A great deal of physical changes occur during the process of
ageing such as mobility, pain, communication, lack of energy or strength and
poor hygiene. Those physical changes sometimes affect a person psychologically
as well. The only reason to understand and take into account an individual’s
physical changes during ageing process is to understand their capabilities and
barriers in order to deliver services best. The following changes may occur
during the process of ageing:
Mobility: One of the
great changes occur during ageing process in an individual’s life is mobility. During
the ageing process, a person may experience poor mobility because of other
medical or health issues or natural decaying process. Using mobility aid or
other equipment may help a person to mobile. In some cases, a person may become
completely immobile when special equipment such as hoist, lifting device, wheel
chair may require to help a person mobile. Some individual’s mobility may
fluctuates because of the nature of treatment. In those cases, supervision is
required when they are mobile. Your responsibilities are to observe, assist and
record and report any changes.
Communication:
Communication is another factor that changes a great deal when a person
is getting old. It is very natural process of ageing that some people may
experience very bad hearings and some people may experience speech
difficulties. Some people may take more time to understand your speech and
answer and some person’s vocal sound may become very low or nebulous. In order to
establish communication with service users, you have to speak clearly, slowly
and in some cases you should repeat and clarify in details if message is not
understood. Allow more time to response. You may need to consider making
environment (such as noise free, tv, radio’s volume low or turn off) before
communicating. You may need to local GP if a person has hearing problem. Also
writings, drawings, picture, signs may use to establish communication.
Personal
Safety: Personal safety one of the main issue which you have to
deeply consider as they may become frail due to those physical changes. Due to
their poor mobility they are in great danger of falling. You may need to keep
them under supervision and visual check all that time. Also because of the
communication problem they may deprived of many things which may cause them
psychological and emotional harm. So, you have to ensure that every individual
understands the issue and any outcome and consequences before taking any
decision. You may need to involve in decision making process for service users
best of interests.
Assessment:
Any physical changes and their capabilities should be recorded and
reported to the appropriate person. You may need to take part in assessment
process what is carried out by GP, district nurse or occupational therapists. Suppose
you notices a service user has difficulties in walking without assistance. Once
you record and report it, occupational therapist may find assistive aid for the
person to walk alone.
Care plan must have to be updated after any changes occur in
individual service user’s circumstances such as any assistance required or not
for mobility or communication, any equipment or assistive aid required or not.
Also you have to inform other colleagues and professionals that particular
changes took place on individual’s circumstances.
