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108
In those rarer cases where elderly people are living happily
with their children, serious problems are usually non-existent but,
more often than not, the sharing of accommodation with a younger
generation produces an explosive situation. Mounting stress and
tension within the household leads to frustration, disharmony and
a great deal of unhappiness on both sides and, in my opinion, it is
here that we need to be particularly discerning. Early diagnosis
of family stress and tension is essential and countermeasures taken
before the position so deteriorates that strained relationships
become irreparable. Young families genuinely seeking to do their
best for their older members deserve our full and continued support.
Day clubs and holiday schemes can be invaluable in providing the
respite so necessary for families to regain their equilibrium,
especially if infirmity or illness has been an added burden. Short
term admissions to hospital can also play their part in enabling
relatives to take a well-earned vacation.
On the whole, lodging arrangements entered into by elderly
people themselves appear to work reasonably well and the success
or otherwise of the venture often depends upon the friendships
struck with other lodgers or even with the landlord. All that is
necessary in such cases is an occasional visit to ensure that health
is being maintained and apathy is being avoided by lively interests.
We must remember though, that old people generally, are susceptible
to a condition known as hypothermia, where the body
temperature falls below 95°F. Caused by a mixture of exogenous
(exposure) and endogenous (internal) factors, it is termed "accidental"
when used in connection with the aged because of the
imperceptible nature of its onset. It can be a medical emergency
requiring hospital treatment and, during the winter, elderly people
living alone are especially at risk. They should be encouraged to
sleep in warm bedrooms, to eat nutritious foods and to wear suitable
clothing. However, preventive measures of this nature have obvious
economic implications and, where necessary, it is the duty of the
local authority to see that these embarrassments are overcome. A
little health education would not come amiss in such cases.
The problems of elderly persons who maintain some connection
with relatives may not be so acute as those who are alone but, as
time removes loved ones, many old people eventually find themselves
bereft of all personal relationships and it may well be that,
in some cases, the question of institutional care has to be considered.
At a time when medical thinking and practice are moving
away from the static "hospital" or "institution" frame of mind and
towards getting people well and home again, it is disconcerting to
find that, all too often, the local authority welfare home is still
looked upon as the ultimate way of life for many of our old folk.