Later Adulthood

Teressa Spearman

University of Phoenix

BSHS/ 325

October 17, 2016

Maria Perrotta

Later adulthood is often the age of recompense (our return for the way we lived earlier). How we live in our younger years largely determines how we live in our later years. Zastrow & Kirst-Ashman (2010)  In later adulthood roles and social position begin to shift, living accommodations change, extended needs for healthcare, transitions from work to retirement, marriage, family, and peer relationships are affected, and social policies as well. Growing old means confronting psychological, emotional, and social issues that come with entering the las phase of life. Boundless(2016)

In later adulthood roles begin to change. One can go from being a parent to grandparents. During the parent phase children are dependent upon you as the adult and primary caretaker. Parents make executive decisions that affect both parent and offspring. When the parent age and health declines the role becomes reversed. Offspring become the primary caretaker of the parent and makes executive decisions that affect both. Daily or normal routines require assistance such as getting dressed, bathing, eating, cooking, cleaning, driving, and shopping. Going from an independent life to being dependent can cause one to feel guilt, shameful, or embarrassed. Declining health can be a major factor in most situations. These feelings may cause the individual to become withdrawn or show little interest in his/her well being. When social positions begin to shift individual’s lose their identity. If an individual can no longer care for themselves loved ones move them into a retirement center if they can’t give them the proper care they need. Living in a retirement center they lose contact with neighbors, friends, church members and loved ones. They are no longer living in the comfort zone and doing as they please.

 Living accommodations change in later adulthood for some elderly individuals. When making a decision to place a loved one in a nursing home requires care thought, consideration, and research. Questions have to be answered with pro vs con. Will living away from home be the right decision? Will they follow her diet order and give medication as needed? Will they bathe her and assist with her getting dressed? Will they abuse her? Will he/she be safe? How often is he/or she allowed visits?  If he/she is in need of care living away from home is the right decision. Diet orders will be followed along with the likes, dislikes, and allergies of him/her. Round the clock nursing staff is provided with an on-site doctor. The individual will be allowed to use the physician of their choice. Nurses aides are provided around the clock and will bathe the patients on a daily basis. Shaves are provided for the men and make up for women if they choose to wear it. There is a no tolerance policy against abuse to any patient verbal or physical which results in an automatic termination. Physical abuse criminal charges will be filed. Armbands along with their name, location, allergies will be provided that will sound an alarm if its not deactivated to leave out with a family member.