme. This program will provide the counselling and emotional support needed by Flo (Dementia and Aged Care Services, 2023). Flo needs the aged care services and referrals because she is not able to care for her own health needs and is busy managing Lionel's care needs. The services and referral will help her to take care of her wounds and also her health needs. This will ensure that she remains healthy and can provide care to Lionel.

The accessibility of healthcare services depends on the geographical area of Aboriginals. It can be challenging for Flo to get the treatments and referrals she needs in remote places where access to healthcare services may be restricted. In certain situations, she might need to go to another community to obtain elder care services because there might not be any on her own. Even if services are offered in adjacent communities, Flo may find it challenging to access them due to the distance and limited transportation choices. It's possible that Flo won't have access to a car or other kind of private mobility, and public transportation options may be scarce or nonexistent (Nolan-Isles et al., 2021). Indigenous Australians may encounter cultural obstacles while trying to receive medical care. Language barriers, a lack of cultural sensitivity on the part of healthcare professionals, and a reluctance to seek assistance outside of the community may all contribute to this (Li, 2017). Overall, Flo's location has a substantial impact on her ability to receive services and referrals. However, programmes like the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Programme have been put in place with the express purpose of offering Indigenous Australians living in rural and isolated locations aged care services that are suitable for their cultural norms.

Question 2: How do attitudes toward aging impact the care of older individuals?

Personal, cultural, and social attitudes and beliefs about ageing can significantly impact the care of older persons. These attitudes and beliefs can shape the way that caregivers, health care providers, and society as a whole view and interact with older people, and can impact the quality of care that they receive. The level of care an elderly person receives can be greatly impacted by individual attitudes towards ageing. Ageism is the term used to describe unfavourable attitudes or stereotypes towards older people. Negative views regarding ageing may make a carer less inclined to give an elderly person the proper care and attention. Neglect, inadequate communication, and a general disregard for the person's needs might result from this. Fear of ageing can result in a lack of empathy and compassion for older people. Fear of ageing may cause carers to avoid personal relationships with senior citizens, which can lead to a lack of engagement, a breakdown in communication, and ultimately, subpar care (WHO, 2016).When a carer makes decisions on behalf of an elderly person without consulting or engaging them in the process, they are exhibiting paternalism. This approach may make the elderly person feel as though their independence and autonomy are being taken away, which may cause them to become frustrated and resentful (Sánchez-Izquierdo et al., 2019). The patient, perceptive, and compassionate approach to care can result from positive attitudes about ageing. A sense of respect and dignity for the elderly can be fostered by carers who see ageing as a normal part of life, which can significantly improve their general well-being.

Cultural beliefs affect the values that surround the ageing process and the role of older people

Cultural views on ageing can have a big impact on how an older person is cared for since they can affect how carers view and relate to them. Elderly persons' wisdom and experience are valued in their cultures, therefore carers from those cultures may be more likely to deliver high-quality care that upholds the patient's autonomy and dignity. Intergenerational ties and family values are valued in many cultures. The older person's familial connections and social support networks may receive more attention from carers from these cultures (AHCJ, 2014).

Cultural perceptions of gender roles can have an impact on how an older person is cared for. The study done by Löckenhoff et al. (2009) highlights the social representation theory which focuses on the fact that shared cultural representation includes the views that are held in the ageing process. Age segregation is strongly valued in some societies, with older adults and younger generations kept apart. Inadequate care may emerge from a lack of understanding and empathy for the needs of older persons as a result of this. Many older people feel lonely and depressed in their old age as they lack close family ties and are away from their culture. (Singh & Misra, 2009). Different cultures may have different expectations and norms around ageing and the role of older people in society. For example, some cultures may place a high value on the wisdom and experience of older people, while others may view ageing as a burden or a sign of weakness. These attitudes can influence the way that older people are treated and the quality of care that they receive. Ageing has a stigma attached to it in some cultures since it is seen as a sign of decline, prestige loss, and dependency. Carers with such views could consider older people to be a burden and give them subpar or careless care (Holm et al., 2014).

The care of the elderly can be greatly impacted by social views towards ageing. Discrimination or prejudice towards older people is a result of unfavourable social attitudes towards ageing. This may result in a lack of regard for and compassion for elderly individuals, which could lead to subpar treatment (WHO, 2016). Age-based preconceptions about people are referred to as stereotyping. Older persons may be perceived as feeble, helpless, or unable to make their own decisions by carers who have preconceived notions about them. This lack of participation and communication will ultimately result in subpar care. The Australian Human Rights Commission, (2013) report has observed that 71 per cent of Australia's age-based discrimination is common for older ones. In Australia, elderly people are sometimes portrayed as a social problem as a result of public concern for the government regarding ageing problems. Older people may be seen as a burden in some civilizations. Due to a lack of resources and support, older persons may receive subpar care or even be neglected as a result (O’Loughlin & Kendig,2017). Social attitudes towards ageing can affect the setting where older people get care. Carers can deliver high-quality care that satisfies the requirements of the elderly by emphasizing age-friendly settings that encourage independence, mobility, and social connection. Beliefs in independence and dependence can also affect how an elderly person is cared for. Elderly people's autonomy and dignity may be violated by carers who believe that seniors should be self-sufficient and independent. On the other hand, carers who encourage older folks' independence and autonomy may offer high-quality care that respects their needs and rights (Motamed-Jahromi & Kaveh, 2021).

 Beliefs about ageing can have a big impact on how an older person is cared for because they can affect how carers view and relate to them. Beliefs about health and disease can have a big impact on how an older person is cared for. Carer attitudes that ageing is a natural process that results in a loss of health may make them less likely to offer preventive care, which can result in subpar care and neglect. Social attitudes and beliefs can also play a role in the care of older people. For example, ageism - the belief that older people are less capable, less valuable, or less deserving of respect than younger people - can lead to discrimination and negative treatment of older people. This can impact the quality of care that older people receive, as well as their overall well-being and quality of life (WHO, 2016). Beliefs in independence and dependence can also affect how an elderly person is cared for. Elderly people's autonomy and dignity may be violated by carers who believe that seniors should be self-sufficient and independent. On the other hand, carers who encourage older folks' independence and autonomy may offer high-quality care that respects their needs and rights (Motamed-Jahromi & Kaveh, 2021). To provide high-quality care for older people, it is important to be aware of personal, cultural, and social attitudes and beliefs about ageing, and to actively work to overcome any biases or prejudices that may exist. This can involve education and training on ageing and cultural competency, as well as a commitment to treating older people with respect, dignity, and compassion, regardless of their personal, cultural, or social background.

References

AHCJ. (2014). Cultural perceptions of ageing affect health status, caregiving. https://healthjournalism.org/blog/2014/09/cultural-perceptions-of-aging-affect-health-status-caregiving/

Australian Government. (2020). What is Aged Care?. https://www.health.gov.au/topics/aged-care/about-aged-care/what-is-aged-care#:~:te

Australian Government. (2021). About us. https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au/about-us

Australian Government. (2023). National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Program. https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/national-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-flexible-aged-care-program#how-the-program-works

Australian Human Rights Commission. (2008). The role of social workers as human rights workers with Indigenous people and communities. https://humanrights.gov.au/about/news/speeches/role-social-workers-human-rights-workers-indigenous-people-and-communities

Australian Human Rights Commission. (2013). Fact or fiction?Stereotypes of older Australians. https://humanrights.gov.au/sites/default/files/document/publication/Fact%20or%20Fiction_2013_WebVersion_FINAL_0.pdf

Brisbane South PHN. (n.d.). Occupational therapy and dementia care. https://bsphn.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Occupational-therapy-and-dementia-fact-sheet.pdf

Dementia and Aged Care Services. (2023). Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP). https://dacs.org.au/commonwealth-home-support-program-chsp/

Dementia and Aged Care Services. (2023). Home Care Package (HCP). https://dacs.org.au/home-care-package-hcp/

Dementia and Aged Care Services. (2023). Our team. https://dacs.org.au/who/#

Department of Health. (2021). An interdisciplinary approach to caring. https://www.health.vic.gov.au/patient-care/an-interdisciplinary-approach-to-caring

Holm, A. L., Lyberg, A., & Severinsson, E. (2014). Living with stigma: depressed elderly persons’ experiences of physical health problems. Nursing research and practice, 2014. 10.1155/2014/527920

Li, J. L. (2017). Cultural barriers lead to inequitable healthcare access for aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islanders. Chinese Nursing Research, 4(4), 207-210. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cnre.2017.10.009

Löckenhoff, C. E., De Fruyt, F., Terracciano, A., McCrae, R. R., De Bolle, M., Costa, P. T., ... & Yik, M. (2009). Perceptions of aging across 26 cultures and their culture-level associates. Psychology and aging, 24(4), 941. 10.1037/a0016901

Motamed-Jahromi, M., & Kaveh, M. H. (2021). Effective interventions on improving elderly's independence in activity of daily living: A systematic review and logic model. Frontiers in Public Health, 8, 516151. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2020.516151

Nolan-Isles, D., Macniven, R., Hunter, K., Gwynn, J., Lincoln, M., Moir, R., ... & Gwynne, K. (2021). Enablers and barriers to accessing healthcare services for Aboriginal people in New South Wales, Australia. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(6), 3014. 10.3390/ijerph18063014

O’Loughlin, K., & Kendig, H. (2017). Attitudes to ageing. Ageing in Australia: Challenges and opportunities, 29-45. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-6466-6_3

Sánchez-Izquierdo, M., Santacreu, M., Olmos, R., & Fernández-Ballesteros, R. (2019). A training intervention to reduce paternalistic care and promote autonomy: a preliminary study. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 1515-1525. 10.2147/CIA.S213644

Singh, A., & Misra, N. (2009). Loneliness, depression and sociability in old age. Industrial psychiatry journal, 18(1), 51.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3016701/#:~:text=10.4103/0972%2D6748.57861

WHO. (2016). Discrimination and negative attitudes about ageing are bad for your health. https://www.who.int/news/item/29-09-2016-discrimination-and-negative-attitudes-about-ageing-are-bad-for-your-health#

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