Sleep, Social Isolation, and Family Care for the Elderly
Deterioration of Sleep Patterns
A deterioration of sleep patterns occurs when a person experiences a temporary decline in the quantity and quality of sleep.
Related Factors:
- Psychological concerns related to sleep.
- Excessive or inconsistent daytime activity.
- Poor sleep hygiene.
- Separation from loved ones.
- Environmental factors such as temperature and noise.
- Changes in living environment.
- Physiological Factors: Diet, including stimulating foods and heavy meals.
Demonstrations
- Persistent insomnia.
- Difficulty falling asleep.
- Waking up early.
- Feeling unrested upon waking.
Criteria for Results
Patient:
- Should feel rested during the day.
- Should not feel anxious if awake at night.
- Should identify sleep-inducing techniques.
Activities
- Promote a more normal sleep pattern for the elderly.
- Avoid stimulating foods and introduce sleep-inducing foods.
- Avoid heavy meals, especially at night.
- Provide a relaxing sleep environment.
Sociology of Aging and Leisure Activities
All individuals need incentives. A decrease in these can lead to boredom. Age is a significant factor in functional capacity. Older adults may have reduced functional skills compared to younger individuals.
Criteria for Leisure Activities
Leisure activities should be selected based on individual characteristics (age, gender, skills, health, education) and external factors (opportunity, climate, availability of company, transportation). The final choice is influenced by factors that facilitate or hinder participation.
Social Isolation
Social isolation is a situation where a person experiences a feeling of loneliness that is perceived as negative, threatening, and imposed by others. This can be related to physical or mental health issues, unaccepted social values, or altered well-being.
Demonstrations
- Seclusion and seeking solitude.
- Sense of public insecurity.
- Lack of support from others.
- Unacceptable behavior within a group.
Criteria for Results
The person should report a decrease or disappearance of feelings of loneliness. They should identify modifiable and non-modifiable causes of their isolation. They should determine how to use available resources to increase social interaction.
Nursing Interventions
- Create a list of people with whom contact has been lost.
- Help set realistic expectations.
- Promote participation in group activities.
- Minimize communication barriers (e.g., using headsets).
- Identify supportive groups (associations, senior centers).
- Encourage passive leisure activities.
- Encourage family participation to facilitate social relationships.
Family Types in Geriatric Care
Nursing homes and families can provide three types of care:
- Family-run care.
- Family care with median-aged caregivers.
- Family care for the elderly in their own homes.
Aging can make it difficult for the elderly to remain at home. Surveys show that many elders prefer to maintain separate homes but live near their children, which is often referred to as ‘privacy nearby’.
Family Relations and the Elderly
Today, there is a perception that children are avoiding the responsibility of caring for their elderly parents. This is partly due to misinterpreting the past with the present. The elderly can be categorized based on their need for assistance: self-sufficient, needing minor assistance, or fully or partially dependent. Families providing care often face challenges related to time, space, and energy. Increased demands in these areas can be perceived negatively.