 |
In temporary housing life, physical function and activity tend to decrease. Because there may be many extremely elderly residents, day-to-day support may be necessary.
Factors reducing physical function and activity in elderly residents
| * |
Decreased physical strength and insomnia associated with temporary housing life |
| * |
Insufficient exercise and a tendency to become house bound |
| * |
Failure to seek treatment for unconditioned dentures or lower back/knee pain |
Meals in temporary housing can also be a source of problems; some elderly residents are not satisfied with the meals provided, or fail to pay attention to their diet. Single elderly residents are particularly at risk of failing to eat regular meals. In addition, the design of standard prefabricated housing units may create problems for elderly residents because they are not barrier-free. They may also be inconvenient for shopping and transportation creating further problems. Thus, the environment of temporary housing for the elderly is often inappropriate.
Support is necessary to prevent a decrease in the ADL of elderly residents. |
Assessment
| 1. |
State of living, ADL, IADL |
| 2. |
Amount/frequency of meals, nutritional state |
| 3. |
Temporary housing environment (difference in levels of living area, presence/absence of handrails, height of bathtub, state of paving around the housing, state of transportation around the housing, etc.. |
| 4. |
Need for shopping and transportation |
Coping methods
| 1. |
Evaluate the equipment and surrounding environment of temporary housing
| 1. |
Evaluate places that are considered to be inconvenient for elderly residents |
| 2. |
Improve the housing and surrounding environment in cooperation with administrative bodies, long-term care institutions, welfare facilities and volunteer groups
| * |
Eliminate differences in levels, and set up non-slip stairs, lever-type faucets and large handles |
| * |
Set up emergency alarm systems and safety confirmation systems |
| * |
Improve temporary passages (such as plain pavements. |
| * |
Put up signs that are easy for elderly residents to see to prevent them from becoming lost |
|
|
| 2. |
Increase of opportunities for going out
| 1. |
Invite residents to health consultation meetings, lunch/dinner parties and tea parties |
| 2. |
Implement and continue exercise |
|
| 3. |
Provide dietary support
| 1. |
Provide dietary advice/guidance |
| 2. |
Encourage residents to participate in cooking classes especially single elderly males |
| 3. |
Consider the use of dietary support from catering services, home
helpers, volunteers and neighbors, when elderly residents cannot cook
for themselves |
|
| 4. |
Recruit and arrange shopping and driving volunteers |
| 5. |
Make arrangements to obtain necessary services, e.g. cooperate with associated institutions |
|
|
Problems around living in temporary housing
