Blog #6 Chapter 11

     As people age through the different stages of "old" (young-old, old-old, and oldest-old) they require different care, they have different wants and needs, and continue to change both physically and emotionally. The extent to which these changes occur are what calls for the level of care needed. "The general census seems to be that physical losses in old age do not begin taking a heavy toll until after age 85" (Hillier & Barrow, 2011, p. 293). According to Hillier and Barrow (2011) although many of the "oldest-old have chronic disabling conditions, many have no functional limitations; meaning they are capable of living alone and often times taking care of themselves and their household chores etc. The measure of functional ability is the ability to do personal activities of daily living without help (Hillier & Barrow, 2011).
     There comes a time, however, that these individuals' will need part-time and/or constant care; choosing a care-giver or institution can be highly stressful to both the elder and their family and loved ones. Hillier and Barrow (2011) suggest the preferred living arrangement of older people is to live alone, as opposed to formal caregiving, "Informal caregiving comes from relationships that exist naturally in a person's environment, such as family, friends, church, and organizations that are not professional or financed by the government" (Hillier & Barrow, 2011, p. 298). Other popular forms of caregiving include family, such as spousal and adult-children.
     With caregiving not only comes added responsibility, but often times additional stress to the caregiver as well as the elder. Hillier and Barrow (2011) give multiple tips for reducing stress. Psychosocial interventions, in other words, psychological help from paid professionals have found varied techniques to reduce stress and guilt in caregivers (Hillier & Barrow, 2011). Individual counseling, family counseling, support groups, educational groups, problem-solving groups for the care-taker and patient, social worker visits, and family consultants all can help to reduce the stress load that comes with caring for an elder (Hillier & Barrow, 2011). It is important to research and be knowledgable of the different options for caregiving and coping with the stresses that follow to ensure a healthier experience for everyone involved.

Hillier, S. & Barrow, G. (2011). Aging, the individual, and society. 289-312. 9th ed. California: WADSWORTH.