Introduction to Social Work II: Working with the Elderly

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the bio-psycho-social-spiritual (BPSS) framework and the comprehensive range of community and residential care services for the elderly in Singapore.

Elderly (General Definition)

Individuals who are advanced in age, typically in the later stages of life characterized by the aging process and changes in physical health, cognition, and overall well-being.

Elderly (WHO Definition)

The World Health Organisation defines patients as elderly if they are $65$ years or older.

Biological factors

BPSS factors including genetics (inherited traits/family history) and medical history (past health conditions, medications, and lifestyle habits).

Psychological factors

BPSS factors including cognitive function (memory, attention, problem-solving) and emotional well-being (coping mechanisms and managing feelings like loneliness or anxiety).

Social factors

BPSS factors including social networks (connections with family/friends), community engagement (involvement in events/groups), and cultural context (background influencing views on aging).

Spiritual factors

BPSS factors including personal belief systems, the sense of meaning and purpose in life, and connection to the natural environment.

Active Aging Centres (AAC)

Formerly known as Senior Activity Centres, these are communal spaces located in HDB void decks that provide active ageing programmes, befriending, and information/referrals for seniors aged $60$ and above.

Day Care Centre

A full day programme providing supervision, physical therapy, and social activities for seniors whose caregivers are at work.

Community Rehabilitation Centres

Facilities that provide physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy to help elderly with health conditions regain or maintain their ability to perform daily tasks.

Home Personal Care

Services provided by trained professionals at an elderly person's residence to assist with activities of daily living, medication, or to provide respite care.

Senior Group Homes

An assisted living model for seniors with no or low family support to co-reside independently in designated HDB rental flats retrofitted with elder-friendly features.

Nursing Homes

Long-term residential facilities providing help with activities of daily living and professional nursing care for those who cannot be cared for at home.

Hospice Home Care

Palliative medical and nursing support provided at home to manage pain and symptoms for patients with serious illnesses like advanced dementia or cancer.

Inpatient Hospice Palliative Care Service (IHPCS)

A residential service for end-of-life patients focusing on pain management, emotional and spiritual support, and improving quality of life.

Maintenance exercise programmes

Specific activities offered in Day Care Centres to help seniors maintain their physical strength and mobility.

Respite care

Short-term care options, including night-time care, available in nursing homes or senior care centres to give regular caregivers a break from their duties.