FIU Issues of Caring for The Frail Elderly in Late Adulthood Discussion

In Chapter 25, page 720, the “frail elderly” are discussed. For this discussion, address the following: 250 words

• What are some of the issues of caring for the “frail elderly” in Late adulthood?
• Describe three of the challenges we face in caring for the frail elderly
• The Developing Person Through the Life Span 10th Edition by Berger.pdf. (BOOK 212 pages of diference)

reply to YICEL 200 words

Many of them have health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, asthma, cataract, and anemia, accompanied by hypertension. Around 68% of the patients claimed that indifference was the mindset of citizens against the elderly. The association between age and frailty is attributable to the regulation of chronic inflammation by exogenous and endogenous agents that affect cellular oxygen development. This results in disruption to DNA and triggers cell modifications with inflammatory process dysregulation, apoptosis, necrosis, and replication, resulting in detrimental disorders, including osteoporosis or vulnerability. (“developing through the lifespan study guide,” 2020). Frail older adults remain at risk of harmful effects and are the most critical users in both acute and neighborhood health resources environments. This treatment of elderly seniors requires both structured structures and communities. This book explores health care challenges for fragile older adults and investigates the role of fragility in the potential health care environment. It also raises obstacles for future treatment, innovative ideas being tried and discussed at the moment, and recommendations for possible goals for nursing. Challenges in treating vulnerable elders include coordination and continuity of the support spectrum, distribution of money, and service delivery cultural competence. Intensive case management services, addressing elderly people at risk, collaborations with families, increased telemedicine and assistive devices, and encouraging healthier aging are innovative strategies. Via clinical practice, curriculum, leadership, and science, nurses can promote elderly well-being across environments. (“developing through the lifespan study guide,” 2020). Frailty is a condition of physiological weakness in the elderly, owing to reduced homeostatic reserve and a reduction in reacting to stressors. Although no specific agreement concept offers detailed fragility appraisal criteria, physicians frequently identify these patients and define them as vulnerable or unable to succeed. The goal of this paper is to raise the consciousness of frailty among older adults. To maintain continuous vigilance for frailty marks, the focus is put on a team plan to provide for aging adults. (“developing through the lifespan study guide,” 2020)

reply to Yelina 200 words

What are some of the issues of caring for the “frail elderly” in Late adulthood?

Frailty, commonly associated with aging, includes several characteristics like low physical activity, muscle weakness, slowed performance, fatigue or poor endurance, and unintentional weight loss. Frail older adults are weak, often have many complex medical problems, have lower ability for independent living, may have impaired mental abilities, and often require assistance for daily activities (dressing, eating, toileting, mobility). Most frail older adults are women (partly because women live longer than men), are more than 80 years old, and often receive care from an adult child. Because of the rapid rate of growth in the population aged 65 years and older, the number of frail elderly persons is increasing every year.

Persons who are frail are more likely to become disabled, to be admitted to the hospital, and to have health problems. Research has shown that individuals who smoke, persons with depression or long-term medical problems, and those who are underweight are more likely to become frail. Frail older adults are more likely to develop infections because their immune systems do not work as well as in healthy older adults. Simple infections may cause more harm, even death, for a frail elderly person, than for an individual of the same age who is healthy. Malnutrition is also common among frail older adults. Loss of muscle mass (more than with healthy aging) may result from a diet low in protein. Because of the inability to plan and prepare their own meals, frail elderly individuals may not consume enough protein and calories to maintain their body weight and health.

The three common challenges that we face taking care of them are:

1) They should not be left isolated. They also need emotional support.

2) They should be assisted with day to day activities.

3) They also crave entertainment, It’s the duty of every individual to take care of their parent when they grow frail elderly.

………..REPLY EXAMPLE …….

Good afternoon Vilma,

I agree, as you mention there are many challenges that arise in caring for a frail elderly. Family disagreements arise in this situation, family deciding who is going to take care, etc. Isn’t an easy task and is a big commitment. I can understand that it can be very hard because everyone has their responsibilities, family and their routines. Also, if the person has a major health problem like Alzheimer it can be emotionally exhausting for the person who is taking care of the frail elderly. There for example we see how elder abuse is a problem in those cases. Also, the caregiver may not be prepared for this commitment. They don’t know how to take care of a frail elderly. If the family decides to put the elderly in a nursing home, it cost money and not everyone can afford. I believe in a nursing home; they have the resources and people that are prepared to assist this population. However, me personally who feel so sad and bad leaving a family member there. But as the book mention, that is due to cultural differences. I would feel that I’m abandoning them there, but as the same time they have better resources to help them if the elderly is a frail elderly that needs extra help and care.