assistive devices and the elderly
Aug 02, 2009
Ensuring that supportive services meet seniors’ needs
According to a recent Foundation on Aging for Larimer County survey, home care services are an important concern for seniors. In the category of support services, the largest percentage of respondents (29%) stated that home care services were a concern for them.
However, careful, individualized assessment of elderly people’s needs is required before home care services or assistive devices can be provided effectively. Authors William Weissert and colleagues explain in a Journal of Aging and Health article that currently there are several potential problems with home care services, including unclear goals and a lack of information about their effectiveness. The authors recommend clarifying goals and improved selection of clients who can benefit from such care.1
In addition, addressing a shortage of home care workers is necessary, say Clinics in Geriatric Medicine authors Robyn Stone and Robert Newcomer. They recommend the involvement of the private sector, federal government, and state governments in meeting current and future needs for a larger and stronger workforce of paid personal assistant service workers in the community.2
Assistive technology is another area of support for which an elderly person’s specific needs must be assessed appropriately, according to another Clinics in Geriatric Medicine article. Physicians Kenneth Brummel-Smith and Mariana Dangiolo believe effective assessment focuses on a senior’s specific requirements and motivation for using assistive technologies, including personal computers for information and support, devices for activities of daily living and mobility, and tools for managing the home and ensuring personal safety.3
Participate in the discussion about Support Services in Larimer County.
References
1. Weissert W, Chernew M, Hirth R. Titrating versus targeting home care services to frail elderly clients. Journal of Aging and Health 2003;15(1):99-123.
2. Stone R, Newcomer R. Advances and issues in personal care. Clinics in Geriatric Medicine 2009;25(1):35-45.
3. Brummel-Smith K, Dangiolo M. Assistive technologies in the home. Clinics in Geriatric Medicine 2009;25(1):61-77.
