Many of the changes in old age reverse the developing process of childhood. In youth and age extremes meet, and the care of the aged presents certain marked similarities to the care of little children. Both require simple food, occupations suited to their strength, and protection from infections, from fatigue, and from nervous strain; both are dependent, more or less helpless, and for their happiness both need the affectionate care of their own families. But in one respect
their needs are fundamentally different. In childhood formation of proper habits is all important, and in caring for children the future effect of every word and act must be taken into consideration. Old people, on the other hand, since they live largely in the past and their habits are irrevocably formed, may be indulged without harm in ways that would demoralize a child; with a clear conscience one may make them happy in ways both great and small. This difference makes possible one of the greatest pleasures that come to one who cares for the helpless and the sick, for of all enduring satisfactions few are greater than the power to fill with comfort and happiness the closing days of life.
EXERCISES
- What is meant by a physical defect? Name some of the most common defects.
- Name some permanent injuries to the body caused by defective teeth; by diseased or enlarged tonsils and adenoids; by faulty posture.
- Describe some common symptoms of eye strain in children; of enlarged tonsils and adenoids; of deafness.
- Name several possible causes of round shoulders, and explain why urging a round-shouldered child to hold himself erect is seldom enough to make him correct his posture.
- What measures should be taken to overcome nervousness in children?
- Describe in detail the health work carried on in the public schools of your city or town. Considering the important part played by uncorrected physical defects in causing permanent physical disability among adults, do you think in the long run it is cheaper or more expensive for a community to spend money in protecting the health of school children?
- Discuss the particular needs of convalescent and of chronic patients.
- Explain the effect of activity upon recovery, and explain why it is desirable for invalids to have occupation.
- What special needs should be provided for in caring for old people?
FOR FURTHER READING
- Invalid Occupations—Tracy.
- Occupation Therapy—Dunton.
- Handicrafts for the Handicapped—Hall and Buck.
- When Mother Lets Us Make Toys—Rich.
- Amusements for Convalescent Children—New York State Department of Health, Albany.
- Essentials of Medicine—Emerson, Chapter IX.
- Civics and Health—Allen.
- How to Live—Fisher and Fisk, Chapter III, Section II; and Supplementary Notes, Section III.
- Health Work in the Schools—Hoag and Terman.
- Medical Inspection of Schools—Gulick and Ayres.
- The Hygiene of the Child—Terman.
- Posture of School Children—Bancroft.
CHAPTER XV
QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW
I. Show how you would:
- Make an unoccupied bed. (Notice the number of minutes it takes you to do it well.)
- Remove all the covers from an unoccupied bed and leave the bed to air.
- Open a bed to receive a patient.