REQUIRED READING
- Hutchison, E. D. (2019). Dimensions of human behavior: The changing life course(6th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
- Chapter 9, “Late Adulthood” (pp. 312-355)
- Case Study 9.2 (p. 312) will be one focus of the Discussion.
- Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics. (2016). Older Americans 2016: Key indicators of well-being Links to an external site.. Retrieved from https://agingstats.gov/docs/LatestReport/Older-Americans-2016-Key-Indicators-of-WellBeing.pdf
TO PREPARE
Review the full Case Study 9.2 on p. 312 of your text.
POST TO THE FOLLOWING
- Explain the physical, biological, psychological, and socioemotional changes that may occur from caregiving in late adulthood that are evident in the case study.
- Recommend two self-care strategies for Ms. Johnson.
Respond to two colleagues:
- Recommend an additional self-care strategy for Ms. Johnson.
- Recommend one caregiving resource your colleagues could provide for Ms. Johnson.
RESPONSE1
Main Post
Explain the physical, biological, psychological, and socioemotional changes that may occur from caregiving in late adulthood that are evident in the case study.
Caregiving responsibilities can lead to increased physical demands and strain on the caregiver’s body. In Ms. Johnson’s case, she is already dealing with diabetes and being insulin dependent, which can be exacerbated by the additional stress of caregiving. Caregiving can also lead to fatigue, sleep disturbances, and reduced immune function (Hutchison, 2019, p. 346). Chronic stress associated with caregiving can have biological effects on the body. It can contribute to the release of stress hormones, such as cortisol, which, when consistently elevated, may increase the risk of various health problems, including cardiovascular diseases and immune system dysregulation. The cumulative stress of caregiving can accelerate the aging process and lead to the deterioration of overall health (Hutchison, 2019, p. 344).
Caregiving often brings psychological challenges and emotional strain. Ms. Johnson’s concerns about her own health and the well-being of her family members indicate the emotional burden she is experiencing. Caregivers may experience heightened levels of anxiety, depression, and caregiver-specific distress. They may also grapple with feelings of guilt, frustration, and helplessness (Hutchison, 2019, p. 338). Caregiving also can significantly impact the social and emotional well-being of individuals. Ms. Johnson’s caregiving responsibilities have likely affected her social interactions and limited her freedom. The demands of caregiving may limit her ability to engage in leisure activities, maintain social connections, and pursue personal interests, leading to social isolation and a sense of loss of identity and autonomy (Hutchison, 2019, p. 340).
Recommend two self-care strategies for Ms. Johnson.
Two strategies I would recommend would be seek support, and prioritize self care. Encourage Ms. Johnson to reach out for support from her social network, such as friends, neighbors, or community organizations. Connecting with others who are going through similar experiences can provide emotional support and practical advice. She could also consider joining caregiver support groups or seeking professional counseling to help navigate the challenges she is facing (Hutchison, 2019, p. 352).
Emphasize the importance of self-care and help Ms. Johnson incorporate self-care activities into her routine. This could include engaging in regular physical exercise, practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation, and ensuring she maintains a healthy diet and adequate sleep. It may also involve setting boundaries and asking for assistance from other family members in sharing the caregiving responsibilities (Hutchison, 2019, p. 351).
Reference:
Hutchison, E. D. (2019). Dimensions of human behavior: The changing life course (6th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
RESPONSE2
Ruby is a 71-year-old retired woman caring for multiple generations of her family. She is the primary caretaker of her 89-year-old father and her 16-year-old granddaughter. She also heavily cares for her recovered drug addict daughter and other grand daughters’ family. On top of it she babysits for an old coworker for extra money. Caregiving can leave caregivers extremely stressed and burnt out. Caregiving in your late adulthood takes from your hard-earned retirement and ability to live freely as you choose. There are multiple theories that attempt to determine when and how human bodies begin to lose function. Individuals’ health, brain activity, memory and personalities change as they age. Mrs. Johnson also has diabetes. Her being the caretaker for other individuals takes time and attention from her caring for herself. “Guardianship involves taking on the task of passing on the traditions of the past to the next generation, and guardians extend their concern to concern for the culture as a whole” (Hutchison, 2019, pg. 334). Ms. Johnson is struggling with her desires to provide for her daughter and grandchildren and providing for herself.
Ms. Ruby should inquire with her social worker about respite options for caring for her father. There are community based in home health care services and adult daycares that he could attend to give Ruby a little bit of a break for her physical and mental health. Ms. Johnson should also seek social groups or clubs she can attend. She is a divorced unmarried woman who spend all her time with family. I would recommend Ms. Johnson seeks romantic or cordial relationships to support her mental health and better enjoy her later-adulthood years.
Hutchison, E. D. (2019) Dimensions of human behavior: The changing life course (6th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
