Working in a home care environment means predominantly working with elderly people, as this is the most common demographic to access home care services. While working alongside elderly people requiring home care, it is very likely that you will encounter illnesses, ailments, and disabilities commonly experienced within this age group. Have a look below at just a few of the senior illnesses common amongst home care patients that you may need to provide support around in your role as a home care worker.
Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s Disease is a progressive neurological disorder that caused brain cells to die and the brain to contract and atrophy. In turn, Alzheimer’s Disease causes dementia, which comes with a gradual decline in all cognitive activity. Common symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease include memory loss, confusion, reduced attention span, and difficulties in processing new information, coping with new situations, and learning new skills.
Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s Disease is another brain disorder that causes gradually worsening muscle stiffness, and issues with coordination, movement, and balance. The most common and recognisable symptom of Parkinson’s Disease is uncontrollable shaking, especially in the hands. Those suffering with Parkinson’s are likely to struggle performing tasks that require precision or good hand-eye coordination.
Cancer
As most are aware, cancer is not a single illness, but rather a grouping of conditions caused by the uncontrolled multiplication of cancerous cells, producing a tumour. Cancer can occur in nearly any part of the body, from organs like the lungs, heart, and bowels, to other areas like the breasts, bones, and blood. Supporting someone with cancer is a bespoke affair, the same support will not work with different types of cancer, and people with varying cancers will find different obstacles and challenges ahead of them. Most cancers are treatable, but many are fatal, and their degenerative effect will only see the symptoms worsening over time.
If you think you could support elderly people with physical ailments and disabilities such as these, you may thrive in a career in homecare! If providing bespoke home care services with kindness and empathy, while helping to aid vulnerable people in their day-to-day lives, sounds like a perfect role for you, get in touch with Lifestyle Homecare today!
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