Health and Social Care: Interactions with Older People - Assignment Example

Health and Social Care Reflection on Interactions with older people Interacting with the older people or people with disabilities is an interesting task. As a student, this course study has taught me a lot when it comes to taking care of these groups of people. The last lectures have contributed a lot in my knowledge of understanding the old people and those with disability and how best I can take care of them. This assessment presents my reflection on how I have developed throughout the course study. In lecture week two I learnt that, as a care giver to the old people and those with disability, I understand that there are various legislations and policies that govern and protect the old and disabled people including disability services such as; the Commonwealth Disability Services Act 1986, NSW Disability Services Act 1993 and the New National Standards for Disability Services. Thinking of what drives change in the disability sector, i learnt that this sector is highly driven by factors such as; client’s rights, change in attitude to people living with a disability, education about different disabilities, De stigmatism and mental illness. I think of the disabled people as having needs and for this matter more needs than a normal person. Reflecting on this matter, they should have a chance to live longer, have greater choice, they should be provided with funds as well as employment to help them have a sustainable life. Reflecting on the drivers of change in aged care sector, I understand that factors such as; the needs to live longer and the ability to have a better life drive change in this sector. That’s why there is need for having Aged Care Reforms in Australia to help them live longer and have a better life. Reflecting on the aging workforce that is retiring day by day, there will be increase in the aging population in Australia that requires aged care. In lecture week three, I learnt the tensions that exist within the aged care and disability sector. Reflecting on this, i am aware that the social policy greatly affects the individual taking care of an old person and the group at large. Thinking of older and disabled people long term care needs, it can negatively affect empowerment since it increases dependency. There is also impairment of congnitivity of the old people who are highly dependent on the person taking care of them and that leads to their inability to make decisions. Therefore, when taking care of the old and disabled people, it is important to ensure that they are not wholly dependent on the caregiver. It is good to help them understand and be able to make some of the decisions that concern their lives. Considering that the society requires care to be given to those who are vulnerable, this gives pressure to the government and the organizations who take care of the old people. This stigmatises the whole scenario and especially when funds are not available to cater for these vulnerable groups. This reminds me of the gap that exists between the target populations that are eligible for aged care and disability service programs and the actual number of users of aged care. It is clear that, there is incompatibility between this and the framework which is set to tackle the social disadvantage. I learnt that, due to the increase in people who are retiring every year and the increased cost of living, aged care provision is sometimes becoming difficult. This calls for future reforms that address the national disability, insurance scheme, ageing population, and aged care reforms. Reflecting on the legal issues and rights of old and disabled people, this group has rights just like any other normal person. I realized that, discrimination should not be the cause of old people being treated differently. Thinking of human rights, every human being should be treated equally and with respect. When dealing with the old and disabled people, I learnt that both have similar issues. However, I understand that some of the issues are more specific to the field of wether disabled or aged care. This reminds me on how to maintain a balance when caring for these two groups. I learnt the importance of creating an equitable environment that is suitable for comfort ability for these groups. It is also important to understand the culture of each person and consider an approach which is inclusive and non discriminatory to handle these groups. While thinking of the need to cater for individual differences, I also realize the importance of protecting and promoting the rights of the old and disabled people. With this in mind, i cannot forget the need to provide these groups with opportunities for getting involved in society activities such as education, employment, accommodation, rehabilitation as well as recreation. In lecture week four, I learnt about economic fundamentalism and how it affects the Aged Care and Disability Sector. Reflecting on the lesson, i realise that, a country that is governed by free radical thinking that is generated from free economic fundamentalism its residents can have restrictions on General Social Welfare, Pension reductions, Assessments on Disability Support Pensions, Welfare to Work Reforms as well as support services. In lecture week six, I learnt that the care contexts in Australia influence how aged care is given to the aging population. This reminds me of the increasing aging population that is influenced by fewer illnesses that increases life expectancy of the Australian people. Thinking of the increased population of the aged people, i understand the need not to discriminate against the old people when giving aged care. Reflecting on this, i realized the need of the influence of social capital that can be used to bring people together. In lecture week seven I leant about the quality of care that should be given to the old and disabled people in the society, I realized that, there is need to conduct work that reflects understanding of issues when dealing with these groups. I have developed skills on how to provide quality care to older and disabled people. This reminds me of the learning experience that assistance should only be provided when necessary. This group of people must be encouraged to be independent and give them priority in choosing. To provide effective care to this vulnerable group, one must have knowledge on changes that are age related. Reflecting on the management and leadership in aged care, I learnt that, the non clinical services that provide support of health care in Australia need to work as per the accreditation standards and quality care principles. Considering the services of these institutions, I can seek for permanent accommodation or respite facilities for older people. Here, I will be assured that older people will receive monitored personal care at all times. In week eight, I learnt about how the various disability Services should be provided. Reflecting on this, disability services should be supported with diagnosis, early Intervention, education, accommodation, employment and respite care. I realised that, it is important to understand that ongoing community support should be supported with training in Support Employment Skills, rehabilitation after injury, advocacy, legal advice, counselling, family Support, recreation and Leisure and De Stigmatisation. I also learnt that, working in teams is important to achieve the intended goals. In week ten, I learn about clinical Reasoning and Practice Issues in aged care and disability services provision. When taking care of old people, it is important to have the knowledge that health and wellbeing is determined by issues such as trans-cultural, mental health as well as individual control. Determinants of social health are the condition that a person exists with such as birth, growth, work and age. I learnt that, mental health issues that are common in old people including depression, schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder, anxiety usually have a stigma attached to them. I realize that, the factors that influence individual control include; individual plans, individualized funding and planning which is person centered. In week eleven, I learnt that, as a leader, it is important to offer orientation to employees since it helps them in understanding the culture, roles and responsibilities of the organization. Through orientation, employees are able to understand the support network location, policies and procedures of the organization, clients as well as other staff members. In addition, I learnt that, assessment of employee’s level of care is important before recruitment to ensure that the best employees are hired. With the aged care reforms taking effect this year, I learnt that, the aged people are now able to stay in any place of their own low care service as they experience changes in independence levels. In week twelve and thirteen, I learnt that caregivers have different types of care role to provide for the old and disabled including private sector care and family care. Support workers should provide disability services including; early intervention for old people, learning New Skills, advocacy and information services, every day Living support, behaviour Support and where to live. I learnt that, cares have a responsibility to recognise old people with health complications such as dementia for specialised care. This reminds me of the community aged care packages and the home support program that I can use to effectively provide care to older people. Read More