Introduction
Positive ageing encourages healthy well-being and develops mental, physical and social well-being in older people. Healthcare assistants have a crucial role in providing service care, cultivating healthy lifestyles and motivating older people to maintain a quality of life. On this note, Hse. Ie (2023), reported positive ageing involves taking a broad view of the individual, community and government strategies to change attitudes toward ageing. At the core of this approach is the life course perspective, which determines that ageing practices and policies affect all age groups and factors of society.
Ireland’s societal attitude towards ageing often results in stigmatising them, which affects the elderly. Hülür and Macdonald (2020) depict preconceived notions and prevalent stereotypes about deteriorating health and diminishing abilities. As per the PPT lecture notes, it may result in a lack of support as well as discrimination coming from society in healthcare and social care settings. This comes out as unavailability of services, lower quality care or failure to respect the process of self-governance and dignity by the seniors. It is important to acknowledge these prejudices by adopting more inclusive, individualised strategies to promote the rights and improve the lives of the aged.
It is the responsibility of a healthcare worker to ensure that the elderly placed under their care are treated with respect and feel the utmost comfort and ease in the healthcare setting. In this regard, HSE (2018) reported that the HCA is fully responsible for providing aged patients with the necessary care and a sense of autonomy. The HCA must also encourage elderly people to make decisions for themselves to benefit from a healthy and happy ageing process rather than becoming completely dependent on healthcare workers.
I have a critical role in promoting positive ageing and managing the general requirements of elderly individuals. I can help older people maintain their strength and self-sufficiency through various activities and daily tasks and monitoring their well-being. Additionally, I offer emotional support, engage them in mentally stimulating activities and stay awake for indications of cognitive depression, ensuring prompt intervention when necessary. Furthermore, I facilitate social interactions, promote participation in community events, and aid in maintaining their connections with family and friends to combat feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Several care systems and services are available in Ireland from both statutory and voluntary agencies to support healthy ageing and meet the requirements of older people. The Health Service Executive provide public healthcare services, which include home care, daycare centres and long-term residential care facilities. In addition, Hse. ie (2023) reported that the HSE offers community-based services such as public health nursing and occupational therapy. Several voluntary nursing homes and sheltered housing provide for the distinctive needs of older individuals. This collaborative action between statutory and voluntary units aims to encourage independence and well-being for Ireland’s ageing population.
As per the PPT lecture notes, there are some common issues that an older person can have, such as recognising faces, reading standard time and identifying money. On this note, Tsou et al. (2020), depict developing high-quality care for adults requires a broad approach that addresses different aspects of service delivery. Current strategies prioritise person-centred care, concentrating on the performance of individuals, preferences and worth. It is also necessary to provide training, maintain positive communication and implement evidence-based practices.
MAIN BODY
The assignment will explore the impact of the ageing process and the role of HCA in promoting positive attitudes in the ageing process. In Ireland, the ageing process is impacted by several factors, including healthcare access, cultural attitudes and social support systems. In Ireland, people have different physical challenges that increase the risk of injuries. As per the statement of Hartnett and Gorman (2022), in the ageing process, memory impairment and dementia are the major health issues in ageing people. Social isolation and loneliness can particularly impact the well-being of older adults, especially those living alone or in rural areas.
Social attitudes toward ageing can majorly impact the well-being of older individuals. Negative stereotypes about ageing usually reinforce ageism, leading to discrimination and a lack of respect for older people. Ageist perspectives often depict seniors as weak and burdensome, overlooking their valuable contributions and life experiences. These perceptions can impact how older individuals are treated in different environments, such as healthcare and social interactions. In this regard, Walker et al. (2023) commented that internalised ageism can result in older adults feeling a decreased sense of self-worth, restricting their participation in activities and reducing their overall quality of life. By developing a culture of respect and understanding towards older adults, society can support the valuable contributions of this expanding population ( Mac Domhnaill et al., 2022). It would build supportive environments that improve the well-being of aged people.
I have a major role in facilitating positive attitudes toward ageing and difficult ageist attitudes. By providing service care to older people with respect and dignity, I can define the value and worth of individuals regardless of their age. As per the statement of Keegan et al. (2022), communications should be patient, empathetic and concentrated on their strengths and abilities. It allows them to engage in influential activities related to their interests and capabilities. Additionally, I can explain to family members and the community the realities of the ageing process and emphasise the diverse experiences and contributions of older adults.
Healthcare assistants play an important role in meeting the diverse requirements of older individuals to support positive ageing. As a health care assistant, I can help with personal care activities like grooming and dressing while preserving their dignity. In this regard, Swan et al. (2023) asserted that HCA provides emotional support, engages them in mentally supporting activities and encourages social relations to reduce loneliness. I can ensure proper nutrition, which is crucial for their health, observe their physical health and help with mobility and activity. HCA evaluate their living environment for safety risks and supporters for proper modifications. By providing person-centred care, I can develop well-being care and quality of life for older adults.
Several health care systems offer service care to the ageing people in Ireland. On this note, Hiqa. Ie (2019) reported that the older individual’s services inspection team of HIQA is legally responsible for the scrutinising and inspecting designated centres for older people, such as nursing homes or other health care centres in Ireland.
Figure 1: Four pillars of HSE
(Source: PPT Lecture notes)
The purpose of this Research Strategy of HSE is to improve population health and well-being over the ageing revolution through the innovation and use of learning to ensure that Ireland is a suitable place to grow old. As per the PPT lecture notes, the HIQA provides various standard services for the aged population. The main goal of HIQA during the investigation is to meet as many people as possible, including residents and families. Another health care system in Ireland is Age and Opportunity where all older people can be more active, visible, creative, confident and connected (Ageandopportunity. ie, 2024).
Based on positive ageing, the current methods of improving the quality of care for older adults highlight person-centred care and provide staff training. Additionally, Hiqa. Ie (2019). Mentioned that it provides evidence-based practices, effective communication and compliance with established measures set by organisations like the Health Information and Quality Authority in Ireland. The organisation can follow regular audits, quality development endeavours and family feedback to drive ongoing quality development efforts.
The standards that must be followed by the health care centres of Ireland cover areas such as resident rights, premises, care and support and governance. These relentless standards provide high-quality services that foster positive ageing and meet the diverse necessities of older individuals.
Conclusion
Analysing this assignment, I have learned a deeper understanding of the various aspects of positive ageing and the important role of healthcare assistants in supporting older adults. I observed the diverse necessities of the ageing population, including physical, emotional, mental and social aspects. I have gained the significance of delivering person-centred care that respects dignity and autonomy. I explored the diverse care settings and services accessible in Ireland and emphasised the cooperative actions of statutory and voluntary agencies.
This assignment has had a crucial impact on my role and responsibility as a healthcare assistant. I am inspired to be a supporter of positive ageing and promoting inclusive environments. It has developed my dedication and understanding of the ageing process and supported the significance of providing person-centred care with dignity and care. I am dedicated to developing my skills and knowledge to serve the highest quality care for older adults.
Based on the positive ageing process, I would recommend a various process such as public awareness campaigns through diverse media platforms to inquire about ageist attitudes and emphasise the value of older adults in society. Communication and collaboration with healthcare assistants, community organisations and policymakers to share information and implement age-friendly endeavours. The healthcare organisation can provide educational resources and workshops on the healthy ageing process and support systems.
Reference
Ageandopportunity.ie (2024). Home. [online] Age & Opportunity. Available at: https://ageandopportunity.ie/ [Accessed 26 Mar. 2024].
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