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Archive for category: Seniors Health

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Understanding Elder Abuse

Julie Entwistle, MBA, BHSc (OT), BSc (Health / Gerontology)

Co-written by Darren Schutten, MSc (OT)

Today, June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Elder abuse has been a growing concern worldwide. In fact, it is estimated that 16% of older adults have been abused in the community setting in the past year.  This number jumps to a staggering 64% within institutional settings.  However, it is felt that these figures are unrepresentative of the true problem, as only 4% of elder abuse gets reported due to fear of retaliation, worry about getting the abuser in trouble, mental incapability, or feelings of shame and embarrassment.

The World Health Organization defines elder abuse as “a single, or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person.   This type of abuse typically occurs when there is an imbalance of control between the abuser and the elderly individual.  The concept of elder abuse has evolved over time to include: physical, psychological, sexual, neglect, and financial abuse.

I’m sure most of us have seen examples of this happening.  When I worked at the bank, we had a senior who was repeatedly withdrawing money for a roofer. We contacted her family with concern, and they determined that the client was in fact being taken advantage of. Or, in another example, I am aware of an elderly woman who went to buy a coffee and discovered that she no longer had money in her bank account. Her daughter was managing her finances and through review, it was discovered that these had been squandered through gambling and the purchase of things such as a “money-making machine” off the internet (true story!). Or, of course, there are the stories whereby a senior is scammed on the phone, or the news shares examples and videos of elder mistreatment by staff in long term care. Or, what about those seniors you may know or worked closely with who refused to take their prescribed medications, refuse help, and try to take care of themselves? This behaviour is considered self-neglect and actually falls under the umbrella of elder abuse.

As occupational therapists (OTs), we work closely with seniors both at home and in the community. We assist people with self-management of things like personal care, finances, homemaking, and of course symptom management and the overall ability to function. Through our work, we may see or hear about all types of elder abuse.  For example, we may notice unexplained injuries such as bruises, bumps, or grip marks on a senior client’s arm indicating potential physical abuse. Or, maybe we may notice a sudden change in the senior’s psyche such as increased fearfulness or nervousness during an OT treatment session that was not present during prior sessions. This may be a sign of recent psychological abuse. Or, it is quite possible that an OT who works in an institutional setting may be told by residents that they are feeling neglected in their care. These are just a few examples of how an OT may encounter elder abuse in their practice, but regardless it is important for all OTs to learn about the different signs of elder abuse as they may be a key stakeholder in preventing the abuse from continuing. And whatever type of elder abuse we may be exposed to as OTs, it is important to know our reporting obligations.

In Ontario, anyone who knows or has reasonable grounds to suspect that a senior resident in a long term care home or retirement home has been, or might be abused, it is mandatory for that person to report the abuse.  The same obligation to report applies for seniors with developmental disabilities.  Reports can be made by calling the police or relevant support agencies.  Support agencies can be located by calling a local helpline (e.g. Seniors Safety Line).  However, OTs are not required to report abuse if the senior lives in their own home or in any setting other than what was mentioned above.  Seniors have the right to live at risk and refuse help with the abusive situation they are involved in, and as OTs, as long as the client is competent to make their own personal care or financial decisions, those rights need to be respected.  As OTs who may be put in these types of situations, we can still help by staying in contact with the senior on a regular basis. Overall, whatever practice setting we work in or the company we work for, it is important as OTs that we know the relevant legislation, policies, and codes of ethics that we are bound to in order to practice as competent OTs.

References

  1. World Health Organization. (2016). Elder abuse: The health sector role in prevention and response. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/violence_injury_prevention/violence/elder_abuse/Elder_abuse_infographic_EN.pdf?ua=1
  2. Elder Abuse Ontario. (2018). Elder abuse prevention (ON). Retrieved from https://www.elderabuseontario.com/
  3. Ontario Human Rights Commission. (n.d.). Elder abuse & neglect. Retrieved from http://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/time-action-advancing-human-rights-older-ontarians/elder-abuse-neglect
  4. Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists. (2012). CAOT position statement: Elder abuse prevention and management and occupational therapy (2012). Ottawa, ON: CAOT Publications ACE.
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Caregiving in Canada

According to recent research over eight million Canadians act as a caregiver to a family member or friend, and these numbers are expected to grow with time.  The following article care of the Hamilton Spectator provides an overview of the research compiled in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) and discusses the rising demand for home care providers.

Hamilton Spectator:  Report highlights growing burden of care for seniors

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Resources for Living with Dementia

Alzheimer’s Disease International estimates that over 135 million people around the world will suffer from dementia by the year 2050, and are concerned about a looming global epidemic. How can you ensure you are doing the best for your brain in the hopes of preventing dementia? The Alzheimer Society of Canada has a fantastic website that outlines the signs and symptoms of dementia, how to care for someone with Alzheimer’s disease, and how to keep your brain fit through regular brain exercise and a healthy diet.

Alzheimer Society Canada: Living with Dementia

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Improve Safety in Your Bathroom

Let’s discuss the most dangerous room in the home: the bathroom. For those with limited mobility, or seniors, it is important to consider the fall risks that exist in the bathroom to ensure that people are safely able to go about daily routines. In the video below we will review bathroom hazards and will discuss the many suggestions an Occupational Therapist may make after a home assessment.

We hope you enjoy this video from our Occupational Therapy Video (OT-V) series and can use some of our tips to stay safe at home!

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Fall Prevention O-Tip of the Week: Keep Frequently Used Items Within Reach

Our O-Tip of the week series we will be providing valuable “OT-Approved Life Hacks” to provide you with simple and helpful solutions for living. 

For the month of November, Fall Prevention Month, our O-Tip series will provide helpful ways to prevent falls at home and in the community.

Keep frequently used items in easy to reach locations to reduce the need for using a chair or ladder to reach items in high cupboards or the top shelf of the closet.  If these items are required, ask a family member or neighbor to help you reach them instead of attempting to do so yourself.

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Fall Prevention O-Tip of the Week: Improve Grip and Visibility on Exterior Surfaces

Our O-Tip of the week series we will be providing valuable “OT-Approved Life Hacks” to provide you with simple and helpful solutions for living. 

For the month of November, Fall Prevention Month, our O-Tip series will provide helpful ways to prevent falls at home and in the community.

Exterior steps can become extremely slippery in wet, snowy or icy weather.  Painting over your outside stairs with a mix of paint and sand will help to increase grip and improve visibility.  Be sure to always keep your steps clear and use salt in the winter months to ensure steps aren’t a fall hazard.

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Fall Prevention O-Tip of the Week: Let’s Get Physical

Our O-Tip of the week series we will be providing valuable “OT-Approved Life Hacks” to provide you with simple and helpful solutions for living.

For the month of November, Fall Prevention Month, our O-Tip series will provide helpful ways to prevent falls at home and in the community.

Did you know that taking part in regular physical activity including cardiovascular, strength-building and balance activities can help to prevent falls as you age?  Speak with your physician or Occupation Therapist about which activities are safe for you and maintain a regular routine to help reduce your risk.

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Senior Safety and the Vital Role of Occupational Therapy

Canada’s population is aging. In 2015, there were almost 6 million people over the age of 65 – that is nearly 1 in 6 Canadians. As we grow older, we face an increasing risk of falls, accidents, disabilities, and illnesses.  As a senior how can you stay safe and healthy?

Why is Older Adult Safety Important?

Older adult health and safety is important for maintaining our ability to age in place of choice.  Statistics Canada has highlighted the following safety risks for older Canadians:

  • 89% of Canadian seniors had at least one chronic health condition. Arthritis and rheumatism were the most common.
  • 25% of Canadian seniors reported having 2 or more chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, arthritis, back problems and diabetes.
  • 63.7% of Canadian seniors reported to have been injured in a fall.
  • There are 3.25 million people aged 65 and over in Canada who have a driver’s license.
  • 92.1% of seniors live in private households.

These statistics demonstrate the increased risk to seniors for health and other safety concerns.

Occupational Therapists Can Help!

Occupational Therapists are trained professionals who address all aspects of getting people back to doing things they want to do, need to do, or have to do, but may be experiencing challenges when doing so.  Occupational Therapists can support older adult’s health and well being through providing supports for seniors to maintain active social connects, manage changes in health conditions, and to continue engaging in activities that provide them with meaning and joy.

These are the following areas that an OT can help keep seniors safe and healthy!

Fall Prevention 

Falls are the leading cause of injury among older Canadians with 20-30% of seniors experiencing one or more falls each year.

Occupational Therapy can help seniors prevent falls by assessing their functional status and reviewing the hazards in their environment that may put them at risk for falling. Strategies to prevent falls can be discussed, such as:

  • General Education on how to do activities differently to stay safe.
  • Equipment and devices to assist.
  • Home modifications such as lighting, flooring, organization, and layout.
Aging in Place

In 2011, 92 % of all seniors ages 65 + lived in private homes, and over 10 million seniors are living with a chronic condition.  Older adults also have disproportionately higher rates of unmet care at home. Thus, ensuring these individuals function safely and independently at home is a high priority.

Occupational Therapy can help by assessing the home and the homeowner to ensure a proper fit between the person and environment to promote overall health and safety.  Additionally, an OT can prescribe the proper assistive devices, education and help people plan ahead so they can “ age in place” without being at risk.

Keeping Senior’s Active

Remaining physically active as you age can help reduce, prevent or delay diseases and can help to manage stress, improve mood and boost cognition.  Statistics show that 57% of Canadian seniors consider themselves physically inactive.

Occupational Therapy can help seniors remain physically active by:

  • Creating custom activity plans based on health and abilities.
  • Helping seniors create a daily schedule that includes physical activation.
  • Helping seniors to find appropriate facilities and groups to join or other productive and meaningful activities.
Sleep

Sleep is important for recovering from illness and injury, staying healthy, and ensuring people have sufficient energy during the day to accomplish life roles. Difficulty sleeping is a common and detrimental issue for people in various life stages.

Occupational Therapy can help seniors reduce sleep problems by:

  • Reviewing sleeping positions and patterns to suggest improvements for both comfort and quality of sleep.
  • Assessing the bed, mattress, and pillows to ensure the body is sleeping in the optimal position for comfort.
  • Prescribing assistive devices to improve sleep positioning, bed transfers, and bed mobility.
  • Helping people to implement a new sleep routine that will improve your sleep quality and duration.
Cognitive Impairments

According to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada as of 2016, there are an estimated 564,000 Canadians living with dementia – plus about 25,000 new cases diagnosed every year.

Occupational Therapy can help people with dementia or who have altered/declining cognition by:

  • Educating people and loved ones on how to maximize function while still promoting independence and safety in the completion of activities of daily living.
  • Assessing cognition, abilities, and environment to make suggestions on ways to compensate for declining cognitive skills through direct therapy or environmental modification.
  • Developing routines and schedules that promote independence and eases the role and need for a caregiver.
  • Prescribing safety equipment and devices to optimize function.
Transition Stages
  • Occupational Therapy can play a crucial role in helping seniors through live transitions this by:
  • Identifying, planning and helping people engage in finding new meaningful occupations outside of work.
  • Providing education on role changes, spending time with family and friends, healthy lifestyles and choices.
  • Helping discover new ways to occupy their time, participate in leisure activities and find new interests.
  • Improving quality of life through promotion of independence and pain management strategies.

 

For more information on how Occupational Therapists help improve the lives of older adults check out our infographic:  Occupational Therapy Works for Seniors.

 

Resources

http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/11-402-x/2012000/chap/pop/pop-eng.htm?fpv=3867

https://www.tc.gc.ca/media/documents/roadsafety/cmvtcs2013_eng.pdf

Turcotte, M (2014). Canadians with unmet home care needs.

http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/75-006-x/2014001/article/14042-eng.pdf

http://www.caot.ca/default.asp?pageid=1454

http://www.caot.ca/default.asp?ChangeID=1&pageID=621

http://www.caot.ca/default.asp?pageid=1501

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Fall Prevention O-Tip of the Week: Invest in Indoor Shoes

Our O-Tip of the week series we will be providing valuable “OT-Approved Life Hacks” to provide you with simple and helpful solutions for living.

For the month of November, Fall Prevention Month, our O-Tip series will provide helpful ways to prevent falls at home and in the community.

Wearing shoes inside the home helps to ensure you always have a proper non-slip grip on all surfaces. If this isn’t comfortable for you, invest in a pair of indoor slippers or snug-fitting socks with grips on the bottom.

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Stay Active for Good Health No Matter Your Age or Ability

Being physically active is one of the most important things you can do for your mental, physical and cognitive health.  It is recommended that adults have 150 minutes per week of heart-pumping activity and the good news is that no matter your age or ability there are activities anyone can engage in.  Take a look at the following care of Participaction that provides some great resources on how anyone can be active.

Participaction:  Activity is for Everyone– How to Get Active at any Age or Ability