Revealing the Effect of Geriatric Syndromes on Rehabilitating Senior Citizens
Geriatric rehabilitation involves therapies focused on improving symptoms, promoting recovery, and enhancing the quality of life of seniors. Several physical and psychological challenges hinder effective rehabilitation for seniors. This blog underscores the effect of geriatric syndromes in rehabilitating senior citizens.
According to Dr. Ignatius Jacob,
Consultant-Rehab Care at Athulya Senior Care, “A senior typically faces
multiple issues biologically due to degeneration of organ systems leading to
multiple health conditions, psychologically due to the impairment caused by
these health conditions, and socially due to the disability when these health
conditions are not addressed appropriately. There are a lot of medical
advancements addressing these domains independently but the real challenge is
to integrate them into one unified comprehensive care model.
Understanding
Geriatric Syndromes
Geriatric syndromes have been gaining the focal light in research due to their burden on healthy aging. The presence of geriatric syndromes refers to the following conditions interrupting daily life activities: urinary incontinence, pressure ulcers, delirium, dizziness, hearing problems, poor vision, poor oral health, dysphagia, falls, frailty, depressive symptoms, nerve problems, decreased functionality, and many more.
The general definition of geriatric syndromes is “multifactorial health conditions that arise when the accumulated effects of impairments in multiple systems render an elderly person vulnerable to situational challenges.
Geriatric syndromes are contributed by
age-related dysfunctions bridging across different organ systems. The chief
complaint typically does not indicate the precise pathologic disease driving
the change in health state. At times, different organs may be involved in the
resulting clinical symptom. For instance, when a senior complains of a urinary
tract infection, delirium may also precipitate due to the changes in neural
function.
Geriatric syndromes are a significant factor influencing
the quality of life in the senior population. Age, functional disorders,
cognitive disorders, and immobility are the possible risk factors for geriatric
syndromes. We believe high-quality multidisciplinary care involving the use of
assessment tools is required to manage geriatric syndromes and overcome their
burden on geriatric rehabilitation.
Common Geriatric
Syndromes
●
Sensory changes:
Blurring of vision due to error in refraction is common in seniors. Poor
ability to distinguish colors, reduced hearing, and vestibular disequilibrium
are the common sensory changes that pose challenges in rehabilitating seniors.
Changes in eyesight cause difficulty in performing activities that solely depend
on vision. Poor balance is a common geriatric syndrome and the primary cause
for this could be the changes that occur in the inner ear.
●
Cognitive decline: The
most prevalent challenge in geriatric rehabilitation is addressing cognitive
decline. Conditions like dementia significantly influence the senior’s ability
to retain information and engage during therapy sessions. Forgetfulness,
inability to concentrate, and poor communication are commonly observed in
seniors with cognitive decline and make it challenging to achieve
rehabilitation goals. Reduction in blood flow with aging is another cause of
neural disorders. This in turn leads to increased reaction time, reduced
sensation, and delay in the processing of information.
To
overcome this challenge, we employ tailored therapy plans for our seniors that
focus on repetition and multisensory cues that enable them to focus better.
●
Delirium: This is a serious
complication in the elderly and often is observed in individuals with severe
health problems. Being confused and disoriented causes trouble while undergoing
rehab therapy. Our caregivers and
therapists at our rehabilitation centers
take utmost care while treating them. We ensure the seniors feel safe and
carry along the aids that help them to see and hear properly and treat them
with compassion and respect when they feel confused.
●
Musculoskeletal changes: The
reduction in muscle strength, skeletal muscle mass, number and size of muscle
fibers can impact the outcome of the rehabilitation
therapy. It is observed that about 60% of the grip strength is lost due to
geriatric syndromes. The loss of bone density, degeneration of joints, joint
stiffness, and changes in cartilage augment the proximity for pain and changes
in gait.
●
Bladder problems: Urinary
incontinence is commonly reported in more than half the older adults. The
changes in the urinary tract can in turn affect the nervous system and ignite
delirium, poor concentration, etc.
●
Poor nutrition: Anorexia,
dysphagia, and poor oral health affect the individual’s food intake. Reduced
intake of foods leads to energy deficit and lack of protein affects their
strength and recovery.
●
Falls: Changes in the
musculoskeletal system, delirium, arthritis, dizziness, vision loss,
malnutrition, and mobility issues are the common causes of falls in the
elderly. We safeguard the seniors at our facilities by making the environment
safe for them with anti-slip flooring, and side railings along the corridor, in
rooms, and washrooms.
● Sleep disorders: Insomnia is another commonly reported geriatric syndrome. Poor sleep can greatly influence treatment adherence and outcomes. Undergoing rehabilitation therapy with poor sleep may worsen the condition and inhibit recovery.
Management
of Geriatric Syndromes for Effective Rehabilitation
-
Geriatric rehabilitation should
be planned in order to promote recovery and improve the quality of life while
struggling with geriatric syndromes. This requires individualized planning by
experts, a coordinated approach from nurses and caregivers, and compassionate
care.
-
Any difficulty in
sensory organs should be addressed immediately. Using the right kind of
eyewear, and hearing aids helps overcome sensory-related geriatric syndromes.
-
Seniors with delirium
and dementia should be made comfortable and safe in their surroundings. Our
caregivers ensure to always guide them and treat them with respect and dignity.
This builds trust among seniors and improves adherence to therapy.
-
Polypharmacy or multiple
usage of medicines should be carefully monitored and the prescription should be
updated when experiencing side effects.
-
A cross-disciplinary
approach is crucial for geriatric syndromes. Our team of rehab therapists, doctor specialists, skilled nurses, and caregivers work together to support and
assist seniors in optimizing their health.
- Communicating with the seniors to understand their difficulties and address their symptoms is pivotal. Being polite and a good listener helps seniors open up their thoughts and seek help when required.
Wrapping
Up
Geriatric rehabilitation is instrumental
in uplifting seniors’ functionality and quality of life. However not addressing
the geriatric syndromes at the right time in the right way suppresses therapy
progress and results in poor outcomes. At Athulya Assisted Living, we understand the multiple aspects of seniors’ health and
plug in a team approach. To know more visit our website, Athulya Senior Care.
Information:
This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be
considered
as a substitute for any treatment or diagnosis. Seek professional help in
case
of any emergency. Athulya is not responsible for any consequences.
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