Read the post of your peers and respond to two. In each case, identify at least one aspect of the discussion in which you are similar or different. Focus on that issue, and explain your perspective on the importance of being prepared as a human service and public service leader add one reference to each.

Discussion1post 1

COLLAPSE

Many people who study aging or work with older adults approach their tasks from a specific disciplinary or professional framework, they look at things as a physician, a social worker, an economist, or a psychologist. Each of the many disciplines used to study aging has information and insights to offer as we seek to understand the process of aging in all of its complexity. In fact, anyone trained in the study of aging would be very unlikely to argue for the usefulness of just one discipline to the exclusion of all others in untangling the puzzle of human aging (Kunkel342). Working with the developmentally disabled population is a daunting task especially the elderly clients.

Adults with developmental disabilities are living longer, healthier, more meaningful lives. Within the past seven years, advancements in medicine and public policy changes, along with a societal push for inclusion, have provided physicians with an opportunity to play a pivotal role in promoting, managing, and delivering care that supports a high quality of life for older adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). The number of adults with I/DD aged 60 and older is projected to nearly double from 641,860 in 2000 to 1.2 million by 2030.1 Adults with I/DD are more likely to develop chronic health conditions at younger ages than other adults because of biological factors related to syndromes and associated developmental disabilities, limited access to adequate health care, and lifestyle and environmental issues. These adults experience higher rates of obesity, sedentary behaviors, and poor nutritional habits compared with the general population.

Discussion 2 Post 1

COLLAPSE

Many people who study aging or work with older adults approach their tasks from a specific disciplinary or professional framework, they look at things as a physician, a social worker, an economist, or a psychologist. Each of the many disciplines used to study aging has information and insights to offer as we seek to understand the process of aging in all of its complexity. In fact, anyone trained in the study of aging would be very unlikely to argue for the usefulness of just one discipline to the exclusion of all others in untangling the puzzle of human aging (Kunkel342). Working with the developmentally disabled population is a daunting task especially the elderly clients.

Adults with developmental disabilities are living longer, healthier, more meaningful lives. Within the past seven years, advancements in medicine and public policy changes, along with a societal push for inclusion, have provided physicians with an opportunity to play a pivotal role in promoting, managing, and delivering care that supports a high quality of life for older adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). The number of adults with I/DD aged 60 and older is projected to nearly double from 641,860 in 2000 to 1.2 million by 2030.1 Adults with I/DD are more likely to develop chronic health conditions at younger ages than other adults because of biological factors related to syndromes and associated developmental disabilities, limited access to adequate health care, and lifestyle and environmental issues. These adults experience higher rates of obesity, sedentary behaviors, and poor nutritional habits compared with the general population.

Discussion2 Post2

According to Falk, Bagis, and Kopac (2012) "Elders are the wise matriarchs and patriarchs of families and society. However with age and accompanying physical and cognitive decline, elders become increasingly vulnerable to mistreatment. Nevertheless, it is only in recent decades that elder mistreatment as a social policy issue has moved to the forefront of health care and social services in the United States."

The topic of Elder Abuse is a significant topic of great importance due to the mistreatment of the elderly population. Elder abuse has received increasing attention over the past decade as a common problem with serious consequences for the health and well being of older people.( Larch and Pillemer, 2004).

I strongly believe Elder Abuse classes should be mandatory for all family who are primary caregivers of the elderly.

Elder Abuse has a great interest personally for me. The last four years have been eye opening for me regarding care for the elderly. I presently take care of my elderly mother who is eighty years old. I was charged with elder abuse by a family member who no-longer can take advantage of her. Through many interviews with social services the case was dropped finding the report fraudulent. However, when one is fully informed and knowledgeable when caring for the elderly, all laws can and will be followed when caring for the elderly.

The first and most important reason I strongly believe Elder Abuse classes should be mandatory for all family primary care givers is to increase awareness and prevent elder abuse. I plan to research what specifically constitutes elder abuse.

The second reason I strongly believe Elder Abuse classes should be mandatory for all primary caregivers is for the knowledge, understanding and risk factors of elder abuse.

The final reason I strongly believe Elder Abuse classes should be mandatory for all primary family care givers is to know the scope of actions and consequences of elder abuse.