Aging and Environmental Sensitivity

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Questions and Answers

What is the most crucial distinction between intermediate care and skilled care facilities in nursing homes?

The level of care required by the residents (correct)

The regulations imposed by states

The availability of medical staff

The cost of care provided

In which type of long-term care facility would you find residents who require assistance with daily activities but are generally in good health?

Special care facilities

Skilled nursing facilities

Nursing homes

Adult foster care homes (correct)

What distinguishes assisted living facilities from nursing homes in terms of care provided?

Cost effectiveness

Need for 24-hour care (correct)

Size of the facility

Level of medical attention

What is a key concern when it comes to adult foster care or adult family homes?

Varied quality of care Signup and view all the answers

Where is most of the research on person-environment interactions in long-term care conducted?

Nursing homes Signup and view all the answers

Which type of long-term care facility houses the largest number of older adults and provides 24-hour care?

Nursing homes Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of adult day care?

Provide companionship and services throughout the day Signup and view all the answers

Which type of facility is specifically designed to help people deal with daily living tasks by modifying the environment?

Home modification service Signup and view all the answers

In deciding on the best age-friendly community, what is a key question to consider regarding an individual's cognitive or physical impairment?

Is the individual capable of being part of the decision-making process? Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of congregate housing for older adults?

Independent living support Signup and view all the answers

Which type of community is designed to help delay the placement of individuals in more formal care settings?

Adult day care center Signup and view all the answers

What is a common modification in a home environment to help older adults deal with daily living tasks?

Handrails in the bathroom Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of individuals likely to live in a Long-Term Care Facility?

Health issues and functional impairment Signup and view all the answers

In the context of living in Nursing Homes, what does 'European American female' refer to?

A common characteristic among residents Signup and view all the answers

What is typically the main reason for the placement of individuals in Nursing Homes?

Health and physical problems Signup and view all the answers

What triggers about a quarter of placements into Nursing Homes?

Death of the primary caregiver Signup and view all the answers

In choosing a Nursing Home, what factor should be considered regarding the staff?

Educational levels and staff turnover Signup and view all the answers

Which group of individuals is likely to live in Adult Foster Care based on the text?

Financially disadvantaged, widowed, or divorced individuals Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Long-Term Care Facilities

Only about 4.5% of older adults are in long-term care facilities at any given time.
Most older adults do not end up living in long-term care facilities, but about ½ of women and 1/3 of men will spend time in one.

Types of Long-Term Care Facilities

Nursing homes house the largest number of older adults in long-term care and provide 24-hour care.
The most important distinction in nursing homes is between intermediate care and skilled care facilities.
Both are strictly regulated by states.
Assisted living facilities provide supportive living arrangements for people who need assistance with personal care, but do not need 24-hour care.
Adult foster care or adult family homes are usually very small (5 or 6 people) and house people who need assistance with daily activities due to disabilities or chronic disorders.

Importance of Environment

Older adults can be sensitive to even small environmental changes.
This approach is a guide to helping older adults maintain competence and independence.
The environments older adults are familiar with (home, familiar neighborhood, especially within 1 block radius in urban areas) take on greater importance due to various losses.

Types of Age-Friendly Communities

Home Modification: helping people deal with daily tasks by modifying the environment (e.g., handrails in the bathroom, lowered countertops, wheelchair ramps).
Adult Day Care: designed to provide support, companionship, and services throughout the day to delay placement in a more formal care setting.
Congregate Housing: an apartment complex for older adults, requiring residents to be capable of independent living.

Deciding on the Best Age-Friendly Community

Consider the individual's cognitive or physical impairment, severity, and ability to participate in decision-making.
Consider the individual's support system, physician's recommendation, and personal preferences.

Who is Likely to Live in a Long-Term Care Facility?

Characteristics: "Very Old" (typically over 85), European American female, financially disadvantaged, widowed or divorced, health issues, and functional impairment.
Median Cost of a Nursing Home in the U.S. varies by state and type of care.
Decision to enter a nursing home is often made quickly in reaction to a crisis, and 25% of placements follow the death of a primary caregiver.

Selection of Nursing Home

Consider level of skilled nursing care, payment methods (Medicare or Medicaid), facility director and staff licensure, and care plan.
Ask questions about educational levels and staff turnover.

Characteristics of Nursing Homes and Psychological Well-Being

Research on effects of living in different settings is needed.
Characteristics of nursing homes can affect psychological well-being.

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Description

Explore the impact of various losses on older adults, including leaving home, loss of social roles, income, friends, spouse, mobility, and sensory acuity. Learn how environmental factors can significantly affect the well-being and independence of older individuals. Discover strategies to help older adults maintain competence and independence in their existing environments.