May 31, 2011 by Judy Farrimond and Angela Veri
Although we like to think of 60 as the new 40 and 40 as the new 20, the reality is that time marches on – especially regarding physiology. With common issues such as extended healing timeframes, susceptibility to secondary infections and mobility problems, motor vehicle accident (MVA) clients who are 55 and older benefit from a specialized approach to rehabilitation. Treating them as if they are from a younger population group does not address their unique needs and, as a result, decreases effectiveness.
Age increase = unique medical history issues
There is just no avoiding it: With longevity comes history. Consequently, although medical history is important for all clients, it is especially relevant regarding those 55 and older. Common medical histories for those 55 and older include:
Age increases = unique physiological issues
Younger population groups are not yet affected by a range of physiological changes and barriers that are common for those 55 and older. As we age, common physiological changes include:
A consequence of the unique medical history and physiology of the 55 and older population is that they have a range of specialized needs. In addition, this age group often has a range of unique lifestyle issues that also translate into a variety of distinct needs.
Age increases = unique lifestyle issues
Increasingly the 55 and older population aims to live independently as long as possible. This goal is becoming a reality for many, making access to community support networks more important than ever.
In addition, a focus on support is also important. Although people are working longer and living independently longer, as people age there is still a trend toward social isolation. This is due to a range of factors like mobility, geography, and longevity of family and peers. “While seniors generally have good social support networks, compared to other Canadians, they are more likely to be socially isolated: 8% of seniors reported having no close relatives; 14% having no close friends; and 13% having no “other” friends,” according to Seniors in Canada 2006 Report Card.2
Trends also reveal that many people are now working into their seventies often in work arrangements that include contract and part-time work assignments.
As a result, vocational planning may also be a requirement of the rehabilitation plan. However, any vocational planning must address this population’s unique issues. Standard return-to-work programs and functional abilities evaluations must carefully monitor any pre-existing limitations and modifications that were present prior to the motor vehicle accident.
Tailoring rehabilitation to meet specialized needs
To help guide file management, there are a number of questions to consider when working with a client who is 55 and older. If any of the following issues are present, consider an approach specialized for this age group.
Medical history and physiology:
Does the 55 and older client:
Lifestyle:
Does the 55 and older client:
Specialize the approach
A range of unique issues related to everything from medical history to physiology to lifestyle, makes early intervention especially critical for the 55 and older population. Recognizing that this population has special needs – and matching these needs with a rehabilitation approach that is tailored to these needs – is the best way to make sure that your 55 and older clients receive intervention as early as possible. This will consequently mean the client will receive the best start toward maximum recovery.
Judi Farrimond is the supervisor of complex and catastrophic services and Angela Veri is the national director of customer relations at Sibley & Associates LP.
1. A Profile of Disability in Canada, Stats Canada, 2001
2. Seniors in Canada 2006 Report Card, National Advisory Council on Aging, Government of Canada, 2006
3. Canada’s Aging Population, A report prepared by Health Canada in collaboration with the Interdepartmental Committee
on Aging and Seniors Issues, 2002
4. A Profile of Disability in Canada, Stats Canada, 2001
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