Elderly Issues |
Social Isolation
Many elderly persons are isolated. There can be
many reasons for this. For example, their spouse may be deceased or they
may be estranged from their family due to distance or conflict. They may have
have out lived their friends, or live too far away to visit. The elderly person
may have mobility restrictions that keep them confined to their living space.
Their health may also be comprised thus contributing to the problem. These are
just a few examples of how an elderly person can be isolated.
Over Medication
Today, more and more seniors are over medicated
with either prescription or over the counter medication. This can lead to
serious health complications, and even death. What can be done about this? An
adult child can accompany the elderly person to medical appointments. The adult
child can also keep a list of all the medications that the elderly parent is
taking. This can help avoid mistakes and over medicating. Another responsible
adult who has the elderly persons best interest in mind can also be appointed
for this task.
Financial Stress
Today, many elderly face poverty. This may mean
not being able to:
- purchase enough food for the month,
- pay utility bills,
- pay rent,
- purchase weather appropriate clothing,
- and pay for their medication.
What can be done to assist an elderly person in
this type of situation?
- The elderly person can apply for subsidized
housing.
- They can apply for a public long term care
facility.
- A qualified social worker can also assist by
providing resources. A qualified social worker is able to assess the
situation, and refer the person to the required services and agencies.
Abuse
Abuse towards an elderly person can come in many
shapes and forms:
- financial abuse,
- physical abuse,
- emotional and mental abuse,
- sexual abuse,
- and neglect.
If it is believed that an elderly person is
abused, the local chapter of the Elderly Abuse Team can be contacted. The
Elder Abuse Team consists of experienced workers who have been trained to work
with these issues.
If the elderly person is living in Canada, these
links can be used for assistance and information:
If the elderly person is living in the United
States, these links can be used for assistance and information:
Michele Bayno BSW, BA With the significant increase in the
number of older people, the requirement for assistance with household chores,
shopping and meal preparation, personal care, and dispensing of medication has
also been on the rise.
Private Social Worker Available for Consultations. My name
is Michele Bayno, I have ten years working experience as a geriatric social
worker in a public hospital setting. My area of expertise is working with
seniors and their families. I have extensive experience with the important
issues that the touch the lives of seniors and their families.