Caring for Frail Elderly

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Caring for Frail Elderly
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Health and Disability
What is good health? More than absence of
illness. It is the state of complete physical,
mental, and social well-being. 
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What is a Disability?
Look at Decision Tree (Disability, WHO) 
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• Nature of Chronic Illness
• How do we measure functional limitations
• Determinants of Dependency and Risk of
  Institutionalization

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Nature of Chronic Disease

• Cannot be cured
• Have uncertain prognoses
• Often involve a multiplicity of physical,
  social and psychological problems
• Require a variety of services
• Are costly

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How do we measure functional limitations?
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) dressing,
eating, bathing, toileting, transferring,
walking,   Instrumental Activities of Daily
Living (IADLs)shopping, cooking, housekeeping,
fiscal responsibility, using transportation,
telephone  
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Determinants of Dependency and Risk of
Institutionalization

• Physical immobility and mental confusion
• Most residents in NH are incontinent and
  demented (need a high level of care)

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Family Care Home Care Institutional Care
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Show video on Home Care
Discuss caregiving issues from perspective of
formal sector care providers.