Later adulthood care

Question 1

What is meant by later adulthood care?

Answer 1

Some older people have specific needs for care and support. Whatever a person’s age, their care should meet their needs.

Question 2

What rights do adults have?

Answer 2

Adults with specific care needs have the right to;
Choose their own GP
Have equal and fair treatment 
Be consulted about the care they need 
Be consulted about their preferences 
Be protected from harm and risk
Have access to complaints procedures 
Have access to advocacy and empowerment.
Specialists who promote health and prevent and treat disease for people in later adulthood are involved in geriatrics and geriatric medicine.

Question 3

Adults are at risk, how can they be safeguarded?

Answer 3

Some adults are vulnerable, which means that they are more likely to come to harm and must be safeguarded from risk. Vulnerable people include;
People with degenerative illness e.g dementia
Individuals who have been abused
Refugees
People who are no longer well or strong enough to cope with day to day tasks
Individuals with mental ill health

Question 4

What is the carers role?

Answer 4

When caring for older people with specific needs, carers should follow the correct procedures.
Keep people safe by supporting them to manage risks.
Enable people to live independently.
Ensure that they can access the benefits they need, e.g personal budgets.
Ensure that information about them remains confidential.
Work in partnership with different personal care providers, e.g. where help with dressing is provided by a private agency and where meals are delivered to by a local authority service.
Ensure that they do not experience discrimination.
Promote their rights.
Provide mediation when necessary, e.g. between the personal and family members over financial matters.
Prevent self-neglect
Prevent abuse, e.g financial.

Question 5

Examples of specific needs in later adulthood?

Answer 5

Some health and social care needs in later adulthood can vary.
1.Development or progression of physical and mental conditions.
Treatment and medication to help manage conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, heart disease, respiratory diseases, cancer.
Treatment and medication to help manage mental health conditions such as dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Treatment and support for sensory impairment such as hearing loss or cataracts.
Treatment involving surgical intervention and physiotherapy, for example if there has been a fall or break to the hip, arm or leg or a joint replacement.
Provision of support in the home such as appliances, help with daily tasks and meals; or at a care or nursing home.
2. Involvement of family or friends
Advice from specialist staff in this area (geriatrics) on ways to support the person and themselves.
In cases of dementia or Alzheimer’s the person can be supported if they are unable to express needs and preferences.
3.Interventions to maintain physical and mental health
Support such as exercise programmes and guidance to prevent osteoporosis and falls.
Guidance on nutrition such as avoiding obesity and ensuring a healthy diet.
Ensuring oral health; regular sight and hearing tests.
Provision of healthy aging advice, screening and assessment for early diagnosis of conditions.