How have population demographics changed (with regards to age) over the last 70 years?
Increasing elderly population
Decreasing younger population
(baby boom post-war)
Give reasons for the demographic changes
Decreasing fertility Decreasing mortality (increasing life-expectancy) Migration Contraception more widely available Improvements in - housing - sanitation - safety (fewer injuries) Health education programmes
Which age group is growing most rapidly?
80+
In what areas are there challenges presented by an ageing population?
Health
Social
Political
Economic
Define multimorbidity
the coexistence of two or more long-term conditions in an individual
What is the difference between residential care homes and nursing homes?
Residential - 24 hour support but no medical care on site
Nursing home - resident nurses on site
What are the aspects of pro-active care?
- patient on palliative register and discussed at meetings
- GP/nurse support calls/visits
- info on support is given to patient and carers
- customised care plans including partnerships with specialists
- overall care is assessed including psuch and spiritual aspects
- preferred place of care is noted and organised
- end of life pathway is used
- patient dies in their preferred place
- staff reflect on the patients care and death
Discuss the impacts that the role of carer has on an individual
- mental health (anxiety, stress, depression)
- may have to give up work
- financial implications
- social isolation
- less time for hobbies
- adaptations to house
- positive impacts e.g. satifaction / enjoyment
How can problems associated with being a carer be alleviated?
- sitter services
- home carers
- elderly frozen food deliveries
- day care centre
- respite care
- benefits
- psycholgical support eg. counselling
- disabled badge scheme
- physio/OT assessment and support
- additional help from family/friends/neighbors
