University Reporter; April, 1999
Keys to Elder Programs are Communication, Service
Two recent studies conducted by the Gerontology Institute both indicate that the key to improving the quality of life for the older population may not lie in some cutting edge technology, but instead, in old-fashioned communication and customer service.
Take for example the Institute's recent work with the state's Executive Office of Elder Affairs on the use of adaptive equipment by elders. As we age, for various reasons we can lose flexibility and strength and what were at one time routine tasks become difficult ones. Something as simple as opening a jar can become so difficult that some will change their diet to avoid jarred foods. However, what those elders might not realize is that a cheap, easy-to-grip jar opener can compensate for what age or illness has taken away.
Another example could be the use of a hand-held shower to facilitate the morning cleansing routine. Take something like cutting food. In the case of someone who has lost the use of a hand to stroke or other malady, a knife and fork are nearly impossible to use. The low-tech solution? A pizza cutter.
To some, these solutions may seem easy and obvious, but to men and women who have spent their entire lives doing things a particular way, these tips and tools aren't as simple or apparent. Often times, rather than seeking help, that is if it is available, these people will change their lifestyles to cope with what age or illness has taken away.
This finding is not so divergent from another study the institute released last fall. In this study, the institute examined the use of food stamps by elders and found in many cases, food stamps weren't used because people did not understand how to apply for them or elders felt embarrassed about using them.
In many cases, rather than pursuing the food stamps, they simply went without, skipping meals or other essentials to make ends meet.
In both these cases, a reasonable solution to a problem appears to exist, but elders don't take advantage of this solution because they are not aware of it or the apparent difficulty involved in using it prevents them.
The food-stamp study, which was conducted by Ph.D candidate Galina Khatutsky, resulted in recommending communities recruit volunteers to help elders apply for the food-stamp program and more emphasis being placed on using a debit-card-like system where the "stamps" are on a magnetic strip on a card. When the card is swiped at the check out, the benefits are deducted.
In the study, several elders commented that the staff at food-stamps offices was not very helpful. One man said that when he mistakenly entered his stipend in one location, the staff member cautioned about committing fraud, scaring the man away.
Like the adaptive-equipment study, the food-stamps study highlights the fact that while some social-services programs appear great on paper, it is the manner in which they are delivered that can make the difference.
"One of the frustrating things with this project is this idea among some of the case workers that it's not their responsibility to install anything," Gerontology Institute Director Frank Caro said, referring to the adaptive-equipment study. "If it involves a wing nut, say in the case of the hand-held showers, they won't do it."
These low-tech alternatives have the potential to make a big difference in people's lives. To better get the word and training out on how to use these items, Caro said it seems a more effective means would be to contact family members or councils on aging in each community, which tend to have more regular contact with elders. With just some minimal training, and mechanical aptitude, these volunteers could provide the assistance necessary to help elders use such equipment to maintain their lifestyles.