NCM 114: Care of Older Adult PDF

NCM 114: CARE OF OLDER ADULT BSN 3F: 1ST SEMESTER - PRELIMS world’s population over 60 years will nearly double MODULE 1: GERIATRICS from 12% to 22%. WHAT IS GERIATRICS? GERIATR...

NCM 114: CARE OF OLDER ADULT BSN 3F: 1ST SEMESTER - PRELIMS world’s population over 60 years will nearly double MODULE 1: GERIATRICS from 12% to 22%. WHAT IS GERIATRICS? GERIATRICS Greek “geras” which means “old age” Branch of medicine that deals with the problems and diseases of old age and the medical care and treatment of aging people GERONTOLOGY Greek “geron” which means “old man” Study of old age, the process of aging and the particular problems of old people GERONTOLOGY NURSING The specialty of Nursing pertaining to older adults. A more holistic view of the Nursing care of older persons, which includes biologic, sociologic, psychologic, and economic aspects GERONTIC NURSING Note: Philippines is still considered a young population Developed by Gunter and Estes in 1979 The older population is the fastest growing population This term has not gained wide acceptance. sector with the trend expected to hold in the future It pertains to both geriatrics and gerontology. It connotes the nursing of older persons—the art The Philippines is projected to transition to an aging and practice of nurturing, caring, and comforting population between 2025-2030 based on population projections PSA DEMOGRAPHY OF AGING CHARACTERISTICS OF AGING YOUNG Less than 10% of POPULATION SOCIETIES population age of 60 and over POPULATION GROWTH WHO and PSA Demography of Aging AGEING 10% to 19% of INCREASED LIFE EXPECTANCY SOCIETIES population age 60 and over Philippines ○ MALE: 67.26 HIGH-AGEING 20% to 29% of ○ FEMALE: 75.51 SOCIETIES population age 60 and over 71.23 is the average lifespan of Filipinos HYPER-AGEING 30% or more of MARITAL STATUS SOCIETIES population age 60 and More than half of women older than 65 years are over widowed LIVING ARRANGEMENTS Likelihood of living alone increases with age for Key facts: both sexes All countries face major challenges to ensure that INCOME AND EMPLOYMENT their health and social systems are ready to make Dependent on pension or social security or support the most of this demographic shift. family Loss of income due to retirement In 2050, 80% of older people will be living in low- HEALTH STATUS and middle-income countries (population ageing Comorbidity in older adults started in high income countries like Japan). 10 LEADING CHRONIC CONDITION The pace of population ageing is much faster than AMONG OLDER ADULT in the past. 1. Arthritis In 2020, the number of people aged 60 years and 2. High Blood Pressure 3. Hearing Impairments older outnumbered children younger than 5 years. 4. Heart Conditions Between 2015 and 2050, the proportion of the 5. Visual Impairments (including Cataract) 1 | NEW JEANS & PERFECT FERSONS NCM 114: CARE OF OLDER ADULT BSN 3F: 1ST SEMESTER - PRELIMS 6. Deformities or Orthopedic Impairments 2. Nonstochastic Theories - Explain biological aging 7. Diabetes Mellitus as resulting from a complex predetermined factors 8. Chronic Sinusitis or process. 9. Allergic Rhinitis (without Asthma) 10. Varicose Veins SOCIOLOGICAL THEORIES OF AGING - Describe the aging individual in terms of his or her AGING AND FAMILY social group/culture. Extended life spans are leading to more older family members PSYCHOLOGICAL THEORIES OF AGING More people are living with chronic conditions - Explore the mental processes, behaviour and and need some degree of care or assistance. feeling of persons throughout lifespan, along with The number of people in the younger some mechanisms people use to meet the generations is decreasing in proportion to the challenges they face in old age number of older members There is an increasing number of widows who NO ONE THEORY EXPLAINS THE BIOLOGIC, may be unprepared to provide for their own SOCIOLOGIC, OR PSYCHOLOGICAL AGING needs and will need assistance. The role of women is changing. As women PROCESSES. increasingly work outside the home, many are attempting to meet the demands of their BIOLOGIC THEORIES OF AGING parents, home, children, and workplace. STOCHASTIC THEORIES AGING AND HEALTHCARE SYSTEM Population aging induces growing costs in CROSS-LINKING THEORY (DNA, RNA) healthcare servicecs, due to an increase in the Avers that overtime and as a result of exposure to utilization of age-related procedures and chemical and radiation in the environment, treatments that are pushing up costs of cross-link form between lipids, proteins, and long-term care, which are expected to grow at carbohydrates as well as nucleic acids, which a faster pace than other healthcare needs decreases the flexibility and elasticity, and increases rigidity in tissues ( e.g., blood vessels, A comprehensive public health response must skin, lungs, tendons, heart, muscle, etc.) address the wide range of older people’s FREE RADICALS AND LIPOFUSCIN THEORIES experiences Suggests that aging is due to oxidative metabolism and the effects of free radicals and lipofuscin AGING AND THE NURSING WEAR AND TEAR THEORIES PROFESSIONS Repeated use injury Attributes aging to the repeated use and injury of AGEISM the body over time as it performs its highly Prejudice against the old just because they are old specialized functions. It arises when age is used to categorize and divide people in ways that lead to harm, disadvantage and EVOLUTIONARY THEORIES injustice and erode solidarity across generations. Problems with genes Hypothesize that the differences in the aging NURSING EDUCATION process and longevity of various species occur due Gerontologic nursing content to be included in all to the interplay between the processes of mutation nursing education programs and natural selection. NURSING PRACTICE BIOGERONTOLOGY THEORIES From hospitals to ambulatory or community-based Bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other organisms are sites; programs and services focused on health responsible for certain physiologic changes during the aging process. maintenance and promotion and disease and disability prevention; cost-effective efforts NON-STOCHASTIC THEORIES NURSING RESEARCH AND EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE AUTOIMMUNE THEORIES patient-centered outcomes, health promotion and Reduction in immunologic activities leads to an maintenance, prevention of disease and disability, increase in autoimmune response with age. and early detection of disease and illness GENETIC THEORIES THEORIES OF AGING Advocates that animals and humans are born with a genetic program or biological clock that BIOLOGIC THEORIES OF AGING predetermines the life span. Categories: RADIATION THEORIES 1. Stochastic Theories - View the effect of biological Radiation may induce cellular mutation aging as resulting from random assaults from both the internal and external environment. 2 | NEW JEANS & PERFECT FERSONS NCM 114: CARE OF OLDER ADULT BSN 3F: 1ST SEMESTER - PRELIMS NUTRITION THEORIES NURSING THEORIES ON AGING Suggests that a good diet may minimize or eliminate some of the ill effects of the aging FUNCTIONAL CONSEQUENCES THEORY process. Nurses can promote wellness by addressing ENVIRONMENTAL THEORIES individuals holistically, recognizing the Several environmental factors are known to interconnectedness of body, mind and spirit threaten health and are thought to be associated Totalistic or holistic care with the aging process. THEORY OF THRIVING Failure to thrive include disconnectedness, inability SOCIOLOGIC THEORIES OF AGING to find meaning in life, problems with social relationships, and physical and cognitive DISENGAGEMENT THEORY dysfunction Views aging as a process in which society and the Growth must be continuous individual gradually withdraw, or disengage, from THEORY OF SUCCESSFUL AGING each other, to the mutual satisfaction and benefit of Not only considers successful aging in terms of the both. older adult’s physical, mental, and spiritual ACTIVITY THEORY well-being but also includes the individual’s Asserts that an older person should continue a self-appraisal middle-aged lifestyle, denying the existence of old Self actualization age as long as possible, and that society should apply the same norms to old age as it does to RETIREMENT AND ROLE DISCONTINUITIES middle age and not advocate diminishing activity, THEORY OF GRACEFUL AGING (SR. LETTY G. interest, and involvement as its members grow old. KUAN) CONTINUITY THEORY Relates personality and predisposition toward certain actions in old age to similar factors during other phases of life cycle SUBCULTURE THEORY Views older adults as a group with distinct norms, beliefs, expectations, habits, and issues that separate them from the rest of society AGE STRATIFICATION THEORY Suggests that society is stratified by age groups Persons within a similar age group generally have similar experiences, beliefs, attitudes, and life transitions that offer them a unique shared story PSYCHOLOGICAL THEORIES OF AGING —------------------ End of Module 1 —------------------------------ FACTORS AFFECTING EGO INTEGRITY VS DESPAIR (ERICKSON) MODULE 2: STANDARD OF 1. Ego Differentiation versus Role Preoccupation CARE - To develop satisfaction from oneself as a person rather than through parental or occupational roles. STANDARD OF CARE - Self-love over roles A guideline for nursing practice and establishes an 2. Body Transcendence versus Body expectation for the nurse to provide safe, effective, Preoccupation and appropriate care. - To find psychological pleasures rather It is used to evaluate whether care administered to become absorbed with health problems or patients meets the appropriate level of skill and physical limitations imposed by aging. diligence that can reasonably be expected, given - Psychological pleasure over body the nurse’s level of skill, education, and experience. limitations 3. Ego Transcendence versus Ego AUTONOMY Preoccupation Greek autos » self; nomos » governance - To achieve satisfaction through reflection on one’s past life and accomplishments It involves self-determination and freedom to rather than be preoccupied with the finite choose and implement one’s decision, free from number of years left to live. deceit, duress, constraint or coercion. » intellect - Quality of life over quantity of years and will Restrictions on autonomy may occur when there is potential harm to others such as communicable diseases or acts of violence. 3 | NEW JEANS & PERFECT FERSONS NCM 114: CARE OF OLDER ADULT BSN 3F: 1ST SEMESTER - PRELIMS Therapeutic privilege - is the legal exception of the 13. Right to retain licences, privileges, or permits. rule of informed consent, which allows the caregiver 14. Right to sue or be sued. to proceed with the care in case of emergency, 15. Right to marry or divorce. incompetence, waiver or implied consent. 16. Right to treatment in the least restrictive setting. 17. Right not to be subject to unnecessary restraints. CLIENT RIGHTS 18. Right to privacy and confidentiality. The client rights document, also called the patient’s 19. Right to informed consent. bill of rights, reflects acknowledgement of client’s 20. Right to treatment and to refuse treatment. right to participate in their health care with an 21. Right to refuse participation in experimental emphasis on client autonomy. treatments or research. The document provides a list of the rights of the client and responsibilities that the hospital cannot INFORMED CONSENT violate. Informed consent indicates the client’s participation The client’s rights affect the relationship between in the decision regarding health care. the client and health care provider and between the A consent must be signed freely by the client client and health care delivery system and protect without threat or pressure and must be witnessed the client’s ability to determine the level and type of by another adult. care received. Legally, the client must be mentally and emotionally competent to give consent. PATIENT’S RIGHTS WHEN HOSPITALIZED If a client is declared mentally or emotionally 1. Right to considerate and respectful care. incompetent, the next of kin, appointed guardian 2. Right to be informed about illness, possible (appointed by the court), or the durable power of treatments, likely outcome, and to discuss this attorney has legal authority to give consent. information with the physician. When a nurse is involved in the informed consent 3. Right to know the names and roles of the persons process, the nurse is witnessing only the signature who are involved in care. of the client on the informed consent form. 4. Right to consent or refuse a treatment. 5. Right to have an advance directive. MENTALLY OR EMOTIONALLY INCOMPETENT 6. Right to privacy. CLIENTS 7. Right to expect that medical records are Declared incompetent confidential. Unconscious 8. Right to review the medical record and to have Under the influence of alcohol or drugs information explained. Chronic dementia or other mental deficiency 9. Right to expect that the hospital will provide necessary health services. CONFIDENTIALITY 10. Right to know if the hospital has relationships with The principle that binds the practitioner to hold in outside parties that may influence treatment or care. strict confidence those things learned about a 11. Right to consent or refuse to take part in research. patient in the course of medical practice. 12. Right to be told of realistic care alternatives when Clients have a right to privacy in the healthcare hospital care is no longer appropriate. system. 13. Right to know about hospital rules that affect A special relationship exists between the client and treatment and about charges and payment nurse, in which information discussed will not be methods. shared with a third party who is not involved in the client’s care directly. RIGHTS FOR THE MENTALLY ILL 1. Right to be treated with dignity and respect. NURSE’S RESPONSIBILITY 2. Right to communicate with persons outside the 1. Nurses are bound to protect client confidentiality by hospital. most nurse practice acts, by ethical principles and 3. Right to keep clothing and personal effects with standards, and by institutional and agency policies them. and procedures. 4. Right to religious freedom. 2. Disclosure of confidential information exposes the 5. Right to be employed. nurse to liability for invasion of the client’s privacy. 6. Right to manage property. 3. ‘The nurse needs to protect the client from 7. Right to execute wills. indiscriminate disclosure of health care information 8. Right to enter into contractual agreements. that may cause harm. 9. Right to make purchases. 10. Right to education. MAINTENANCE OF CONFIDENTIALITY 11. Right to an independent psychiatric examination. 1. Not discussing client issues with other clients or 12. Right to civil service status, including the right to uninvolved staff in the client’s care. vote. 4 | NEW JEANS & PERFECT FERSONS NCM 114: CARE OF OLDER ADULT BSN 3F: 1ST SEMESTER - PRELIMS 2. Not sharing healthcare information with others BENEFICENCE without the client’s consent (includes family The principle that imposes on the practitioner a duty members or friends of the client). to seek the good for patients under all 3. Keeping all information about a client private and circumstances. not revealing it to someone not directly involved in care. NON-MALEFICENCE 4. Sharing client information only in private and The principle that imposes the duty to avoid or secluded areas. refrain from harming the patient. The practitioner 5. Protecting the medical record from all unauthorized who cannot bring about good for the patient is readers bound by duty to at least avoid harm. VERACITY Principle of Ordinary and Extraordinary Truth telling. The practice of health care is best A differentiation used to determine what level of served in relationship of trust in which practitioner care is ordinary and therefore required, and to and patient are bound to the truth. differentiate this from that level of care that might be considered extraordinary and therefore optional due FIDELITY to high costs, low effectiveness, or other criteria. The duty to do what one has promised National Policies on Older People JUSTICE Republic Act No. 344 entitled “The Accessibility Law of 1982” provides for the minimum Three (3) Essential Properties of Justice requirements and standards to make buildings, 1. Justice always refer to another person. Strictly facilities, and utilities for public use accessible to speaking, there are no obligations of justice toward persons with disability, including older persons who oneself. are confined to wheelchairs and those who have 2. The object of justice is not a free gift, but something difficulty in walking or climbing stairs, among others. that is strictly due. Republic Act No. 7876 entitled “An Act 3. Justice does not demand an approximate Establishing a Senior Citizens Center in all compensation, but only what is exactly due, neither Cities and Municipalities of the Philippines, and more nor less. Appropriating Funds” provides for the establishment of Senior Citizens Center to cater to FRATERNAL CHARITY JUSTICE older persons’ socialization and interaction needs as well as to serve as a venue for the conduct of Based on their union Based on the distinction other meaningful activities. through love between person. Republic Act No. 8425 provides for the institutionalization and enhancement of the social We give what is ours. We give our neighbor what reform agenda creating the “National Anti-Poverty is his. Commission (NAPC)”, which provides a mechanism for older persons to participate in policy Charity is superior to The duties of justice are formulation and decision-making on matters justice. stricter than those of charity. concerning poverty alleviation. Republic Act No. 10155 entitled “The General Appropriation Act of 2012”, under section 28 SUBJECTIVE PARTS OF JUSTICE mandates that all government agencies and Division according to Aristotle and Saint Thomas instrumentalities should allocate one percent of their The proper way to classify virtues is according to their total agency budget to programs and projects for primary end, not according to the persons to whom they are older persons and persons with disabilities. directed. Republic Act No. 9994 entitled “Expanded 1. Legal, General, or Social Justice Seniors Citizen Act of 2010” grants additional - Directly and primarily aimed at the benefits and privileges to senior citizens, further common good. These terms are taken amending Republic Act No. 7432 and otherwise here as equivalent. known as “an act to maximize the contribution of 2. Particular Justice senior citizens to nation building, grant benefits and - Directed to the private good. special privileges and for other purposes”. a. Commutative Justice (duties of an individual toward other PRESIDENTIAL PROCLAMATIONS AND individuals) EXECUTIVE ORDERS b. Distributive Justice (duties of Presidential Proclamation No. 470, series of the community toward the 1994, declaring the first week of October of every individual) year as “Elderly Filipino Week”. 5 | NEW JEANS & PERFECT FERSONS NCM 114: CARE OF OLDER ADULT BSN 3F: 1ST SEMESTER - PRELIMS Presidential Proclamation No. 1048, series of PRIVILEGES FOR SENIOR CITIZENS 1999, declaring a “Nationwide Observance in the The grant of 20% discount from all establishments Philippines of the International Year of Older relative to the utilization of transportation services, Persons”. hotels and similar lodging establishments, Executive Order No. 105, series of 2003, restaurants and recreation centers and purchase of approved and directed the implementation of the medicine anywhere in the country: Provided, that program providing for group homes and foster private establishments may claim the cost as tax homes for neglected, abandoned, abused, credit. detached, and poor older persons and persons with A minimum of 20% discount on admission fees disabilities. charges by theatres, cinema houses and concert halls, circuses, carnivals and other similar places of THE PHILIPPINE PLAN OF ACTION FOR SENIOR culture, leisure; and amusement. CITIZENS ( 2011 -2016) Exception from the payment of individual income Aims to ensure giving priority to community-based taxes; provided that their annual taxable income approaches which are gender-responsive, with does not exceed to the poverty level as determined effective leadership and meaningful participation of by the National Economic Development Authority senior citizens in decision-making processes, both (NEDA) for that year in the context of family and community. Exemption from training fees for socio-economic Aims to ensure active aging for senior citizens programs undertaken by the Office for Senior where preventive and promotive aspects of health Citizens Affairs (OSCA) as part of its work. are emphasized in communities and where health Free medical and dental services in government services are accessible, affordable, and available at establishment anywhere in the country, subject to all times. guidelines to be issued by the DOH, the GSIS. Envisioning a population of senior citizens who are To the extent practicable and feasible, the self-sufficient and self-reliant, this plan aims to continuance of the same benefits and privileges promote financial security and financial given by the GSIS, SSS and PAG-IBIG, as the case independence of senior citizens by developing may be, as are enjoyed by those in actual service community-based local delivery systems to address their needs. FREE HEALTH SERVICES FOR OLDER PERSONS (SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY OF FACILITIES AND HEALTH AND CARE MANPOWER/TECHNICAL EXPERTISE) The DSWD has issued Administrative Order No. 1. Medical and dental services 4, series of 2010, “Guidelines on the Home Care 2. Out-patient consultations Support Services for Senior Citizens”, 3. Available diagnostics and therapeutic procedures establishing communitybased health care services 4. Use of operating rooms, special units, and central for older persons. supply items The Republic Act 9994 provides health care 5. Accommodations in the charity ward services for poor older persons such as free 6. Professional and counseling services medical services on government hospitals, discounted services on private hospitals and clinics, free vaccines, discounted medicines, and The Dignity of Older People and mandatory PhilHealth coverage. their Mission in the Church and OLDER PEOPLE’S ASSOCIATION (OPA) in the World The Philippine Constitution supports the formation of community-based organizations. The DSWD have facilitated the formation of older people’s INTRODUCTION associations in every city and municipality. They are also tasked to provide technical assistance to Scientific advances and the consequent progress of support and strengthen OPAs. medicine have made a decisive contribution in recent decades to prolonging the average duration of human life. SOCIAL PENSION The number of older people is constantly increasing, while that of the young is constantly Under the Republic Act 9994, the Philippine decreasing. Government provides a social pension of Php 500 Inspired by a conviction that older people still have per month to poor older persons aged 77 and over a lot to say and a lot to give to the life of society, the who are not yet receiving any government or private Holy See (the Church) calls for their dignity and pension. The DSWD is the lead agency tasked with fundamental rights to be respected and hopes that identifying and reviewing social pension the question may be tackled with a great sense of beneficiaries. responsibility by everyone: by individuals, families, 6 | NEW JEANS & PERFECT FERSONS NCM 114: CARE OF OLDER ADULT BSN 3F: 1ST SEMESTER - PRELIMS associations, governments and international They are the bearers of fundamental human values. organizations, each according to its own Where this memory is lacking, people are rootless; competencies and duties and in conformity with the they also lack any capacity to project themselves very important principle of subsidiarity with hope towards a future that transcends the limits of the present. GUIDELINES FOR THE PASTORAL CARE OF The family—and hence society as a whole—will OLDER PEOPLE benefit greatly from a revaluation of the educational role of older people. ECCLESIAL/CHURCH COMMUNITY CONTEMPLATION AND PRAYER called to respond to the greater participation which Older people should be encouraged to consecrate older people would like to have in the Church, by the years that remain hidden in the mind of God to a turning to account the “gift” they represent as new mission illuminated by the Holy Spirit. witnesses of the tradition of faith (cf. Psalms 44:2; Saint John Paul II, addressing the participants at Exodus 12:26-27), teachers of the wisdom of life the International Forum on Ageing, said: “Older (cf. Sirach 6:34; 8:11-12) and workers of charity. people, with the wisdom and experience which are It must therefore re-examine its apostolate on the fruit of a life-time, have entered upon a time of behalf of older people and open it up to their extraordinary grace which opens to them new participation and collaboration opportunities for prayer and union with God. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES Called to serve others and to offer their lives to the A large proportion of older people have enough Lord and Giver of Life, new spiritual powers are physical, mental and spiritual energies to devote given to them”. their own time and talents in a generous way to the TRIALS, ILLNESSES AND SUFFERING various activities and programs of the volunteer It is important that older people—and not only services they—be helped to accept these crosses in a spirit APOSTOLATE of humble submission to the will of God, in imitation Older people can make a major contribution to the of the Lord. But this will only be possible in preaching of the Gospel as catechists and proportion as they feel loved and esteemed. witnesses to Christian life Devotion to the weak, to the suffering, to the LITURGY disabled is a duty of the Church and is proof of her maternal care. Many older people already contribute effectively to A whole series of services and forms of pastoral the service of places of worship. If suitably trained, care should therefore be provided to ensure that they could, in larger numbers, play the role of older people do not feel useless and a burden, permanent deacons, and fulfil the ministry of lector and to help them to accept their suffering as a and altar server. means of encountering the mystery of God and They could also be used in the extraordinary of man. ministry of the Eucharist and exercise the role of animators of the liturgy. COMMITMENT TO A “CULTURE OF LIFE” They could also help promote forms of eucharistic Illness and suffering are privileged means for devotion and other forms of devotion, especially to reminding us of the inalienable principle of the Mary and to the Saints. sacredness and inviolability of life. Man cannot ECCLESIAL ASSOCIATIONS AND MOVEMENTS arbitrarily choose to live or die, or decide on the life or death of others: that is a choice which only he in The growth of many ecclesial associations and whom “we live, and move and exist” (Acts 17:28; communities which represent a great enrichment for cf. Deuteronomy 32:39) can make. the Church—is also due to a form of participation Death, regarded as “absurd” if it curtails a life still that integrates the various generations, and full of promising and exciting potential, is regarded manifests the richness and fruitfulness of the as a “liberation”, to be claimed as a right, if it different charisms of the Spirit. terminates a life seen as meaningless because THE FAMILY overwhelmed by suffering. Older people represent the “historical memory” of It is this attitude that forms the cultural context of the younger generations. They are the bearers of euthanasia, which the Church condemns as “a fundamental human values. grave violation of the law of God, since it is the Where this memory is lacking, people are rootless; deliberate and morally unacceptable killing of a they also lack any capacity to project themselves human person” with hope towards a future that transcends the limits of the present. The family—and hence society as a whole—will benefit greatly from a revaluation of the educational role of older people. Older people represent the “historical memory” of the younger generations. 7 | NEW JEANS & PERFECT FERSONS NCM 114: CARE OF OLDER ADULT BSN 3F: 1ST SEMESTER - PRELIMS THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH’S PASTORAL inalienable value of life, even when it is reduced to CARE MINISTRY a terminal condition. SACRAMENT OF THE SICK AND DYING CONSCIOUSNESS-RAISING The administration of the Sacrament of the The Church should heighten awareness of the Anointing of the Sick and of Viaticum must be needs of older people, not least that of being fostered in a special way, and preceded by able to contribute to the life of the community appropriate catechesis. by performing activities appropriate to their Where circumstances permit, it is desirable that condition. priests incorporate the Sacrament of Anointing the This awareness will permit the formulation of Sick in community celebrations both in the parishes qualified forms of intervention. It will also sensitize and in the places of residence in which older people and involve both the ecclesial and civil live communities; and focus attention on those options COMFORTING TERMINALLY ILL that are revealed as evangelically and culturally Efforts should be made to resist the tendency to more valid, also with a view to a renewal of the abandon the dying and leave them without religious Church's charitable works and forms of assistance. assistance and human comfort. COUNTERING ATTITUDES OF WITHDRAWAL This task is not only incumbent on chaplains, Older people must be helped to overcome the whose role is fundamental, but also on the families indifference and mistrust that hamper their active and communities to which older people belong. participation and solidarity CARING FOR THOSE OF OTHER FAITHS PROMOTING INTEGRATION Particular attention should be devoted, in a spirit of Older people must be integrated, without any form charity and dialogue, to the older persons of other of discrimination, into the Christian community. All religious confessions in order to help them live their the baptized, in every moment of life, must be able faith; nor should Christians be shy of witnessing to to renew the richness of grace of their own Baptism their own faith, in a spirit of brotherhood and and fully experience it in their lives. solidarity, to older people who are non-believers No one should be deprived of the grace of God, the A RIGHTFUL PLACE IN SOCIETY AND IN THE preaching of the Word, the consolation of prayer or FAMILY the witness of charity Older people have a right to a place in society and DEVELOPING THE SERVICE OF OLDER PEOPLE even more so to an honored place within the family. IN THE COMMUNITY The family is called to be a communion of The life of the Christian community must be persons. It needs to be reminded of its special organized in such a way as to encourage the mission to foster, manifest and communicate love, participation of older persons and to foster the and its duty to provide assistance to its weaker capacities of each. members, not least the older persons, and surround To this end, the dioceses should set up their own them with affection. diocesan offices for the ministry to older people; The need for the family to be able to benefit from and parishes should be encouraged to develop adequate means of material support should also be spiritual, community and recreational activities for emphasized: economic assistance, welfare and this age group. health services, and appropriate housing, pension The service of older people should also be and social security policies should be available to promoted within diocesan and parish councils and the needs of the family. within councils for economic affairs CARING FOR OLDER PEOPLE LIVING IN PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN THE SACRAMENTAL LIFE OF OR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURES THE CHURCH The uprooting of older people from their natural Older people must be helped to participate in the families would be less traumatic if the community celebration of the Eucharist, in the Sacrament of were to maintain links with them. Reconciliation and in pilgrimages, retreats and The parish community, “family of families”, must spiritual exercises. turn itself into a “diaconia” at the service of older Steps should also be taken to ensure that their people and their problems. It must also seek to involvement in such events be not hindered by co-operate with the authorities responsible for physical or architectural barriers, or by the lack of running such residential homes with a view to specialized personnel to accompany and assist finding appropriate ways to ensure the involvement them of the volunteer services, the provision of cultural SPIRITUAL CARE activities and religious service. The care and assistance of older people who are The latter must ensure that older people are able to infirm or disabled, or no longer in full possession of be nourished by the Eucharist, and that Holy their physical or mental faculties, should also Communion assumes its significance as involve spiritual care; through prayer and participation in the celebration of the Lord's Day. communion in the faith, it should testify to the 8 | NEW JEANS & PERFECT FERSONS NCM 114: CARE OF OLDER ADULT BSN 3F: 1ST SEMESTER - PRELIMS The Eucharist must be made present to older people as a sign of the fatherhood of God and of —------------------ End of Module 2 —------------------------------ the fruitfulness of life and suffering which risk sinking into grief and even despair, if they are not illuminated by the comfort of the Lord CARING FOR OLDER ADULT PRIESTS It should never be forgotten that the ranks of older people also include priests, ministers of the Church and pastors of Christian communities. The diocesan Church must assume responsibility for looking after these older adult priests, and provide them with adequate residential structures and other forms of support. Parish communities too are called to make their contribution; they should take steps to ensure that older priests who retire from their active ministry as a result of old age or poor health find appropriate accommodation. The same goes for religious communities and their superiors, who should devote particular care to their older brothers and sisters. INTERGENERATIONAL SOLIDARITY The young members of groups, associations and movements present in the parishes must be educated to show solidarity towards the elder members of the community. Such intergenerational solidarity is also expressed in the companionship that the young are able to offer to the old. Young people who have opportunities for involvement with older people will appreciate the value of a formative experience by which they gain in maturity and are helped to develop an awareness of others that remains with them for the whole of their life. In a society in which selfishness, materialism, consumerism are rife and in which the means of communication serve little to alleviate the growing loneliness of man, such values as selflessness, dedication, friendship, acceptance and respect represent a challenge to those, not least the young, who are striving for the birth of a new humanity DATES TO REMEMBER Philippines “Grandparents’ Day” (1987) (every second Sunday of September) United Nations “International Day of (December 14, Older Persons” (October 1990) 1) Fidel V. Ramos Linggo ng Katandaang (PP 470, Filipino or Elderly September 26, Filipino Week 1994) Pope Francis “World Day of (2021) Grandparents and Older Persons” (every fourth Sunday of July) 9 | NEW JEANS & PERFECT FERSONS