Abstract This paper presents a summary and review of Michael Ignatieff's story, "Scar Tissue" about dementia and the effects of aging of an elderly parent can have on an individual's soul, sense of self and sense of place within a familial context.
From the Paper "Despite the fictional conceit, this book deals with a subject that is all too physically real for many elderly Americans and families, and it is unsparing and real in its level of medical details. One can only describe it as harrowing as a real-life, true account of such suffering-in the heart of the child protagonist as much as the mother slipping into her final darkness, before death. Michael Ignatieff's title refers to the first scan of the woman's brain. It shows "scar tissue," the physical manifestation of a mental disease affecting the mind."
This paper discusses that government and private investigations reveal that nursing home residents nationwide are often succumbed to death or serious injury because of neglect in the nursing homes.
Abstract This paper explains that, since the residents of nursing homes are dependent on their staff for most or all of their necessities from food and water to medication and toileting, the care recipients are left in a very vulnerable position and often times without alternatives. The author reports that an analysis of the population of nursing homes over the last decade reveals the fact of malnourishment or undernourishment in about 35 percent to 85 percent of the U.S. nursing home residents. The paper stresses that it is essential to be cautious in selecting a care facility, to pay attention to the care being given, to educate people about nursing care abuse and to report elder abuse regardless of personal consequences.
From the Paper "The types of abuse occurring in nursing homes against the elders reflect the types prevalent in domestic environments including homicide, physical and sexual attack, neglect, inappropriate restraint, financial abuse, separation, oral threats and intimidation. Additionally, the nursing home abuses stems from traditional practices giving rise to chronic neglect, sub-standard care, overcrowding, authoritarian practices, and failure to safeguard the residents against inexperienced, distressed or greedy workers or against abusive residents or visitors. The delicate types of abuse have been innovated that refuse the residents the liberty to exert personal choice in respect of eating, getting up or going to bed; forcing the residents to involve in the activities and branding the bothersome individuals, giving rise to depersonalized dealings and isolation. Moreover, it has been noted that facilities engage in prejudiced practices like emphasizing activities that supports more capable residents."
Abstract Individuals grieve in their own way and in their own time. In examining the journey loss and the grieving of that loss in one family, this paper applies the theory to a real life situation of the death of an aged parent and the implications for adult children, themselves past middle age and experiencing their own aging journey. Their experiences are related to theoretical and personal understandings of loss and grief.
From the Paper "There is a range of reasons given for why the community struggles towards a psychology of loss. There is a lack of overall integration in the area of loss research - the authors cite evidence in this field of material that is disjointed, disorganized and descriptive. This is further supported what has been described as "a plethora of "self help" books which deal with grief. The latter these authors maintain, further diminishes the importance of loss as a scientific area of study (Miller & Omarzu, 1998). These authors maintain that because there is no clear psychology of loss there is an urgent need for what does exist to go into pre-existing or new theoretical models."
Tags: disenfranchised, healthmental, primary, secondary, somatised, theory
Abstract This paper presents an overview of a social worker's service learning experience at an Alzheimer's care facility, with patients exhibiting various stages of Alzheimer's disease. The writer's experiences are examined in this paper. The paper describes what the writer learned through his interactions with older adults at the clinic, that much like anyone else, Alzheimer's patients need stimulation, warmth, compassion and an environment that encourages interaction and relationship building.
From the Paper "My first impressions were that Legacy Gardens provided optimal care for the elderly. Up until this point in time I had held a somewhat negative image of care centers, believing that they were a place that people might 'dump' elderly family members or sick patients in order to 'wash their hands of them.' I held an image that staff were abrupt with patients and unkind, simply doing a job because they had to rather than because they wanted to. My impressions were immediately changed however, upon working at Legacy Gardens. "
Abstract This paper discusses private retirement plans and interest rates. The paper contends that private retirement plans will increase in importance for Americans over the coming years as a secondary source of income for retired Americans. The paper assesses that there is no direct relationship between the discount rate and the earnings of a pension plan's investments. However, the paper claims that constant fluctuations in the discount rate set forth by Congress make pension plan confidence uncertain.
Outline
Introduction
History of Discount Rates
Summary
From the Paper "The strength of private retirement plans must be maintained in the upcoming years due to the increasing number of Baby Boomers who will be retiring in the United States. Many retired Americans rely on private pensions and employer-sponsored retirement savings as a secondary source of income in addition to Social Security (Brinner 131). In addition, because the human life expectancy has increased dramatically over recent years, it is very important that policymakers encourage the growth of employer-sponsored retirement plans (Hungerford et al. 13)."
Argues that America must ensure that programs to provide pneumococcal and influenza vaccination to the elderly are implemented to assure long-term health for senior citizens and the American health care system.
Abstract This paper determines that, because of scientific and medical data available, it is imperative for elder citizens to have access to pneumococcal and influenza immunizations. Through a thorough study of various factors, the paper concludes that failing to make these immunizations available, will result in widespread sickness and affliction, and a rising burden on America's health care tab.
Introduction
Data
What is Being Done
Effects of Failing to Provide Pneumococcal and Influenza Vaccinations for Senior Citizens
Conclusion
From the Paper "The overwhelming conclusion of this paper is that available funds should immediately be spent to encourage our nation's senior citizens not only to get a influenza vaccination, but a pneumococcal vaccination as well.
The flu-shot shortage makes it more even more imperative for senior citizens to get a second, often overlooked vaccine that protects against a type of pneumonia germ that's a common complication of influenza.
The pneumococcal vaccine is a one-time shot for anyone 65 or older. Younger people with heart and lung illnesses, diabetes or weak immune systems need it as well, but the greatest urgency is to get the vaccination affordable and available to our nation's elderly.. It's not a replacement for a flu shot; high-risk patients should continue trying to find that.
But many of the same people most vulnerable to flu - namely, our nation's elderly -- also are at high risk from this dangerous bacterial infection. They need the pneumococcal vaccine anyway - so the focus should be on making the influenza vaccination available right alongside the pneumococcal vaccination."
Abstract This paper examines factors regarding selecting care for one's elderly parents - the balance of work and caregiving; choosing an agency or home; guardianship; involvement of other family members and finally the stress factor. The paper also looks at one theory about caregiving known as the exchange theory.
From the Paper "Some of these changes will come through health care reform. Granted, Medicare and Medicaid help a lot with parent caregiving, but they do not go far enough. One perfect example is the situation of immigrant elderly parents. Parent caregiving for immigrant parents is utterly non-existent on the federal and state government agendas, and this creates a situation in which elderly Americans' health deteriorates because minor conditions are exacerbated via missed doctor visits and checkups.
It is simply too expensive to care for an immigrant elderly parent in this country, and the resulting health care decisions are often highly inefficient, not to mention destructive for the parents' health too.
Some provisions must be made for caring for these elderly immigrant parents who cannot live on their own and support themselves.
These changes will not solve the problems of parent caregiving in America; they will, however, make it easier for the adult children to exercise their reciprocal roles and ensure their parents longer, happier, healthier lives."
Tags: health, care, aging, agency, stress, guardianship
Abstract This paper presents an overview of osteoporosis, explaining that it is a disease that affects people on a global basis and is becoming more of a problem as people live longer and the global population grows. The paper also looks at the costs of treating the illness and risk factors associated with the disease.
From the Paper "Approximately 8 million people in the United States are affected by osteoporosis (Ray, Chan, Thamer, et al, 1997). Of these, 80% are older women (Ray, Chan, Thamer, et al, 1997). In addition to this problem, another 17 million people in this country have low bone mass, which puts them at an increased risk for developing osteoporosis as they get older (Ray, Chan, Thamer, et al, 1997). Every year, 1.5 million broken bones, 500,000 of them spinal fractures and 300,000 of them broken hips, are caused by the disease (Ray, Chan, Thamer, et al, 1997). It has been predicted that 50% of women and 20% of men who are over the age of 65 will have a fracture or broken bone related to osteoporosis at some time throughout their lives (Ray, Chan, Thamer, et al, 1997). The population of the world is increasing, and the life expectancy for people in many countries is also increasing, which means that osteoporosis and the number of people afflicted with it is going to continue to rise and become even more problematic in the future (Ray, Chan, Thamer, et al, 1997). "
Abstract This paper looks at the reasons why Japanese longevity is 3 years more than their American counterparts. The paper discusses issues such as lifestyle choices, food choices, health care systems and urban development. The writer concludes that Americans' choice of unhealthy food is a major factor for their lower longevity.
From the Paper "As long as profit and politics continue to drive the forces of the food industry in America the changes will never be broad. The appeal of fast food and unhealthy flashy consumables will likely speared across the world before it actually shrinks in the United States. Yet, maybe with the wisdom of these other cultures and the relative response time to derogatory changes associated with global dietary changes will come home to the consumer in America."
Abstract This paper defines cognition and explains the effects of aging on the brain in relation to memory, attention, metacognition, effects on language and the effects of aging on the executive function and finally cognitive function in very old age.
Introduction
Causes
Overview of Findings in Relation to Cognition and Aging
Cognitive Aging and Working Memory
Long-Term Memory
Environmental Support Indications
Health-Related Cognitive Function Impairment
Changes in Hormonal Levels Associated with Cognitive Decline
Medical Treatments Available
Dietary Changes
Lifestyle Changes
Nutritional Aids in Combating Cognitive Dysfunction
Summary
Conclusion
From the Paper "Manifestations of the age-associated cognitive disorder may be in various forms including senility, loss of memory, Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Dementia is inclusive of diseases that involve nerve cell deterioration with loss in two complex behavior areas including language, memory, visual abilities, spatial abilities, and judgment."
Abstract This study assesses the cancer prevention and treatment programs available to the elderly people of America. The paper points out the need for implementing high-quality quality cancer treatment and prevention programs both by the private sector, as well as the government and attempts to reveal the best possible program currently being implemented in America.
Review of Related Literature
The Fundamental Principals of "Comprehensive Cancer Control"
A Coordinated Public Health Methodology
Effectiveness of the CCC Program
Conclusion
From the Paper "While many programs have been initiated to minimize the spread of cancer, it is a discouraging fact that not many programs have been successful. For instance, in 1985, "The National Cancer Institute" (NCI) launched a number of carefully measured goals to decrease the number of deaths being caused due to cancer by the year 2000. The program failed miserably as it aimed to control cancer only through the viability of declines in cancer related deaths, rather than particulars on the methods and procedures that will lead to this decline (Lawrence Bergner, Katherine M. Marconi, Helen I. Meissner, 1992). Many other programs have been introduced since then, but they too have failed to achieve concrete results. The purpose of this study is neither to highlight those programs nor to give reasons for their failure, rather the purpose of this study is to reveal the best possible program currently being implemented in America, either by the government or by the private sector or both."
Abstract This paper examines how there are a lot of barriers to access of health care programs for people who are living with HIV/AIDS such as transportation, finance and caregiving. This paper contends that people in rural areas need to have this specialized care closer to where they live in order to manage the disease and go on with living.
From the Paper "According to the authors of Barriers to accessing HIV/AIDS care in North Carolina: rural and urban differences, "studies of the etiology of unmet needs among HIV-infected individuals found that most problems were externally controlled such as a lack of available services, HIV-related stigma and discrimination, and long travel distances to services," (Reif, Golin and Smith, 2005). The researchers administered a self-administered survey to every case manager in North Carolina. Some of the questions in the survey were in regards to the area that they serve so they can distinguish between metropolitan areas and non metropolitan areas. Respondents to the survey were asked to respond to several questions including case manager and client characteristics and service barriers that may influence medication adherence. "
Abstract This paper explains that the term "dementia" is used by the medical community to describe patients with impaired intellectual capacity; dementia patients may also be labelled as having "presenile" or "senile" dementia, "chronic" or "organic brain syndrome," "arterio-sclerosis," or
"cerebral atrophy". The author points out that two of the most common forms of dementia are Alzheimer's disease, which causes the brain to lose its ability and makes it stop functioning normally, and multi-infarct dementia in which a blockage in the blood vessels causes damage to different parts of the brain resulting in minor strokes. The paper concludes that patients suffering from dementia become in many ways like children losing control over their mind and become strongly dependant on others to function normally; hence, the people who care for these patients must do so with love, understanding and patience.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Dementia
Clinical Presentation
Cognitive Changes
Psychiatric Symptoms
Personality Changes
Problem Behaviors
Changes in Day-to-Day Functioning
Charlie
The Work Environment
Management and Treatment
Dealing with Inappropriate Behavior
Conclusion
From the Paper "With staff that worked with Charlie, I will step into the world of Charlie who is suffering from dementia for the past 6 years; he is 54 years old and at first glance would pass of as an extinguished old gentleman, greying at the temples having an air of aristocracy about him. When
Charlie first started to exhibit symptoms of dementia, his family put it down to mood swings and thought he was going through a period of depression and tried to help him. At first there were upset over his forgetfulness but soon realised that something was happening to Charlie which he had no ability to control and soon they found out that he
was suffering from dementia."
Abstract This study researches aging from the aspect of cognitive development, which includes all aspect of adult development including theory and research. This work is done from the view of a cognitive cohorts aspect inclusive of case studies, which state that this is from both the male and female perspective. Phases of Development are inclusive of mental, physical and emotional changes experienced by the aging individual. The three ranges covered in respect to developmental cohorts are those of Middle Age range 40-60 years of age, Older Mature Phase 60-80 years of age and Elder Range of ages 80 and beyond.
Table of Contents
Purpose
Introduction
Disease and Aging
Life Span
Molecular/Cellular Changes in Aging
Aging Theories
Accelerated Aging Diseases
Developmental Psychological Aspects of Aging
Developmental Cohorts
Facts of Aging
Cognitive Development
Piaget Theorist: Four States of Human Cognitive Development
Literature Review
Physiological Signs of Aging
Outward Signs of Aging
Adult Developmental Stages
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper "Aging has many different variables and occurs at rates that are different among individuals and among species. Senescence is viewed by gerontologists as a "collection of degenerative entropic processes related only by the fact that the occurrence is over a period of time. One theory is the "Loose Cannon Theory" which proposes that an entropy-producing agent-free radical or glucose disrupts cellular macromolecular constituents over a period of time.""
Abstract This paper discusses the controversial issue of restraints and their use in certain medical and psychiatric treatments. It considers concerns regarding the correct and incorrect use of restraints, the types of restraints that are available for use, if the use of restraints causes the patient further physical and/or psychological problems and the effects that caring for a patient with restraints may have on the nursing staff.
From the Paper "Another alternative that may be discussed is the use of chemical restraint via psychoactive medications. Unfortunately, the use of medications like benzodiazepines, antipsychotic and other sedative medications have unpredictable effects in the elderly and in some cases may actually contribute to the patient's confusion or agitation. The phenomenon of "sundowning" is frequently seen, where elderly patients become more agitated in the early evening hours especially when sedative medications are used. One may consider that the use of chemical restraint is preferable to physical restraint, but in the setting of adverse side effects, the benefit/risk ratio must be carefully weighed."
Tags: older, senility, health, care, geriatric, skilled, nursing, care, elderly, specialists, hospital
