Agenda - 09-06-1983 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

A9cay8QUUR The approxiimately 23 million adults 65 years and older in the United States ale a haterogenous group in terms of health care needs. Although there is no simple way to categorize the health care needs of older adults. they generally can be divided into four groups with regard to their physical impairment level and resulting health care needs: (1) the 'unimpaired. (2) the minimally impaired. (3) the moderately impaired, and (4) the severely impaired. Approximately 60% of older adults Ore relatively unimpaired. 17% moderately impaired. and 23% severely impaired. (3) Independent) urchin uicggc_g gc_agul32 are persons capable of meeting all of their basic needs. Some continue to work full or part—time; others are recently retired. Although they may have mild chronic health handicaps or minor disabilities. their health is not a major limitation. Their major problems are likely to be adjustment to retirement and finding productive uses of their time. Health services for the independent elderly center primarily on prevention and health maintenance (physical and mental health). The maintenance of informal support natworksis important to the health care needs of the independent elderly. The mAfliMBLIX—. At24.024_4242d,y are individuals who have some disability. They generally are only mildly handicapped. usually retired. and in the late 60s and 70s. These persons usually have some slowly advancing :disability but maintain themselves satisfactorily in their own homes With some family help, community service or planned program. Special needs may include the provision of services that they once performed for themselves. and continuance of diagnostic programs. Problems of concern among their group include medication misuse, health maintenances and ;financial status. The gQsjgci. aY_imRaica4_21garlx are likely to be unable to remain in the community Without the help of others. With a variety of health, social, housing, land other services they can continue to live independently. In most cases some services must be brought to them. Typically, these individuals are in their mid 70s or older. Impairments are usually due to advancing physical infirmities and/or disease such as higher incidence of malnutrition, debilitating physical diseases progressively impaired sight or hearings and in a small proportion, mental confusion. The moderately impaired are likely to be living at or around the poverty levels many having exhausted any life savings. Because of their deprived circumstances and poor housing. these adults comprise one of the most financially—needy and services—needy groups in the population. Any change in their life situation threatens their current status. Needs include evaluation and maintenance of health and help in meeting daily basic needs. 3