I have the great opportunity of working in a personal care home. I have met many lovely people there. They always put a smile on my face with their cheerful and welcoming personalities, even though some of them suffer from dementia. I never realized until this time on how serious this illness can affect their lives and how many people are affected with it. Everyone who has a loved one that is or has been affected knows that it is a really stressful and emotional time.
In many countries there is rapid growth in the aging population which means there is going to be an increase of number of older persons with mental disorders. Improvements of the quality and quantity of mental health resources will be necessary to provide adequate care for current and future needs. It is up to researchers, policy makers and the population to find better living conditions for older people with mental disabilities (De Mendonca, Leibing, & Buschfort, 2007).
According to Mullaly (2007) Liberals believe that, “ society should use the welfare state to guarantee a minimum income to purchase the basic necessities of life and to ensure that everyone has access to basic (minimum) levels or standards of health care, housing and education”(p.103). I believe that Liberals are changing this view due to the fact that they hosted a forum on Parliament Hill. They hosted this forum because they realize the need to improve the quality of life for people suffering from Alzheimer’s and their families. They realize the burden it puts on the family and they are implementing strategies to help ease this burden (2010). Which makes me believe that they no longer want these people to live with the basic standards of health care.
“If being a liberal means a willingness to pay a few dollars more in taxes to help the mentally disabled, those without job skills and the medically uninsured, then I'm proud to be a liberal” says, John Terranova (“Accept the ‘liberal’,” 2002). I believe that this statement shows that liberals accept the fact that the mentally disabled, such as people suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s need help and they will do whatever they can to make life easier for them.
In conclusion, there are many older people affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia which means that we need to realize the care and resources that these people will need. We also have to notice the effect it has on the family, financially and emotionally. I believe that liberals are taking a very positive approach not only to people suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia, but all the mentally disabled people by trying to improve their quality of life.
References:
De Mendonca, C., Leibing, A., & Bushfort, R. (2007). Mental health resources for older persons in the western pacific region of the world health organization. Psychogeriatrics, 7(2), 81-86
Mullaly, R.P. (2007). The new structural social work. Canada: Oxford University Press.
Health & Home Care. (2010). Liberals are working for people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia The Federal Liberal Agency of Canada. Retrieved from http://www.liberal.ca/newsroom/news-release/liberals-are-working-for-people-living-with-alzheimers-and-dementia/
N.A. Accept the 'liberal' definition with pride. (2002). USA Today, 14a. Retrieved from the Academic Search Premier Database
Melanie. F
Melanie. F
I can relate to what you are saying about the joy older adults brings, as I worked at a personal care home for 4 years and really enjoyed it. Seniors have so much to offer and I'm learning so much from them! I believe it's so important for us to stand up for their well-being and support them through their golden years. Great blog!
ReplyDeleteSarah H
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI think it is a terrific thing that the Liberals are making a priority of helping the mentally disabled. I agree with you that the family and friends go through a devistating time and they have to deal with their emotions, but with the Liberals stepping up to help it can help with the stress and emotions the family and friends of the individual endure.
ReplyDelete-Brettany G.
Hello Melanie, Yes I have also heard that the elderly population is increasing and we need to make sure they have the proper services to live a good quality life. I have met and know a few individuals that have Alzheimer’s or dementia. It is definitely hard for loved one to find out that someone has developed one of these two illnesses. It is nice to hear that Liberals are changing from a minimum standard in going further to help people in need because most of the time the minimum is not enough. Most of the individuals that I have met with Alzheimer’s or dementia lived in specialised care centres to meet there needs and it’s important for everyone to have the opportunity for good care. And with the proper funds our society can hopefully provide that.
ReplyDeleteNicole G
Alzheimers and dementia are very scary mental disabilities to think about in our futures. I am glad to read in your blog that liberals are taking a positive approach in providing adequate care for people affected. I am also glad to hear that they are also looking into what can be done for the families. I think that most of the time the people who are their to support others with mental disabilities are often left out and it is important to keep them positive in order for them to maintain good quality care. Great post Melanie!
ReplyDeleteAlexis B.