Foundation Course Richard PDF

FOUNDATION COURSE RICHARD Surfing the Age-Wave! This FOUNDATION COURSE is designed for professionals and businesses who serve older adults in the marketplace, aiming to enhance their understanding of becoming age-friendly service providers who respect and support the...

FOUNDATION COURSE RICHARD Surfing the Age-Wave! This FOUNDATION COURSE is designed for professionals and businesses who serve older adults in the marketplace, aiming to enhance their understanding of becoming age-friendly service providers who respect and support the needs of older adults. With practical examples and actionable tips, this course ensures you will have the knowledge base needed to offer compassionate and responsive engagement to your mature clientele. Welcome Meet Richard Normal Aging and Brain Alzheimer's Dementia Dementia and Communication Strategies Arthritis Arthritis and Joint Pain Richards Flight Experience Recommendations for Aiding Physical Comfort with Arthritis RICHARD: Learning Summary KNOWLEDGE CHECK STUDY NOTES END ITEM 1 of 13 Welcome We believe respecting someone's independence begins with understanding their unique needs and preferences. Rho nda Latreille, CEO , Age Friendly Business®, Canada “ Welcome back! In this course I will introduce you to Richard. Richard is taking this cruise for very personal reasons. At 89, he remains a confident traveler, but thinks that this may be his last big trip as he is experiencing some physical challenges due to arthritis that make travel less comfortable.” Rick (Your Course Narrator and Guide) C O NT I NU E ITEM 2 of 13 Meet Richard “ Now I will introduce you to Richard. Richard has enjoyed good health for most of his life but does suffer from arthritis. About two years ago, Richard lost his wife Betty, after a long decline with Alzheimer's disease.” Rick (narration) “ Richards grandchildren pooled their money to send him on a cruise in memory of his life with Betty. This is something Richard and Betty had always wanted to do together. But with Betty's illness, Richard was unsure how they would manage on a cruise ship. As a result, they never went. Although he would have preferred to have gone on this cruise with Betty when she was well, he enjoys meeting new people and is looking forward to the trip. Richard has been taking Italian lessons and is excited about practicing his new language skills while in Italy.” Rick (narration) “ I know Betty would be happy that I am fulfilling our long held dream by taking this trip. She was always the one who packed us, so I'm on my own in figuring that part out!” - Richard C O NT I NU E ITEM 3 of 13 Normal Aging and Brain Neuroplasticity “ Can't teach an old dog new tricks, not true. It is called neuroplasticity, and it means that we can continue to learn and create new neural pathways in our brains throughout our entire lifetime. As we get older, the speed with which we process information slows down and our ability to multitask can decrease. However, our verbal skills tend to remain high, and IQ can actually increase. And there is more good news. Studies show that people over 50 have the capacity to be more creative than at any other time in their lives. Many older persons report a greater sense of self-satisfaction, better balance of life priorities and just feeling more comfortable in their own skin. Could it be that wonderful concept called wisdom? Furthermore, many researchers believe that cognitive functioning can be maintained and even strengthened as we age through the old adage of “use it or lose it.” Rick (narration) Maintaining Cognitive Health  “ Keeping active physically and mentally, maintaining interests and stimulating the brain by learning new things all contribute to quality of life and keeping our brain healthy.” Rick (narration) The brain controls remembering, planning and organizing, making decisions, and much more. Some changes in thinking are common as people get older. Though it can take a senior person longer to assimilate new information, this is in no way evidence of a decline in cognitive capacity or intelligence. Routine memory, skills, and knowledge remain intact, though is it commonly reported that 'processing' speed is slower. This may be evident in being slower to find words or recall names. Commonly, older people report experiencing mild decreases in the ability to pay attention, trouble with multitasking as well as some decline in spatial awareness. Interestingly, as we age, verbal abilities and abstract reasoning often continue to improve. Research shows that healthy brains of older adults can still learn new skills, form new memories and improve vocabulary and language skills. In fact, many studies have shown that older adults have larger vocabularies and greater understanding of the depth of meaning of words than younger adults. Despite these normal changes in the brain, healthy older adults can still do many of the things they have enjoyed their whole lives. Dementia, on the other hand, is most often evidenced by a loss of a person's short term memory and the loss of skills of daily-living. Research suggests that a combination of good nutrition, physical activity, and mental and social engagement may help promote healthy aging and brain function. "After watching all that Betty went through, I realized that my brain health is also important. I learned a lot during that time. Now I do a variety of things every day to keep my brain healthy." - Richard ITEM 4 of 13 Alzheimer's Dementia "Did you know it is estimated that one in three people over the age of 85 suffer from Alzheimer's disease? Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia. Dementia refers to a decline in mental capacity, including thinking, memory and reasoning and as a result, interferes with everyday tasks and functioning. To understand the difference between Alzheimer's disease and dementia, think of  dementia as an umbrella reference, like, say, cancer, and consider Alzheimer's disease as a type of dementia in the same way that you would refer to leukemia as a type of cancer. Back to Alzheimer's disease, I am sure that everyone knows someone or of someone who has suffered with this disease. It starts with the early stages of memory loss, moves to more significant confusion and cognitive impairment and progresses to the inability to carry out basic functions of daily living, ultimately leading to death. We don't yet fully understand what causes Alzheimer's disease. And although there are traditional and alternative treatments, there is currently no universal cure." Rick (narration) Caregiver Strategies The Vulnerability of Life with Dementia The areas below highlight the complex nature of dementia. Each area underscores the need for excellent support systems, caregiver  training, and environmental adaptations to protect against these, and to promote well-being for people with dementia. Physical Vulnerabilities The inability to perform self-care tasks (eg: feeding, dressing, toileting) makes a person with dementia dependent on others for daily living support Muscle weakness causes changes in balance and creates a higher risk of falling Cognitive Vulnerabilities Memory loss and the inability to recall recent experiences, or even familiar people, can make a person with dementia vulnerable to disorientation and confusion. Difficulty communicating their thoughts effectively (including speaking and understanding) can lead to misunderstandings and frustrations. Impaired judgement in decision-making can lead to risk of exploitation, medication errors, harmful behaviors etc. Social and Emotional Vulnerabilities Loss of recognition of family members or friends, leading to feelings of isolation, disconnection and depression. Increased agitation, aggression, or behavioral changes, which can be distressing for both the individual with dementia and their caregivers. Environmental Vulnerabilities Increased risk of wandering, getting lost, or becoming trapped in unfamiliar environments, making them vulnerable to harm or exploitation. Difficulty navigating complex spaces, such as public transportation systems or large buildings, due to cognitive decline and decreased spatial awareness. Caregiver-Related Vulnerabilities Caregivers’ physical limitations, such as fatigue or exhaustion, which can impact their ability to provide adequate care and support. Caregivers’ emotional vulnerability to stress, burnout, and compassion fatigue, can affect their mental and physical well-being. Vulnerability to emotional manipulation or exploitation by others, including caregivers, family members, or strangers. Economic / Financial Vulnerabilities Increased reliance on caregivers or institutional care, leading to financial burdens on families and caregivers. Vulnerability to financial exploitation or scams, particularly if individuals with dementia have difficulty managing their finances or recognizing fraudulent activities.  "Caring for Betty was such a privilege but I can't say it was easy. I had to learn a lot. Many times we were frustrated together. I really needed help near the end and when she was really weak, I felt I had to be strong for her." - Richard C O NT I NU E ITEM 5 of 13 Dementia and Communication Strategies If a person has a diagnosis of dementia, your skill in effective communication is a powerful gift to offer them. Key recommendations for communicating with older persons who have dementia: Est ablish eye-cont act before you start to speak so the 1 person is prepared to receive your message. 2 Use t he person’s name: Get persons attention before speaking. Always respect t heir at t empt s t o communicat e even if this 3 is challenging. 4 Add f acial expression with your words to add clues about your message. Use gest ures and demonst rat e t asks. 5 6 Face t he person direct ly: Helps to read your lips and facial expressions. Speak clearly: Articulate your words. Avoid mumbling or 7 speaking too fast. 8 Reduce background noise: Turn off background noises or appliances. Keep hands away f rom your f ace: Visibility of your lips helps 9 with lip-reading. 10 Do not correct or argue. It is not helpful. 11 Use short , simple sentences.  Be pat ient. 12 We do not remember days, we remember moments. Cesare Pavese C O NT I NU E ITEM 6 of 13 Arthritis ARTHRITIS Arthritis is a complex condition characterized by inflammation of one or more joints. It is a diverse group of disorders affecting the joints, synovium, articular cartilage, and supporting structures. There are over 100 types of arthritis, with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis being the most common. Common symptoms of arthritis include: Joint pain and stiffness. 1 2 Limited range of motion and mobility. 3 Swelling and redness around the affected joint. Fatigue and weakness. 4  Chronic Pain and Stiffness Physical Consequences limits daily activities Sleep Emotional Impact Disturbance, Social Isolation, Risk of Depression  Muscle-strengthening and balance-enhancing activities Lifestyle Modifications to improve mobility and reduce falls. C O NT I NU E ITEM 7 of 13 Arthritis and Joint Pain "Richard books in appointment with his dentist before heading off on the cruise. He has been going to this dentist for many years now, but he's considering finding a new one. His current dentist has her office on the second floor, and there are no elevators. Richard finds it difficult to manage the stairs with his arthritis.  I wonder how much business is lost when customers, clients and patients don't have easy access?" Rick (narration) Arthritis and Joint Pain Arthritis and joint pain affects millions of older adults. In September 2022 a National Poll on Healthy Aging presented findings from a household survey conducted for the University of Michigan’s Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation. (full report linked at bottom) Some of the findings are very significant : 1 Joint pain is common among adults age 50–80, including among those who have not been formally diagnosed with arthritis. 2 70% of older adults reported currently experiencing joint pain. 3 Nearly half of adults reported joint pain that limited their daily activities, but few rated their symptoms as severe.  4 31% of adults age 50–80 rated their joint pain as mild, 31% as moderate, and 8% as severe. Of those with joint pain, 45% said they experienced symptoms every day. 5 About half (49%) said they were limited in their usual activities because of joint pain and 36% said joint pain interfered with their day-to-day life. 6 Arthritis pain is associated with reduced physical activity, increased disability, and higher rates of sleep problems, depression, anxiety, and falls. 0279_NPHA-Arthritis-Pain-report-FINAL-09092022- doi-v2.pdf 260.8 KB I've got 99 problems and arthritis is literally all of them! Anonymous C O NT I NU E ITEM 8 of 13 Richards Flight Experience "Richard buckles himself into his seat on the flight to Rome, Italy, near where he will be boarding the cruise ship. Once the plane has taken off, the flight attendants begin to pass out drinks and snacks. Because of his arthritic fingers, Richard struggles to open the pretzel snack pack and is not able to get the flap off the little milk container for his coffee." Rick (narration) "As the flight continues, Richard gets up to use the washroom. He notices that the doorknob is around and small and he has difficulty turning the small knob with his arthritic fingers. Just before landing, the flight attendants hand out customs forms that must be completed. Richard goes into his suit pocket to take out a special easy-grip pen to use and notices that he left his reading glasses in his carry-on bag in the overhead compartment." Rick (narration) How many age-related challenges is Richard experiencing on this flight? Match the Age-Related Challenge to the Age-Friendly Solution: Of f er to assist by pre- Dif f iculty opening the pretzels opening packaged items and creamer Use and adapted or Dif f iculty writing ergonomic easy-grip pen Adapt with a slip-on Dif f iculty opening rounded door levered door handle handles 'gripper' of f er a pair of reading Dif f iculty reading the Customs glasses or magnif ier Form small print SUBMIT C O NT I NU E ITEM 9 of 13 Recommendations for Aiding Physical Comfort with Arthritis Adapted Tools and Devices Tips for Choosing Comfortable Furniture: By of f ering appropriat e seat ing opt ions, art hrit is suf f erers can f ind comf ort when accessing your services. Prioritize comfort and adjustability.  Not too soft or too low to ground. Look for features that provide lumbar support, arm rests and cushioning. Consider recliners and rise-and-recline chairs for comfortable seating. Adjustable beds can promote a comfortable sleeping position. Assistive Devices to Make Living with Arthritis More Comfortable If a person is living with arthritis, there are many assistive devices that can help them experience less pain and discomfort. Consider if offering any of these would be appropriate in your business setting. Use easy grip ergonomic pens. Ext ended-handle t ools. These can help you do things like pick up items off the floor, reach objects on high shelves, and dust or clean more easily. Light weight appliances. A vacuum or mop that’s easier to move around and carry could cause less stress to your joints. T ouch-act ivat ed light swit ches. These can be gentler on your hands and fingers than regular knobs and switches. Almost any electric appliance can be adapted to be touch-on, touch-off, with an adapter that you buy in the electrical portion of the lighting store. Spring-loaded scissors. These can make cutting easier. A cart wit h wheels lets you move heavy items like plates and grocery bags with less need to lift and carry. Zipper pulls and but t on hooks are gadgets that help you fasten clothes. Clot hes wit h Velcro fasteners. Shoe and sock aids like long-handled shoehorns help you avoid reaching and bending to dress your feet. Walkers wit h a seat to allow rest when needed.  "I know a lot of seniors get arthritis. Both of my parents suffered badly, so I'm not surprised I have it too. I know that staying active is really important so walking, swimming and using the sauna helps me to keep flexible." - Richard C O NT I NU E ITEM 10 of 13 RICHARD: Learning Summary The course on highlights the skills needed to effectively serve older adults, focusing on age-friendly practices and compassionate engagement. Below is a summary of some considerat ions and act ionable t ips when serving your mat ure client ele t hat will enhance t he experience f or bot h of you: Incorporat e assist ive devices in your set t ing. Ergonomic tools and lightweight appliances can ease daily tasks for arthritis sufferers. Consider adjust able opt ions f or bet t er comf ort. Recliners and adjustable beds can enhance relaxation and sleep quality. Encourage act ivit y f or bet t er healt h. Staying active through gentle exercises like walking and swimming can help maintain flexibility. Encourage use of adapt ive t ools. Having easy-grip pens or other aids can help manage difficulties effectively. Joint pain is prevalent in older adult s. Many individuals aged 50-80 experience joint pain, even without a formal diagnosis of arthritis.  Good nut rit ion and social engagement are key t o maint aining cognit ive f unct ion. Recogniz e t he various vulnerabilit ies associat ed wit h dement ia. These include physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and economic challenges. Support syst ems are crucial f or individuals wit h dement ia. Caregiver training and environmental adaptations can significantly enhance well-being. Acknowledge t he emot ional t oll on caregivers. They may experience stress and burnout, highlighting the need for their own support and resources. Your dedication to learning and improving your skills is commendable. Keep applying these insights to make a positive impact. ITEM 11 of 13 KNOWLEDGE CHECK ITEM 12 of 13 STUDY NOTES ITEM 13 of 13 END Thank you for completing the course!