Global population figures clearly show us that Many countries, including Thailand, are already entering the aging society in the first phase. The work of caring for the elderly is becoming more and more important in today’s society, but the description of caring for the elderly is very broad, so let’s talk with family medicine doctors. To understand how to prepare for the proper care of the elderly in our homes
“Actually, the elderly can develop degeneration in all systems of the body, so various diseases can occur according to the deteriorating system,” Asst. Wimut Hospital Said that the elderly can cause degeneration in every system. “Since the cardiovascular system, such as having coronary artery disease cerebrovascular disease Leaky heart valves or enlarged heart Brain systems such as Alzheimer’s disease Parkinson’s disease Common bone and joint diseases such as osteoporosis, knee joints, hip joints, finger joint degeneration have spinal nerve compression And another group that can be found is disease in various cancer groups. The cancers that must be monitored are classified as cancers in women such as breast cancer, cervical cancer. In men, be careful about colon cancer. prostate cancer, etc. Each individual has a different risk of developing cancer according to lifestyle habits, such as drinking alcohol causes liver cancer. Smoking causes lung cancer.”
In addition, there are things to be aware of in the elderly caused by deterioration of the body’s organs at the same time, such as 1) falls, 2) dizziness, 3) insomnia, 4) loss of appetite, 5) weight loss, 6) urinary incontinence, 7) lethargy. Sad, 8) Side Effects from Taking Various Drugs, etc. “Older adults are obviously at risk of almost any disease, so they should have an annual check-up. in order to receive timely treatment and to have good health,” said Asst. Prof. Sangsulee Thammakraisorn.
Who are the elderly people in our country?
At present, we may divide the elderly into 3 groups as follows:
- Socially addicted elderly group by those who are still in good health can go to work live independently have social friends Caring for this group of elderly people is therefore almost no different from general health care.
- group of elderly people at home Being stuck at home may not mean he doesn’t want to go out. But due to physical conditions or other factors, it is more difficult to live independently like the first group of people.
- group of elderly people who are bedridden Those who have difficulty with basic self-care, such as going to the bathroom shower, dress dining which must be closely supervised
Dr. Montarat Janethaveepornkul, Family Medicine Physician Wimut Hospital Explaining the care of the elderly in different groups, “The elderly who are stuck at home are less social. The activity that stimulates the brain is also reduced. Therefore, we should assess whether in reality Elderly people are stuck at home because they have problems in any system of the body. For example, your ability to help yourself is reduced or not. should evaluate you in terms of walking movement Assess how many drugs may be taking and how they may cause side effects. such as dizziness and not wanting to go out Assessment of mental states, such as depression, which makes the elderly bored with activities In this group of elderly people who are stuck at home, in addition to evaluating patients, they should also assess those who care for you. to see if they are ready and take care of you appropriately or not.”
“As for the bedridden patients who can’t help themselves. The more you have to assess why you’re lying in bed. Can it be healed or improved until I can’t stay in bed? But if it is a chronic disease that can not be treated to return to walking as before. It must focus on care to prevent complications such as muscle atrophy. Manage joints not to stick to them. Prevention of pressure ulcers including cleaning the body not to be damp Prevents skin fungal infection They should also find activities that stimulate the brain to prevent dementia and regression as well.”
It is important to adjust the housing for the elderly who are stuck at home. In order to prevent falls, which is the reason why the elderly can become bedridden or die, so the children must be taken care of from the entrance to the house. Slippery materials should not be used. There are handrails along the walkway. The bathroom should be separated from the wet and dry areas. The toilet bowl should not be too low, making it difficult to get up. There should be handrails to help support the body. As well as having a seat for both bathing and a seat while getting dressed. Lighting in the bathroom or between hallways is also very important.
emergency rescue equipment High-tech assistant in caring for the elderly
Nowadays, digital technology is being used to help in emergency notification to increase peace of mind for the elderly at home or while away from home alone. For example, Vimut Hospital offers ViMUT Life Link, a service that helps seniors report emergencies. in order to receive treatment in a timely manner There are both home emergency pushbuttons and portable emergency pushbuttons. The device will send a signal to the emergency medical team 24 hours a day. The device will automatically contact the staff and send the patient’s GPS location. to coordinate urgent assistance
Current hospital guidelines for the care of the elderly
for Wimut Hospital We have given importance to the health checkup for the elderly in all conditions. from healthy elderly to those with chronic diseases those who help themselves less bed-bound person Including the elderly who are diagnosed with terminal illnesses and are likely to die from existing diseases, Wimut Hospital is ready to offer a comprehensive approach to elderly care. There is a health assessment center for families and the elderly. There are home improvement services for the elderly. Emergency equipment (ViMUT Life Link) is available. The hospital has a nursing home care service. But if any family wants to live in a friendly atmosphere like home. along with complete care from medical personnel Wimut Hospital has a place for physical care, walking practice, self-help training. have brain stimulating activities social activities And finally, the hospital offers end-of-life care services. To have the best quality of life at the end of life
In conclusion, Wimut Hospital provides a special care for the elderly. To respond to the trend of the aging society in Thai society that is becoming more and more clear, which covers not only physical health or congenital diseases but also consider all holistic Taking into account the physical, mental and social factors, how to restore the health of the elderly so that everyone has the best quality of life possible in all dimensions of life.
Interested persons can ask for more information about medical services for elderly care at the Elderly Health Center, Floor 6, Wimut Hospital or call 02-079-0044.