Dignity counts when caring for older people

Monday, 06 February 2012

Health problems in the elderly challenge their sense of independence, dignity and identity - with some care making these feeling worse, research has shown.

Experts are now calling for healthcare providers to avoid taking a "blanket view" of how to help older people cope with the ageing process.

A study by the University of Bristol's School for Policy Studies found older people were surprised at the impact of illness and age on their lives.

Pensioners found their sense of self was affected by the limitation imposed by their age and illnesses - and having to accept help from others for their daily care.

Dr Liz Lloyd, senior lecturer in Social Gerontology, who carried out the study, said: "Growing old and coming to terms with illnesses is complex and demanding at times - physically, mentally and emotionally.

"When health goes, it can come as quite a shock."

Her research showed that the elderly work hard at maintaining their health and independence, while becoming more dependent on others.

They take great efforts to find new activities or adapt old ones - for example by using computers or taking art centres.

One participant, Mary, said: "Inside I feel as though I ought to be able to do things. But I’m not and it’s hard to accept."

Dr Lloyd is now calling for care providers to take into account elderly perceptions of themself and consider how their conditions may be affecting them.

She said: "You can’t impose a blanket view of what dignified care is.

"Of course, there are certain standards that should apply in all circumstances but enhancing dignity needs a lot more than guaranteeing minimum standards.

"In old age when your health fails, it affects your sense of self. Understanding that from an older person’s perspective is crucially important.

"Care and support can enhance dignity or it can worsen the loss of it if not given in the right way. 

"Good support is essential in terms of how people make the adjustments they need to make.

"Older people are going through enormous changes and the people who are helping them need to be aware of these."

The research was taken from findings of Maintaining Dignity in Later Life: a longitudinal qualitative study of older people's experiences of support and care.

In total, 34 people aged between 70 and 90 who lived at home and had health problems that required support and care, were interviewed.