Vocabulary ListActivities of Daily LivingAdapt – to accommodateAlzheimer’s diseaseAmbulateAphasiaDebilitate – To sap the strength or energy of, to make weakDegenerative – gradual deterioration along with loss of functionDementiaDiseaseDisabilityDisorientationDysphagiaHemiplegiaParalysisProgressive – to become more severe

What is a disease?

any condition that interferes with the

normal function of the body

examples of diseases in the elderly diabetes heart disease emphysema arthritis

osteoporosis

What is a disability?

a physical or mental defect or handicap that interferes with normal functions

Examples of disabilities in the elderly hearing impairments visual defects the inability to walk

Disabilities can…

Result from a disease Result from an injury Affect anyone Can be permanent Can be life altering

Physical and mental changes:

Communication skills (aphasia) Sensory awareness Ability to think and comprehend Ability to move and ambulate Ability to eliminate waste Ability to swallow (dysphagia) Sexual activity

Emotional Changes:

Self esteem Self confidence Self image Depression

Disabilities cause losses in…

Relationships Earning power/income Ability to be a useful citizen Independence Privacy Home

To sum it up,disability results in a

loss of

Independence

What can a disabled individual do?What can a disabled individual do?

They must learn to adaptadapt to the disability.

This often results in frustration and depression.

Healthcare workers role is to be understanding,

supportive, and assist with adaptations.

(Not to do everything for the patient)(Not to do everything for the patient)

Many patients with disabilities Many patients with disabilities have difficulty performing have difficulty performing

activities of daily living (ADL’s)activities of daily living (ADL’s)• ADL’sADL’s – daily activities

necessary to meet basic human needs

• Ex- bathing, grooming, oral hygiene, elimination, dressing, food preparation and feeding, communicating with other.

To assist with loss of function and regain ability to care for

oneself, individuals often seek care in the area of rehabilitation.

The goal of rehabilitation is for The goal of rehabilitation is for the patient to reach their the patient to reach their

maximum potential and to and to function as function as independentlyindependently as as

possible.possible.

4 Areas of Rehabilitation

• Physical Therapy

• Occupational Therapy

• Speech Therapy

• Psychotherapy

Physical Therapy

Restores body functions, focuses on strength, ambulation, movement and balance

Occupational Therapy

Restores ability to perform purposeful activities, ADL’s

Speech Therapy

Restores the ability to communicate, eat, drink and swallow

Psychotherapy

Deals with inappropriate behavior patterns, improves interpersonal relationships, and helps resolve inner conflicts

Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy all encourage

the use of Assistive Devices• Help resident be more independent

• Allow them to perform activities they otherwise could not perform

Examples of assistive devices: walker, wheelchair, shower chair,

modified silverware, etc.

Assistive devices: biotechnology that enhances peoples lives.

When working with individuals with disabilities:

• Encourage patients to try or attempt ADL’s

• Allow patients to make choices

• Be patient and allow adequate time

• Offer assistive devices

Remember…

The goal is to promote independence and reach their maximum level of functioning.

Debilitating Illnesses and Injuries

Multiple SclerosisMultiple Sclerosis• Progressive

neurological disease• Affects the brain and

spinal cord (CNS)• Results in weakness,

visual disturbances, and muscle coordination

• Affects the entire body, including emotional stability

Debilitating Illnesses and Injuries

Parkinson’s DiseaseParkinson’s Disease• Progressive neurological

disease• Decrease in dopamine, a

chemical that transmits nerve impulses

• Causes tremors, shuffling gait, masklike face, forward flexion of trunk, muscle rigidity, weakness

Debilitating Illnesses and Injuries

Cerebrovascular Accident Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke)(Stroke)

• Blood clot obstructs flow in the brain or

• Blood vessel in brain can rupture or hemorrhage

• Paralysis, hemiplegia, speech impairments, memory loss

Debilitating Illnesses and Injuries

DementiaDementia• Loss of mental abilityLoss of mental ability• Decrease in intellectDecrease in intellect• Loss of memoryLoss of memory• Impaired judgmentImpaired judgment• Personality changesPersonality changes• DisorientationDisorientation• This is a general term This is a general term

basically describing symptoms basically describing symptoms that may be caused by many that may be caused by many diseases or disordersdiseases or disorders

Debilitating Illnesses and Injuries

InjuriesInjuries• Spinal Cord InjuriesSpinal Cord Injuries

• Head/Brain InjuryHead/Brain Injury

• AmputationAmputation

• Loss of functionLoss of function

Debilitating Illnesses and Injuries

Alzheimer’s DiseaseAlzheimer’s Disease• Progressive irreversible

disease of the brain• Memory loss• Disorientation• Deterioration of intellectual

function• Deterioration of speech• Deterioration of ambulation

Alzheimer’s DiseaseAlzheimer’s DiseaseEarly Stage

• Self-centered• Decreased interest in social

activities• Memory loss, mood and

personality changes• Depression• Poor judgment• Confusion

Alzheimer’s DiseaseAlzheimer’s DiseaseMiddle Stage

• Wandering• Personal hygiene is ignored• Difficulty performing ADL’s• Repetitive behavior• Decrease in ability to understand

others and to speak coherently• Weight loss• Paranoia• Requires full-time supervision

Alzheimer’s DiseaseAlzheimer’s DiseaseLate or Terminal Stage

• Total disorientation to person, place, time

• Unable to communicate with words

• Loss of bowel and bladder control

• Weight loss

• Totally dependent

• Finally lapses into a coma before death

Alzheimer’s Care: Focus is on Alzheimer’s Care: Focus is on Providing a Safe and Secure Providing a Safe and Secure

EnvironmentEnvironment• Dangerous

objects out of reach

• Secure doors

• Follow routines

• Simple activities

• Calm, quiet environment

• Familiar objects

Regardless of the cause of disease or disability, always

remember to…

1.Promote the patient’s Independence

2.Maintain the patient’s Dignity