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Older Adults Population

Of the populations discussed in chapter 8 (older adults over the age of 65)which do you think would be the most challenging for you to work with and why?, What actions could you take to become more effective in assisting them?, (5 pts)   ~~ Respond to 2 other classmates’ postings for full credit. Response credit follows Discussion rubric available on Canvas. Remember: 1) The discussion deadline for all initial discussion posts and response posts is 11:59p CT on the Sunday that marks the end of each class week (see syllabus for discussion deadlines). 2) You must respond meaningfully (no simple “I agree” replies) to 2 classmates for full credit on discussion posts  (3 pts for the original post, 1 pt each response to the discussions).

(Discuss older adults over the age of 65 for this discussion.)

Remember:

1) The discussion deadline for all initial discussion posts and response posts is 11:59p CT on the Sunday that marks the end of each class week (see syllabus for discussion deadlines).

Older Adults Population

2) You must respond meaningfully (no simple “I agree” replies) to 2 classmates for full credit on discussion posts (3 pts for the original post, 1 pt each for each response to the  discussions).

3) Also remember that the Rubric for Online Discussion Posting (in the Files section of this course) deducts points for discussion or response postings late in the timeline for the week’s discussion assignment as last day/last hour postings restrict other student’s opportunity to read and respond to your posting, or to read your responses to their postings. As discussions are most beneficial when the discussants are able to interact in the discussion, I am using the Discussion Rubric to engender a greater opportunity for them to do so. So please be aware that posting within 12 hours of the discussion deadline will deduct 33% of the available points and posting within 4 hours of the deadline will cost from 66%-90% of the available points.

4) No discussion or response points will be gained if the discussion post, or the response posts are after the discussion deadline.

Older Adults Population

Part 2: Respond to two students:

Student 1 response:

Working with older adults over the age of 65 can be challenging due to several factors. Health issues such as chronic illnesses, mobility limitations, and sensory impairments (e.g., hearing or vision loss) can complicate communication and service delivery. Cognitive decline may affect memory, decision-making, and the ability to understand and follow instructions, requiring more patience and tailored approaches. Emotional and psychological factors like depression, anxiety, or grief from the loss of loved ones can impact their willingness to engage and cooperate. Cultural and generational differences may also create barriers, as older adults might have different values, beliefs, and expectations compared to younger generations. This can affect their openness to certain interventions or technologies.

Social isolation is common among older adults, leading to feelings of loneliness and mistrust towards outsiders. Building rapport and trust may take longer and require more effort. Caregiver involvement can add complexity, as family members or other caregivers might have their own opinions and preferences, which need to be navigated sensitively.

To become more effective in assisting them, I would:

1. Develop strong communication skills: Use clear, simple language and active listening.
2. Show empathy and patience: Understand their emotional and psychological needs.
3. Learn about their cultural background: Respect their values and beliefs.
4. Build trust: Spend time getting to know them and their caregivers.
5. Stay informed about aging-related issues: Keep up-to-date with best practices and resources for older adults.

These actions can help create a supportive and effective environment for working with older adults.

Student 2 response:

Based on Chapter 8 and the various groups, one of the more challenging groups for me would be the older adult population, especially those who are experiencing advanced stages of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. This population presents unique challenges due to the progressive nature of their cognitive decline, which often impacts memory, communication, and behavior. It can be emotionally taxing to witness their struggles, particularly when they have moments of confusion, agitation, or difficulty recognizing loved ones. Additionally, building meaningful connections can be challenging, as traditional methods of communication and rapport-building may not always be effective. The unpredictable nature of their needs and behaviors can also create a sense of uncertainty, making it harder to implement consistent support strategies. It also has a personal impact on me since I had a family member suffer from this experience, and I don’t like seeing it in others.

To become more effective in assisting this population, I could pursue specialized training in dementia care to understand the condition better and learn evidence-based approaches for communication and intervention. Developing patience and emotional resilience through mindfulness or self-care practices would also be critical to maintaining a calm and compassionate demeanor in challenging situations. Additionally, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, caregivers, and family members could enhance the effectiveness of care by ensuring a holistic approach tailored to the individual’s needs. By focusing on creating a sense of comfort, dignity, and safety, I could work toward improving their quality of life, even in the face of such complex challenges.