2. Physical and Mental Health
Topic 4 of 6
Enhancing health and wellbeing
It’s important to balance risks and benefits when caring for your elder. For example, you may need to balance the sense of independence and wellbeing that comes with a walk to the shops, with the risk that your loved one might have a fall.
This is where allied health professionals can help. They are an important part of the care team and crucial to your elder maintaining and improving their health. The Allied health team can help all of us to breathe, eat, drink, hear, see, walk, to get out of bed, to get to the bathroom, to keep an eye on feet, skin, aches and pains.
The allied health team
Good allied health professionals will have information, programs, discussions, home visits and cups of tea with your elder to work on health or symptoms of ill health that are necessary to maintain independence.
A collaborative team effort will enhance your elder’s health, wellbeing and quality of life.
Select each hotspot to learn about the different allied health professionals
Quality of life
The allied health team can help your elder with eating well, drinking lots of water and staying active supporting them to to live longer, but there is one factor in the mix that is almost more important than lots of fibre in the diet – quality of life.
Select ‘Play’ to view how to enhance your elders quality of life,
Your loved ones need a strong team of professionals who know them. But the most important contribution to our loved ones living longer, healthier, and happier lives, is having life purpose and maintaining engagement with their family and community.
Without a purpose in life, including with family and social relationships, there will be less motivation to remain physically well. Our elders need a sense of belonging, a sense of place, and a sense of protection.
Make sure your loved one is not only cared for, but cared about. Go for walks together, eat together, and have fun.
Module 2
Resources
MODULE 2
