For my final observation, I will like to do so about falling.
What are the reasons that the elderly fall down?
The normal changes for an elderly, like deteriorating eyesight or poor hearing, will make the elderly more likely to fall. Illnesses and diseases will sap the elderly's strength, and poor lighting and unfavourable surfaces will make the elderly very prone to falling. Furthermore, medication might weaken the elderly.
How do I prevent it?
1) Make sure that the house is as well lit as possible so that the elderly will not trip over something that he/she might not see in poor lighting.
2) Do not put anything that might trip the elderly lying around. Eg. Electric cords
3) Make the house is non-skid.
4) Do not let the elderly try to climb on a stool by him/herself to take something off the shelves or etc.
5) Install grab bars in the bathroom, and on the staircases.
Other than that, each family can adjust how to make the house as safe as possible for the elderly depending on the situation
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
Elderly challenge observation 3
The third problem I will address is about the elderly's eyesight.
First of all, all people will sooner or later have eye problems as they get older, no matter how good their eyesight is.
So, as an elderly's eyesight deteriorates.
Most elderlies get conned by con artists who have reputations of cheating the frail and weak eyesight elderly.
Some of the problems are because of:
1) Presbyopia - Difficulty focusing on objects that are close.
2)Diabetic retinopathy - Another complication of diabetics, and a common cause of blindness.
3)Eye Infections - This is quite common also.
Of course, there are many more other forms of eye problems, but it is very hard for an elderly to remain with perfect eyesight forever.
First of all, all people will sooner or later have eye problems as they get older, no matter how good their eyesight is.
So, as an elderly's eyesight deteriorates.
Most elderlies get conned by con artists who have reputations of cheating the frail and weak eyesight elderly.
Some of the problems are because of:
1) Presbyopia - Difficulty focusing on objects that are close.
2)Diabetic retinopathy - Another complication of diabetics, and a common cause of blindness.
3)Eye Infections - This is quite common also.
Of course, there are many more other forms of eye problems, but it is very hard for an elderly to remain with perfect eyesight forever.
Elderly challenge observation 2
Another major problem is the elderly's lack of social life and activities.
This may be because they have too much spare time as most of them are retired, and they may not have the physical capabilities to do what they had wanted to do before in their prime.
RESULT: Many old folks hang around in the void decks aimlessly, talking to other old folks in the same predicament as them.
I think this is quite a bad sign as it means that many singaporeans are not taking care of their elderly parents.
They should at least have made sure that their parents do not "rot there" in the void decks.
Personally, I think the elderly should also be more active and take up hobbies and go for enrichment classes, as I am sure that wil brighten up their lives so much more.
Or perhaps the elderly themselves should organise gatherings with other elderly, so that they can sit together and talk about their lives, maybe they might find something in common with other elderly and make new friends!
Otherwise, their own family should also visit the elderly once in a while if they are not staying with the elderly to make the elderly feel that he/she is still wanted by the family and does not feel like a liability.
Second observation finished.
Jun Hui
This may be because they have too much spare time as most of them are retired, and they may not have the physical capabilities to do what they had wanted to do before in their prime.
RESULT: Many old folks hang around in the void decks aimlessly, talking to other old folks in the same predicament as them.
I think this is quite a bad sign as it means that many singaporeans are not taking care of their elderly parents.
They should at least have made sure that their parents do not "rot there" in the void decks.
Personally, I think the elderly should also be more active and take up hobbies and go for enrichment classes, as I am sure that wil brighten up their lives so much more.
Or perhaps the elderly themselves should organise gatherings with other elderly, so that they can sit together and talk about their lives, maybe they might find something in common with other elderly and make new friends!
Otherwise, their own family should also visit the elderly once in a while if they are not staying with the elderly to make the elderly feel that he/she is still wanted by the family and does not feel like a liability.
Second observation finished.
Jun Hui
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Elderly challenge observation
First, I would like to say is that one of the many major problems that the elderly have is:
Moving Around.
Why do they have problems moving around?
Some of the reasons why they have problems are:
1) Arthritis and other joint diseases
2) Disease in he muscles or bones
3) Circulation problems in legs
4) Problems after a stroke
5) Parkinsons disease
These are some of the problems causing the elderly to have problems moving around. Of course, they are other types of problems that may cause in such movement disabilities.
So, an easy way for the elderly to move around is to allow them to have assistive equipment. An elderly with mobility problems may require such equipment, and without these equipment, the elderly has a higher chance of injury which can be disastrous.
A simple walking frame may prove to be more than just a simple equipment as the elderly can use it not only to assist him/herself in walking, but also a place of support to lean and rest upon.
Furthermore, a wheelchair may seem to be the safest method of moving around but it can also be very restrictive to the elderly and the elderly may not accept it as they might think that they are disabled or somewhere around that point.
So, another way is to adapt the elderly's home for improve mobility around the house, and that may prove to be better in the long term.
First observation finished.
Jun Hui
Moving Around.
Why do they have problems moving around?
Some of the reasons why they have problems are:
1) Arthritis and other joint diseases
2) Disease in he muscles or bones
3) Circulation problems in legs
4) Problems after a stroke
5) Parkinsons disease
These are some of the problems causing the elderly to have problems moving around. Of course, they are other types of problems that may cause in such movement disabilities.
So, an easy way for the elderly to move around is to allow them to have assistive equipment. An elderly with mobility problems may require such equipment, and without these equipment, the elderly has a higher chance of injury which can be disastrous.
A simple walking frame may prove to be more than just a simple equipment as the elderly can use it not only to assist him/herself in walking, but also a place of support to lean and rest upon.
Furthermore, a wheelchair may seem to be the safest method of moving around but it can also be very restrictive to the elderly and the elderly may not accept it as they might think that they are disabled or somewhere around that point.
So, another way is to adapt the elderly's home for improve mobility around the house, and that may prove to be better in the long term.
First observation finished.
Jun Hui
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Holiday Work: Understanding 'The Elderly Challenge'
Four key recommendations of the report:
1) Housing for the elderly: This means that there will be different types of housing to ensure that there will be a comprehensive range of housing optons to meet the needs of seniors, so that SIngapore will be the best home for all ages.
2) Accessibility for Seniors: Transport systems will be more user friendly and the built environment will be barrier free to ensure elder friendly mobility around the nation
3) Caring for seniors: Healthcare and Eldercare will be more efficient and more cost efficient, and they will be easily accessible by the elderly in the community.
4) Opportunities for Seniors: Seniors will be able to lead healthy and active lifestyles, and all Singaporeans, young and old wll have a positive attitude towards seniors.
One way the CAI report is recommending to make our public housing more user-friendly:
1) The government should consider introducing guidelines for the provision of accessibility and safety features in the homes for seniors, through a review of the Code on Barrier-Free Accessibility, to create a more elder-friendly environment.
Two ways we can ensure that the quality of eldercare here in SIngapore is affordable:
1) The Singapore government should top up Medisave accounts for the less well-to-do when they have a budgetary surplus, so that the elderly have the means to afford healthcare services.
2)The Government should set up a Caregiver Centre to support families in care-giving through provision of information resources and programmes.
Three things I can do as an SST student, to help overcome this elderly challenges:
1) I could design objects that could great reduce the inconvenience that the elderly face when travelling around. Like a portable scooter/chair.
2) Organising activities to engage the elderly in lively activities is also an option
3) But most important of all, maintaining a good relationship and helping fellow neighbours, who are elderly and have trouble moving around.
Thats it.
Tata~
1) Housing for the elderly: This means that there will be different types of housing to ensure that there will be a comprehensive range of housing optons to meet the needs of seniors, so that SIngapore will be the best home for all ages.
2) Accessibility for Seniors: Transport systems will be more user friendly and the built environment will be barrier free to ensure elder friendly mobility around the nation
3) Caring for seniors: Healthcare and Eldercare will be more efficient and more cost efficient, and they will be easily accessible by the elderly in the community.
4) Opportunities for Seniors: Seniors will be able to lead healthy and active lifestyles, and all Singaporeans, young and old wll have a positive attitude towards seniors.
One way the CAI report is recommending to make our public housing more user-friendly:
1) The government should consider introducing guidelines for the provision of accessibility and safety features in the homes for seniors, through a review of the Code on Barrier-Free Accessibility, to create a more elder-friendly environment.
Two ways we can ensure that the quality of eldercare here in SIngapore is affordable:
1) The Singapore government should top up Medisave accounts for the less well-to-do when they have a budgetary surplus, so that the elderly have the means to afford healthcare services.
2)The Government should set up a Caregiver Centre to support families in care-giving through provision of information resources and programmes.
Three things I can do as an SST student, to help overcome this elderly challenges:
1) I could design objects that could great reduce the inconvenience that the elderly face when travelling around. Like a portable scooter/chair.
2) Organising activities to engage the elderly in lively activities is also an option
3) But most important of all, maintaining a good relationship and helping fellow neighbours, who are elderly and have trouble moving around.
Thats it.
Tata~
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