By the end of this chapter, the learner should be able to:

Identify factors that act as enablers in a client’s life
Identify factors that act as disablers in a client’s life

Enablers and disablers

Enablers are those factors that encourage elderly people to do something – for example, attend a class. Disablers are those factors that discourage elderly people from doing something. Every individual will be different, so it is important to work with them to identify the enablers and disablers impacting on their choices. Some common disablers and enablers can be found below:

Disablers :

Health problems
Fear of falling
Inconvenience
Transport issues
Lack of friends or support
Self-esteem
Tiredness.

Enablers :

The expectation of positive outcomes, for example:
- social benefits
- health benefits
Social support e.g. if attending as part of friendship group
Easily accessed, for example:
- if individual drives
- if there is a bus service
- if it is not far away
- if wheelchair access/lifts, etc

Helping clients to identify what is preventing them from taking part in certain things can lead to a better understanding of how you can help them, and also identify solutions to overcome disablement. Think about what it is that would enable this particular client to attend a class, go shopping, etc. Being able and feeling comfortable doing things helps clients achieve a better quality of life through independence

Key issues facing older people

There are many issues facing older people that can have an impact on their care.

Some of these key issues are found below along with a possible solution:

Stereotypes and ageist attitudes – education on elderly people
Financial hardship – grant and community schemes
Grief – counselling
Living too remotely to receive services – residential care
Physical and psychological disabilities – home adaptations and medical assistance.