Vocabulary List Activities of Daily Living Adapt – to accommodate Alzheimer’s disease Ambulate Aphasia Debilitate – To sap the strength or energy of, to make weak Degenerative – gradual deterioration along with loss of function Dementia Disease Disability Disorientation Dysphagia Hemiplegia Paralysis Progressive – 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? adapt They must learn to adapt 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)

Many patients with disabilities have difficulty performing 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 patient to reach their and to function as independently as possible. The goal of rehabilitation is for the patient to reach their maximum potential and to function as independently as 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 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 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 (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 Dementia 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 basically describing symptoms that may be caused by many diseases or disordersThis is a general term basically describing symptoms that may be caused by many diseases or disorders

Debilitating Illnesses and Injuries Injuries Spinal Cord InjuriesSpinal Cord Injuries Head/Brain InjuryHead/Brain Injury AmputationAmputation Loss of functionLoss of function

Debilitating Illnesses and Injuries Alzheimer’s Disease Progressive irreversible disease of the brain Memory loss Disorientation Deterioration of intellectual function Deterioration of speech Deterioration of ambulation

Alzheimer’s Disease Early Stage Self-centered Decreased interest in social activities Memory loss, mood and personality changes Depression Poor judgment Confusion

Alzheimer’s Disease Middle 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 Disease Late 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 Providing a Safe and Secure Environment 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