27/05/2019
The wish of aging or incapacitated people is to maintain their independence as long as possible. So, whether due to an accident or an illness, home support must incorporate certain environmental and social amenities so that the beneficiaries can live in their homes without risk to their safety. Several services provided by the medical assistance provide them with care, assistance for hygiene, listening to their needs and monitoring their general condition. Their goal is to facilitate and maintain the autonomy of people (for example, avoid precarious hospitalization) while intervening and performing various adapted care. Offered in the short or long term, these services are determined by an intervention plan developed according to the applicant and his needs. Several structures collaborate to allow home support. We think of doctors, pharmacists and nurses, but forget the essential contribution of two bodies: the social worker and the occupational therapist.
The social worker is a worker whose mission is to prevent or solve family or social problems with individuals, couples or communities living in complex and difficult situations or whose rights are violated. According to the website of the Order of Social Workers and Family and Family Therapists of Quebec (OTSTCFQ), it determines "with [these people] solutions for their strengths and those of their community (to improve their welfare). They also address the reality of people according to a global vision that takes into account the person and his environment. "
The occupational therapist educates and heals his patients through activities or exercises. It is a paramedical profession that evaluates the physical and mental abilities, and accompanies during the reeducation. The occupational therapist creates a routine to preserve autonomy and develop motor skills, which allows people to have a quality of life that meets their personal criteria. He often works with physiotherapists, massage therapists, social workers (yes!) And doctors.
The social worker is the link between the beneficiary and the many possible services to facilitate his daily life. He observes his home to ensure that he still meets his needs and "conducts psychosocial assessments and diagnoses [in] establishing intervention plans and programs of services or activities". . It guarantees respect for the physical and psychological integrity of the applicant and defends his rights, always prioritizing his safety and that of his family. Moreover, caregivers of the person can consult the social worker to obtain information, advice and answers to their questions. Sometimes someone who lacks knowledge or resources for insurance can contact a social worker; the latter will direct it to the appropriate authorities. In short, his intervention allows a balance between the material necessities of the person, his social environment and the evolution of his own physical condition.
As for the occupational therapist, he coordinates and sets up a suitable environment so that the beneficiary can stay at home. It performs a needs analysis of the applicant and then evaluates it through daily and repetitive actions. Can he reach the wardrobe doors? Can he get up easily from the toilet? Does he slide on the floor? Does he tend to forget the lights on, a sign of an early Alzheimer's? It takes into account what the senior considers important (moving around the house, cooking, having help with home maintenance) and according to his safety. The occupational therapist also works with caregivers. He explains to them how to communicate with a parent with cognitive impairment, how to move someone in a safe way for themselves and the other with the PDSB (Principles for the Safe Transfer of Beneficiaries). By directly involving the applicant in the changes, the occupational therapist restores his independence and allows him to understand them in order to better accept them.
When we think about the role of the social worker, we do not think about the therapeutic aspect of his involvement. Indeed, its objectives and duties are directed towards administration and bureaucratic work. However, its relevance is defined - and even legitimate - from the clinical point of view of its services. The principles of the social worker in the case of home support are to value, promote and maintain the autonomy of seniors, accompany, and connect with them on a daily basis. It encourages beneficiaries to make decisions themselves so that they remain prompt to think. Since the social worker is the bridge between the person and the institutions, he or she can refer the beneficiary to a health practitioner, psychologist or other service that would help them at home. His knowledge and resources in the various environments make him propose THE appropriate solution to many problems. Is the person depressed? Does she have more frequent falls? Does she eat less? Does it show signs of exhaustion? These are questions that the social worker asks in order to determine the appropriate preventive actions for the applicant and his / her state of health.
To limit the consequences of an accident, hospitalization or illness, ask for the expertise of an occupational therapist. Through the doctor or social worker, the practitioner cares for both seniors and adults. As explained above, the practitioner observes and analyzes the beneficiary's daily life and the resources available to him. It therefore incorporates exercises and tools (for example, support ramps, wheelchair-accessible corridors and stairs, etc.) into the patient's home. It also takes into account its cognitive, sensory and psychic performances to prevent possible problematic or dangerous situations. Thus, greater capacity losses are avoided. By assessing all these specificities, the occupational therapist can teach his patient what to do in order to lighten his life while remaining active. The aim being to compensate for physical weaknesses through exercises or human and technological assistance, these new behaviors can predict accidents or improve the general condition of the beneficiary.
The social worker and the occupational therapist are guides acting on the home support as well as the adaptation of the concerned person (s) to the arrangements necessary for their autonomy. Their priorities are the safety, health and well-being of the beneficiaries. They can also help to locate more adequate accommodation, inform about various situations or opportunities, and collaborate with authorities to mentor, rehabilitate and support. Their impact is considerable on the physical and mental health of seniors, among others. Not only do they maximize life expectancy, they extend people's autonomy, responding to their desire to stay at home for many more years.
And safely.
* The masculine was used as an indication
- Katherine Massicotte
SOURCES
1http://avenirensante.gouv.qc.ca/
http://www.otstcfq.org/
INFORMATIVE SOURCES
https://www.indexsante.ca/chroniques/255/services-de-soutien-a-domicile-clsc.php
http://www4.gouv.qc.ca/FR/Portail/Citoyens/Evenements/aines/Pages/service-soutien-domicile.aspx
https://www.oeq.org
www.aqepp.com
www.physio-sante.com/therapies/ergotherapie
https://www.lappui.org
https://www.educaloi.qc.ca/
