About the SeniorAdvisor.com 2014 In-Home Innovation Scholarship: We started the scholarship program to bring awareness of the unique benefits and challenges of in-home caregiving for seniors to younger generations. The questions posed by the scholarship encouraged our nation’s future caregivers to present solutions for improving home care in the United States. College-aged students were required to answer one of the three essay topics below and provide a short bio as part of their scholarship application. Read the winning essays here.
How can your major of study improve the lives of seniors receiving in-home care services?
Essay response by Eric Ballard, Michigan State University
As a society we are constantly evolving. We are always seeking ways to increase age and the quality of life. I am just a young mind interested in bettering the lives of many. During my studies in physiology and cognitive Sciences, I hope to improve the lives of everyone, whether it is increasing their age, bettering the quality of their life, or simply just being of comfort to someone. While studying these exciting fields, I believe the lives of seniors receiving in-home care will improve because the amount of research and constant discovering we, as students of these majors, are doing. It’s important to note that a lot has evolved over time; in particular, we now know that the brain does not stop developing, but it’s constantly developing and changing. This evolutionary discovery is one of just absolutely many new discoveries that are being discovered.
Researching the progressive diseases that individuals are likely to develop can help us understand, and then, develop our own protocols and ways to better assist those individuals. A particular example is with Alzheimer’s disease. During end stage Alzheimer’s disease, individuals can develop an inability to verbally express their needs or wants. Through research, it was learned that communication is still viable. Certain methods were developed to achieve the most effective communication and interaction nonverbally. Learning other ways to communicate and interact will greatly increase the lives and comfort of elderly patients.
Certain bone diseases make it harder to care for elderly persons. The fragility of such people is of great concern. My major is greatly concerned with issues such as this. Understanding the genetics and underlying causes behind these issues can help better lives. If we work on techniques in which we can reduce the consequential impact of falling, or even just bruising, we can help eliminate internal problems in the body, and help provide better longevity and an enjoyable long fulfilled life. One study in particular, examines the effects of fractures relating with osteoporosis and falling. In it, it examines ways to better reliably diagnosis osteoporosis. Research in which we can discover better techniques to help people while maintaining high quality and high efficiency, we can help the lives of seniors.
Urinary and fecal incontinence can be very uncomfortable for both parties, the person and the caregiver. Studies conducted in physiology have helped create programs that have reduced urinary and bowel incontinence. Preparing the right dietary meals can significantly help reduce symptoms and lower the probability of a future diagnosis.
The study of physiology can and will help seniors receiving in-home care because with a growing population of persons of ages greater than 65 years old, we must adapt.
About Eric
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