AGED CARE

INTRODUCTION

Healthcare, housing, and community services are all intertwined concerns. Should the community provide housing and care for the elderly, and if so, at what standard of living? Should they be entitled to the same healthcare alternatives as young people, or should scarce healthcare resources be directed toward those who are economically productive or have the highest potential for quality of life? We, Filipinos recognize that we have a responsibility to care for the old and fragile, but how should this be done? How other cultures improved their system for the aged people? A major problem is how to adequately care for people with special needs and those who are unable to make their own decisions or communicate effectively. Dementia care, which is becoming increasingly important in other countries, presents the question of how to respond to and care for individuals who are experiencing changes in their brain function, cognition, memory, personality, independence, and abilities. Balancing safety and freedom, paternalism and autonomy, and how to effectively care for the elderly are all major bioethics discussion themes.

What is Aged Care?

Support for elderly adults in their own homes or in a nursing facility is referred to as aged care. It can involve assistance with daily activities, health care, lodging, and equipment such as walking frames and ramps. Aged care services can be financed by the government and are offered to those who qualify.

Aged care is assistance offered to elderly persons who require assistance in their homes or who are unable to live independently. Walking frames, and handrails are examples of equipment used for house renovations. If staying at home is no longer the best option, there are other options.

What are the Biggest Challenges

for Elderly People in Our Society?

Ageism and a lost sense of purpose

Many outmoded prejudices about old people exist, which can lead to isolation and discrimination in many societies. We can assist older people preserve a sense of identity and self-esteem by developing new methods to integrate them in the community through social activities. We can also tap into the amount of knowledge and experience they have, which is critical for the growth of society.

Financial insecurity

Older people are able and more than willing to work past the standard retirement age, but opportunities aren't there. Managing day to day finances and planning for later life can be challenging for older generations.

Difficulty with everyday tasks and mobility

As people age, their mobility and dexterity inevitably deteriorate. This might encourage people to focus on themselves and avoid social situations. According to the charity age, more assistance is required to enable old people to live independently. They believe that more has to be done to guarantee that they may thrive as individuals.

Finding the right care provision

Many older people require additional care when total independence is no longer possible. Caregivers require training, resources and emotional support in order to provide the greatest care for their loved ones and themselves. Family members can sometimes offer this care, but it may put a lot of burden on the caregiver.

Access to healthcare services

Older people's healthcare can be complicated and disjointed, especially for those with long term conditions. The care requires lots of different medical professionals and clinics to coordinate delivery of medication and other types of care.

End of life preparations

Elderly individuals and their families need support when considering the end of life options available, financial implications, and how to ensure that the individual's wishes are respected.

Types of Aged Care Services

Who provides Aged Care?

Not-for-profit organizations

Government organizations

For-profit private companies

Benefits of Aged Care

The Aged Care Quality Standards

1. Consumer dignity and choice

What does this imply for you?

I am treated with decency and respect and have the ability to keep my identity. I can make educated decisions about my care and services and live the life I want.

2. Ongoing assessment and planning

What does this imply for you?

I participate in ongoing evaluation and planning to ensure that I receive the treatment and services I require for my health and well-being.

3. Personal care and clinical care

What does this imply for you?

Personal care, clinical care, or a combination of personal and clinical care that is safe and appropriate for me is provided.

4. Services and supports for daily living

What does this imply for you?

I receive daily life services and support that are vital for my health and well-being and allow me to do the activities I want to do.

5. Organisation’s service environment

What does this imply for you?

I feel at home and safe in the service atmosphere of the organization.

6. Feedback and complaints

What does this imply for you?

I feel secure and encouraged to provide comments and express concerns. I am addressing my concerns and issues through protocols, and appropriate action is being taken.

7. Human resources

What does this imply for you?

When I need it, I get exceptional treatment and services from individuals who are qualified, skilled, and kind.

8. Organisational governance

What does this imply for you?

I feel confident in the organization's management. I am a collaborator in the improvement of care and service delivery.

How are the Standards assessed?

You can read about how providers are assessed on the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission website.

The pros of an aged care home

Safety: There is always someone around to keep you safe.
24/7 Work: Someone is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in a residential care facility.
Authorization: Health treatment by a licensed nurse is available 24 hours a day in a nursing home.
A private space: Usually, your loved one will personalize their room with their furniture, pictures, and decorations.
Healthy Foods: Meals are given regularly, and dietary requirements are fulfilled.
Companionship: opportunities to interact with people their age and participate in organized events or trips, if they are available.
Peace of mind: knowing that your loved one is being cared for and is not suffering alone gives you and your family peace of mind.
Medication supervision: if this is a concern for a family member, you should be assured that it will be addressed. Read about the medication management systems may also be helpful.
No Worries: There’s no need to be concerned with household expenses or maintenance.
Better living conditions: The physical atmosphere could be improved – it could be safer, warmer, and cleaner.

Everything has cons after having heaps of pros, so does an aged care home.

The cons of an Aged Care Home

Cost: Care home costs can be very expensive, particularly if the person you’re caring for has to pay for their care. Your family member must be assessed as having a care home if you depend on local government support.
Variety: Depending on your loved one’s situation, there might be a small number of homes with vacancies for them.
Unfamiliar surroundings: Relocating to a new location can be disturbing.
Loneliness: As well as a lack of interaction with old friends and neighbors.
Emotional effect: Families may feel guilty for not taking care of their loved ones themselves, even though it is no longer possible.
Your loved one can feel abandoned: It may help if you talk things over ahead of time, maybe explaining that you or other family members are unable to provide the treatment they need. Since they’ve moved in, keep in touch with them regularly.
Loss of independence: While a good home should allow your loved one to be as self-sufficient as possible, this is not always the case.
Lack of privacy: Your family member will struggle to adapt to this.

Small living space: Your loved one would be unable to bring all of their furniture and personal belongings with them.
Variations in care: All homes must meet a minimum standard to be licensed, but the quality of care can differ from one home to the next.

Issues Associated with Aged Care Service Delivery

The current state of aged care in Australia has been given in the preceding sections, covering the general position of the ageing population, the health care demands of the elderly, the country's care insurance system for aged care, and the existing difficulties confronting Australian aged care. From this perspective, it is possible to conclude that the delivery of elderly care services is a complex process including several facets and concerns. More precisely, there are economic, social, cultural, and political concerns linked with the delivery of elderly care services.

ECONOMIC ISSUES

Economic issues are the primary influencing factor that has potential impacts on the aged care service delivery. Economic status will to a great extent influence the aged health care service in a country. Since the total population of aged people is increasing, it has been difficult for the government or society to afford the aged health care services for this increasing aged population (Access Economics, 2003; Productivity Commission, 2005).

SOCIAL ISSUES

The aged population as part of the total population in a society or community is a social issue itself, and the whole society is closely associated with the aged population since they are the elderly family members of other populations in the society or community (Beadnell, 2006). Due to this, there are social issues associated with the aged care service delivery in Australia. For instance, family members like children and other relatives are also a type of care providers for the aged people; however, in a highly developed country like Australia, the Australian people are often too busy working or with other pressure in their lives, so that they cannot take effective care of the aged people.

CULTURAL ISSUES

Due to the diversified cultures that exist in the world, there are different attitudes toward the aged population. For example, in some cultures, the aged people are regarded as a burden on the economic development and the society; while in other cultures, the aged people are highly respected. Determined by these different attitudes, the aged care service delivery in different cultures can also be differing from each other. Moreover, the ways of caring for the aged are also different in cultures. To be specific, in the eastern cultures, the aged people tend to be cared for by their families, and it is considered cruel if the aged people are sent to nursing homes since their families, like their children, do not take care of them.

However, in the western developed countries, it is common that the aged people are being cared for in nursing homes or accepting community services as these aged people are more independent. Australia is a multicultural country, due to the migration of people from many other countries and regions with different cultural backgrounds. This cultural diversity determines that the aged care service delivery is also varying in these different cultural communities. From this perspective, how to offer effective aged care service in such culturally diverse communities becomes an important issue for the Australian people.

POLITICAL ISSUES

Political issues mainly refer to the policies and strategies adopted by the government, concerning the health care service provision, which includes the aged care. In particular, the major political issue associated with aged care in a particular country is the issue of health care insurance. As it is known, Australia has adopted a national health care system, the Medicare, aiming to provide health care service to all Australian citizens equally. However, health care is too expensive for individuals and even the government to afford. In this situation, the increasing health care costs have been a burden on the government’s health care expenditure, so the government has turned to other ways to facilitate the health care including the care for the aged people.

ETHICAL ISSUES

1. Patients have the right to access 'good' treatment, give consent for any medical intervention, and confidentiality of his/her medical information; and the right to refuse treatment against medical advice.

2. The equity of distribution of health resources is a major issue in the Saudi healthcare system. Most of the resources are primarily in the main cities. There are inequities even within the cities and among Saudis and non-Saudis. This is an issue that needs to be addressed, for it is unlikely that an illegal resident would dare seek medical treatment in a governmental hospital. Bin Saeed in his research also draws attention to the more sensitive issue of, ‘favoring patients based on their class, race, sex or gender’, which is considered an important ethical issue by clinicians.

3. There are no clear policies on the management of patient information, specifically the medical records, in many hospitals. The management of these records is usually left to the discretion of the clinician. This includes decisions on sharing any information about the patient without the proper consent of the patient.

Aged Care in the Philippines

Kanlungan ni Maria is a non-stock and non-profit organization home for the aged in the Philippines serving to provide a true home to all abandoned, poor, sick and homeless elderly in the country.

- One of the nearest home for the aged sanctuary in Manila, their mission is to provide adequate and sufficient shelter and basic needs to old people and combine them with love, attention, affection and support in all aspects of life in an environment that is homey. All these attained with the help of volunteers who are willing to take the best of care to offer to the disadvantaged elderly while they help in trying to locate their family to reconcile them. Part of the program is also to provide all needed medical supplies and attention for better care.

Rain Tree Care Services & Senior Residences operates the first fully serviced senior’s residence for Filipinos in the Philippines. Their residence “Bahay Dona Rosario” is located in a peaceful community in Muntinlupa, Metro Manila, Philippines.

- A well-managed facility offers quality care based on the latest German standards combined with Filipino values and compassion. It is their mission to create a happy life for our residents and to be a home and family.

Filipinos have a strong cultural value on respect for age and for elderly. Young people are expected to show respect to the elderly as well as older members of the family. Older adults should be addressed in polite language, preferably with appropriate titles of respect. The concept that caring for older folks is the responsibility of youngsters is rooted firmly Filipino society, as it is elsewhere in Southeast Asia. For the reason, older people usually live with their families. However, there are a lot of facilities for the Aged that offer Home to many older residents especially those who lack funds to return to their hometowns or those coming from the families that struggle to provide them adequate care. The dedication to family caregiving is evident in Filipino culture, and it is a part of the very fabric of Philippine society. Caregiving in Filipino households is so common that failure to provide care or resources to family members in need is seen as shameful. Families believe that the care provided by relatives is sufficient for the needs of the care recipient.

However, there are also various issues facing the aged care system in many countries, which mainly refer to the increasing health care needs and care difficulty and complexity, the shortage of care providers or nursing staff, and the insufficient aged care education and training. Furthermore, due to the many different aspects and issues involved in aged care, it has presented a complicated process of aged care service delivery. In particular, there are economic, social, cultural and political issues that may be associated with aged care service delivery. These different issues determined by economic, social, cultural and political factors can generate great impacts on the process of aged care service delivery. Based on this, the future directions for the quality care of aged people have also been discussed to focus on the government’s efforts; the development of effective workforce; and the community care services for aged people.

Informative Video

In this video, Chloe Esquela, a Biological Science student from Philippine Normal University North Luzon, gives an introduction into aged care, types of aged care, benefits of aged care, including common ethical issues, ways to educate yourself about aged care and other tips for those first thinking about aged care. Although we cannot stop the aging process, we can learn how to cope with the problems that arise in order to keep our loved ones in good health. Memory loss, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease are among the most common health issues for the aged. Aged care helps aging residents live their lives!

Informative Video Script

Good day, everyone! As we progress in an era wherein all things are advanced, different biological and ethical issues that arise from the emergence and development of the life sciences are still relevant. I am Chloe Esquela, a Biological Science student from Philippine Normal University North Luzon. And, I’ll be talking about Aged Care.

It’s a common scenario among people to compare the struggles of taking care of a growing child and an ageing parent. Ageing is a natural aspect of the human life cycle, and it affects everyone eventually. It is our primary responsibility as adults with aging parents to care for our parents, grandparents, or immediate family members. Even if they are still healthy enough to care for themselves, they will want your assistance at some point. Our parents' well-being is the greatest that we, as their children, can wish for and work for as they age and live out their final years in comfort and satisfaction.

What is aged care?

Aged care is assistance given to elderly individuals in their own homes or in nursing homes. It can involve assistance with daily life, health care, housing, and equipment such as walking frames or ramps. Aged care services financed by the government are offered to those who qualify. If you are not qualified, you can choose to obtain privately sponsored services, but you will be responsible for the entire cost. Aged Care is the process of caring for an aged person's emotional, mental, and physical well-being, whether they are a family member or not. When it comes to caring for our older loved ones, family members are frequently the ones that look after their grandparents or ageing parents.

Types of aged care

Government-funded aged care services include:

In-home care. In-home aged care provides support to help you stay independent for as long as possible. It can help with things like personal care, transport, food, shopping, housework, physio, social activities, and modifications to your home.

Residential care in aged care homes, is for older people who:

can no longer live at home
need ongoing help with everyday tasks or health care.
Residential care can be short-term or permanent.

Short-term care such as respite care.

Short-term care can help you to improve your wellbeing and independence or get back on your feet after a hospital stay. It can also give you or your carer a break. You can receive short-term services in your home, an aged care home or in the community.

Aged care is the support provided to older people who need help in their own home or who can no longer live at home. It can include:

help with everyday living — such as housework, shopping, cooking or social outings
equipment — such as walking frames
home modifications — such as handrails or ramps
personal care — such as dressing, eating, bathing or going to the toilet
health care — such as nursing, physio or medical care
accommodation — if living at home is no longer the best option.

Aged care can help you to:

- - stay connected to your community
  - be more independent
  - take care of your health and safety
  - meet your cultural and social needs.

What are the benefits?

There are several advantages to engaging outside home care assistants from an older home care organization. Your loved one receives care in the comfort of their own home, which provides them with peace of mind and promotes independence. Because your loved one is at home, they frequently recover faster from hospital stays or other medical emergencies; everyone feels better faster when they are at home, in their own bed, and on their own schedule. Finally, engaging a home care assistance can help a family caregiver, such as a wife or a live-in son or daughter.

What are the ethical issues in aged care?

Doctors' unwillingness to address difficulties, poor decision making, insufficient pain management, overtreatment and undertreatment of patients, concentration on cure and failure to listen to patients' larger needs, and lack of awareness of palliative care were all specific ethical issues. Conflicting interests in older people's families were also highlighted by nurses as a source of ethical difficulties in the research examined.

It was critical to have sufficient knowledge and expertise in providing care to elderly persons. In reality, developing productive connections, delivering safe care, and being beneficent all need enough knowledge and expertise. Clients' rights, including integrity and autonomy, cannot be protected without awareness of the various requirements of older persons. Because of the prevalence of discriminatory attitudes toward older persons, the ethical ideals of fairness and a positive attitude toward old age are becoming increasingly relevant in aged care.

The favorable attitude of staff toward old age has a significant influence on the autonomy of older persons and ensures respect and equitable treatment. The result of a good attitude is a sense of safety and confidence in both the caregiver and the care recipient. In addition to medical ethics, ethical values in elderly care should emphasize professional care and a greater emphasis on human components of care, such as protecting integrity, building human connections, and safeguarding the dignity of older persons. Ethical care demands a deeper knowledge of older individuals, awareness of their requirements, and attempts to solve their difficulties.

Home care may be a beneficial addition to the lives of your loved one and their family carers. While elderly care might be challenging due to its numerous demands, it is nevertheless critical to give them with what they need for their own health, safety, and well-being. If you are aged care worker , you will be responsible for keeping spirits high, and ensuring that your clients are able to continue to enjoy a high standard of living and independence.

Despite having unearthed ethical dilemmas, we can advance our understanding of them. Bioethics will help us decipher what is right and what is wrong. Again, I am Chloe Esquela, and let me close with two words, “Bioethics matters!” Thank you!

Advocacy Video

Reflection

Many of us have conflicting feelings about aging. As we approach the "third third of life," we occasionally reflect wistfully on the aspects of life that we are losing. Most of us, especially as teenagers, take our physical abilities for granted. We appear to believe that we are untouchable. However, as we get older, we notice that we are becoming more prone to ailments and diseases. While we often lose our former physical abilities as we age, I believe it is also possible to develop new and lasting memories, abilities, and wisdom.

The elderly require care and comfort in order to live a healthy life free of anxiety and distress. Lack of understanding of shifting behavioral patterns in older individuals at home leads to mistreatment by their family members. As a result, this article addresses concerns that influence the lives of older people and can lead to serious physiological and psychological disorders.

Old people are abused by family members over property disputes, and some are even compelled to sell their valuables and live in poverty until death. Many of them are afraid to express themselves because they are afraid of being embarrassed by their loved ones. The elderly want a life of good health, dignity, financial independence, and, eventually, a quiet death. They need attention, love, and devotion. Understanding their wants and worries can help to safeguard their health. Giving emotional support to the elderly keeps them happy, which is undoubtedly the best way to live a healthy life. However, due to employment responsibilities, many people are unable to provide care and attention to the elderly.

Elders experiencing cognitive issues have significant personality changes; at this stage, they require care and attention. When they are left alone, the majority of them experience intense emotions of dejection and purposelessness; some even become aggressive. Despite the fact that many of us understand that aging is a normal evolution with its own set of challenges, most of us choose to disregard this and take an uncontrolled attitude.

After considering all of the potential benefits and drawbacks, it's important to remember that everyone is unique, and that no matter how old your parent is or how much treatment they receive, it's critical to include them in the conversation about their care so that they feel more at ease and secure in the care they receive.

References

Aged Care Prepare. https://www.agedcareprepare.com.au/understanding-the-types-of-aged-care-services

All Answers Ltd. (November 2018). Aged Care Service Delivery Health And Social Care Essay. https://nursinganswers.net/essays/aged-care-service-delivery-health-and-social-care-essay.php?vref=1

Andel and Badana (2018) Aging in the Philippines https://academic.oup.com/gerontologist/article/58/2/212/4792953

Australian Government DOH (2020). What is aged care? https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/aged-care/about-aged-care/what-is-aged-care

Paguirigan, M. R. B. (2019), ‘Services for the Older Persons’, in G. T. Cruz, C. J. P. Cruz, and Y. Saito (eds.), Ageing and Health in the Philippines, Jakarta, Indonesia: Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia https://www.eria.org/uploads/media/Books/2019-Dec-Ageing-and-Health-Philippines/16-Ageing-and-Health-Philippines-Chapter-10.pdf

Smith Life Home Care (2020) What are the biggest challenges for elderly People in our Society https://www.smithlifehomecare.com/what-are-the-biggest-challenges-for-elderly-people-in-our-society/

What are the different types of aged care services? https://healthcarechannel.co/what-are-the-different-types-of-aged-care-services/

Types of Care https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/types-care

10 benefits of residential aged care https://www.irt.org.au/the-good-life/10-benefits-of-residential-aged-care/

Aged Care Quality Standards https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/aged-care-quality-standards

Aged care work pros and cons https://wisechoiceihc.com.au/aged-care-work-pros-and-cons/

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