Talking to Carers - WordPress.com · Talking to Carers is an initiative of Mary Kang, Care Project Coordinator, Carers’ Program, SLHD Researcher and writer: Mary Johnston This project

Talking to CarersHealth education resource to provide non-English-speaking

carers and residents with information and contact details for health issues

Contents

Introduction 1

Acknowledgements 2

Objectives 3

Unit1:Motorneuronedisease 4

Unit2:Parkinson’sdisease 9

Unit3:Multiplesclerosis 14

Unit4:Fallsprevention 19

Unit5:Stroke 24

Unit6:Visionloss 29

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Introduction

InNSW,therearealready857,200carers–12percentoftheNSWpopulation.Thereare2.7millioncarersAustralia-wide.* Wealreadyknowthatthedemandforinformalcarersisincreasingandthesupplydecreasingasmorewomenjointheworkforceandpeoplenearingretirementeitherchoosetocontinueworkingorfeelforcedtodosothrougheconomicnecessity.

ParallelandcurrentconcernsabouthealthliteracylevelsinourEnglish-speakingpopulationspeaktotheneedforhealthliteracytobeaddressedamongourculturalandlinguisticallydiverseresidents.ThisresourcewillhelpCALDresidents,peopleinthehealthservice,teachersofEnglishasasecondlanguageandcarerstoincreasetheirEnglishcompetence,learntherelevantvocabulary,andlearnwheretheycanobtainfurtherinformationtounderstandtheconditionsofthosetheycarefor.

Talking to Carers isaboutprovidingnon-English-speakingcarersandresidentswithinformation,languageandskillstocommunicatewithdoctorsandotherhealthstaffandaccessservicesrelatedtocareissues.

Tony PhiskieManager,Carers’Program,SydneyLocalHealthDistrict(SLHD)

*TakenfromCarersNSWwebsite,citingSurveyofDisability,AgeingandCarers2012

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Acknowledgements

Talking to Carers is an initiative of Mary Kang,CareProjectCoordinator,Carers’Program,SLHD

Researcher and writer: Mary Johnston

This project was funded by Carers’ Program, SLHD, who would like to thank the following people for their assistance in reviewing the content of the book:

Mian Wang,Physiotherapist,Aged,ChronicCare&RehabilitationServices,ConcordHospital,SLHD

Joanna McCulloch, NurseEducator,Ophthalmology/Programs,SydneyEyeHospital

Julie Austin,Information/Resources,Parkinson’sNSW

Megan Bishop,CommunicationsAdvisor,NSWandACT,VisionAustralia

Jude Czerenkowski,NationalManagerCommunityPrograms,NationalStrokeFoundation

Andrea Salmon,EducationProgramManager,MSConnectTeam

David Wallace,SupportServiceInformationLineAdvisor,MotorNeuroneDiseaseAssociationNSW

ImagesforTalking to Carers weresourcedfromwww.freedigitalphotos.net

http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

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Objectives

Unit 1: Motor neurone diseaseParticipantswillbeprovidedwithinformationandthecontactdetailsofservicestosupportthemintheirroleascarerforadependantwithmotorneuronedisease.

Unit 2: Parkinson’s disease ParticipantswillbeprovidedwithinformationandthecontactdetailsofservicestosupportthemintheirroleascarerforadependantwithParkinson’sdisease.

Unit 3: Multiple sclerosisParticipantswillbeprovidedwithinformationandthecontactdetailsofservicestosupportthemintheirroleascarerforadependantwithmultiplesclerosis.

Unit 4: Falls prevention Participantswillbeprovidedwithinformationandthecontactdetailsofservicestosupportthemintheirroleascarerinpreventingfalls.

Unit 5: Stroke Participantswillbeprovidedwithinformationandthecontactdetailsofservicestosupportthemintheirroleascarerforadependantwhohassufferedastroke.

Unit 6: Vision lossParticipantswillbeprovidedwithinformationandthecontactdetailsofservicestosupportthemintheirroleascarerforadependantwithvisionloss.

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Unit 1: Motor neurone disease

1 Information

Motorneuronedisease(MND)oftenbeginswithweaknessofthemusclesinthehands,feetorvoice.PeoplewithMNDbecomemoreandmoredisabled.MNDcannotbecuredbutcanbemanagedwithhelpfromhealthworkers.

2 Vocabulary

2.1 Write the meanings of each word in your own language

muscle

twitching

ache

clumsy

cramp

stumbling

slurred

swallowing

chew

waste

2.2 Now match the words to the meanings

muscle verypainfultensingofmuscle

twitching droppingandknockingthingsover

ache smallfastmusclemovements

clumsy softtissueofthebody

cramp pain

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stumbling can’tsaywordsproperly

slurred crushfoodintosmallerpieceswiththeteethtoswallow

swallowing growweak

chew something,especiallyfoodordrink,goingdownthethroat

waste trippingwhenyouwalk

3 Symptoms of motor neurone disease

3.1 Talking to the doctor

Listening 1: Writethedialoguenumbernexttothecorrecttopic

Topics:

tiredandweak

lostalotofweight

sadanddepressed

trippingandstumbling

can’ttalkandcan’teat

twitchingandlegcramps

1Doctor:Goodmorning.Howareyou?Patient:Notgreat.Allmymusclesareaching–andmylegsaretwitching.Doctor:Haveyounoticedanythingelse?Patient:Yes,Iseemtogetmorecramps.

2Patient:IplaytenniseverySunday.Iamveryfit.Doctor:Yes,that’sgood.Patient:ButnowIhavestartedtrippingandfalling.Doctor:OK.Notsogood.

3Carer:Goodmorning.Iamworriedasmyhusbandwasdiagnosedwithmotorneuronediseaselastmonth.Doctor:That’snotgoodnews.Carer:Healreadycan’ttalkandcan’teat.Doctor:Yes,itcangetworseveryquickly.

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4Patient:Ifeelsotiredandweak.Doctor:ThesearethesymptomsofyourMND.Patient:Iusedtobefitandstrong–Iwenttothegymthreetimesaweek!Nowmymusclesaredisappearing.Doctor:Yes,youlooklikeyouhavelostalotofweight.5Carer:Myhusbandusedtobemyrockandbestfriend.Doctor:Yes...Carer:NowhehasMNDhecriesalotandtalksaboutsuicide.Doctor:Yes,youneedhelptolookafterhim.It’sverytoughforyou.

Listening 2: Listenagainandfillinthegapswiththemissingwords

1Doctor:Good.Howareyou?Patient:Notgreat.Allmyareaching–andmylegsaretwitching.Doctor:Haveyounoticedanythingelse?Patient:Yes,Iseemtogetmore.

2Patient:IplayeverySunday.Iamveryfit.Doctor:Yes,that’sgood.Patient:ButnowIhavestartedandfalling.Doctor:OK.Notsogood.

3Carer:Goodmorning.Iamasmyhusbandwasdiagnosedwithmotorneuronediseaselastmonth.Doctor:That’snotgoodnews.Carer:Hecan’ttalkandcan’teat.Doctor:Yes,itcangetworseveryquickly.

4Patient:Ifeelsoandweak.Doctor:ThesearethesymptomsofyourMND.Patient:Iusedtobefitand–Iwenttothegymthreetimesaweek!Nowmyaredisappearing.Doctor:Yes,youlooklikeyouhavelostalotofweight.5Carer:Myhusbandusedtobemyrockandbest.Doctor:Yes...Carer:NowhehasMNDhealotandtalksaboutsuicide.Doctor:Yes,youneedhelptolookafterhim.It’sveryforyou.

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3.2 Match what the carer says with the symptoms of MND

experiences mild mental and behavioural change

‘Myhusbandcan’tmoveeithersideofhisbody.’

become increasingly dependent on others for all aspects of day-to-day activity

‘Mymumcan’ttalkanymore–orswallowherfood.’

muscle weakness and wasting on both sides of the body

‘Mydadisdifferentnow–hecriesalotandisoftenangry.’

loses speech and has difficulty swallowing ‘EverydayIhavetodomoreandmoreformydad–hehasMND.’

4 Looking after the carers

Listening 1:

Doctor:Nowthatyourhusbandhasmotorneuronediseasehemaychangeveryquickly,sohewillneedmoreandmorehelp.Carer: OK.Doctor:Youwillneedhelptocareforhim.Carer: OK,doctor.Doctor:Youmustlookafteryourselfaswellasyourhusbandbecauseitwillbetough.


Doctor:Nowthatyourhasmotorneuronediseasehemaychangeveryquickly,sohewillneedmoreandmorehelp.Carer: OK.Doctor:Youwillneedhelptoforhim.Carer: OK,doctor.Doctor:Youmustlookafteraswellasyourhusbandbecauseitwillbe.

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5 Find out more

MotorNeuroneDiseaseAssociationofNSWwww.mndnsw.asn.auFreecall:1800777175

DisabilityCareAustraliawww.ndis.gov.auCall1800800110

NSWMulticulturalHealthCommunicationServicewww.mhcs.health.nsw.gov.au

CarersNSWwww.carersnsw.org.auFreecall:1800242636

CarerGatewaywww.carergateway.gov.auFreecall:1800422737

SLHDCarers’Programwww.slhd.nsw.gov.au/carers

GetHealthywww.gethealthynsw.com.auCall1300806258

To speak in your own language, call a telephone interpreter on 131 450 (the cost of a local call).

http://www.mndnsw.asn.au

http://www.ndis.gov.au

http://www.mhcs.health.nsw.gov.au

http://www.carersnsw.org.au

http://www.carergateway.gov.au

http://www.slhd.nsw.gov.au/carers

http://www.gethealthynsw.com.au

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Unit 2: Parkinson’s disease

1 Information

•Parkinsondiseaseisadiseaseofthenervoussystemthataffectsmovement.

•NotwopeoplewithParkinson’sdiseasehavethesamehealthissues.

•Parkinson’sdiseaseaffectsaperson’scontroloftheirbodymovements.

•Parkinson’sdiseasecannotbecured.

2 Symptoms

2.1 Match the symptom on the left with the description on the right

tremor notabletomove,e.g.notabletotakeafirststepormayfindarealorimaginedobstaclethatcausesthefeettoremaininonespot

rigidity slowmovement

bradykinesia musclestiffness

freezing shaking

stooped posture smallhandwriting

shuffling gait noenergyandenthusiasm

micrographia standorwalkwiththeheadandupperbackbentforward

lethargy shortstepswithfeetbarelyleavingtheground

3 Looking after your Parkinson’s disease

3.1 Match the advice with the correct picture

exercise for your arms and torso 1

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exercise your face 2

exercise your hands and wrists 3

exercise for overall fitness 4

exercise for muscle flexibility 5

exercise for your head and shoulders 6

4 Support for people with Parkinson’s disease

Usehealthworkerstohelpyou.

4.1 Match the health worker with what they say they do

physiotherapists ‘Iwilltellyouwhatfoodtoeattokeephealthy.’

occupational therapists ‘IcantellyoutheserviceswhichcansupportpeoplewithParkinson’sdisease.’

speech therapists ‘Icangiveexercisestodotokeepyoumoving.Theearlieryouseemethebetter.’

dieticians ‘Icangiveyouthingstodotohelpyoutocontinuelivingindependently.’

social workers ‘Icangiveyouexercisestohelpyoutocontinuetospeakclearlyandkeepswallowing.Theearlieryouseemethebetter.’

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specialist nurses ‘IhelppeopleandtheirfamiliescopeemotionallywithParkinson’sdisease.’

neurologist ‘Iamyourfamilydoctorandwillworkwithyouandyourneurologistandotherhealthworkers.’

GP ‘IamaspecialistdoctorwhodiagnosesParkinson’sdiseaseandmanagesthemedication.’

counsellor/psychologist ‘IcareforpeopleandtheirfamilieswithParkinson’sdisease.’

5 Exercise and Parkinson’s disease

RegularexercisecanimprovesomesymptomsofParkinson’sdisease.

5.1 Talking to the health worker about exercise


Topics:

stretching

warmingupandcoolingdown

stopifithurts

makeexercisefun

1Carer: Howmuchexerciseshouldmydaddo?HehasParkinson’sdisease.Physiotherapist: Heshouldtrytodoatleast15minutesofexerciseeveryday.Carer: Whatexerciseshouldhedo?Physiotherapist: Firstly,stretchingisveryimportant.Carer: Stretching–whatdoyoumean?Physiotherapist: Makesurehestretcheseveryjointandeverymuscle.Icangiveyouexercisesforhim.

2Physiotherapist: Remember–beforeexercisehemustwarmupandcooldown.Carer: Whatdoyoumean?Howcanhe‘warmup’?Physiotherapist: Hecanwarmupandcooldownbymarchinginoneplaceandstretching.Carer: OK.

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3Physiotherapist: Remember–startwiththeeasyexercisesfirst.Slowlydothemoredifficultexercisesashebecomesfitter.Carer: Hehasneverbeenveryfit.Physiotherapist: Hecandotheexercisesasbesthecananddefinitelystopwhenhegetstired.Carer: Whataboutifithurtshim?Physiotherapist: Definitelystopifithurtshim.

4Carer: Dadgetsverytiredafterlunch.Physiotherapist: Ifhegetstiredintheafternoon,thenhecanexerciseinthemornings.Carer: Butmydadisreallyhardtogetmoving.Physiotherapist: Trytomakeexercisingfun.Hecangotoexercisegroupswithpeoplelikehim,perhapsplayingmusichelikesandsocialisingafterwards.


1Carer: Howmuchshouldmydaddo?HehasParkinson’sdisease.Physiotherapist: Heshouldtrytodoatleastminutesofexerciseeveryday.Carer: Whatexerciseshouldhedo?Physiotherapist: Firstly,stretchingisveryimportant.Carer: Stretching–whatdoyou?Physiotherapist: Makesurehestretcheseveryjointandeverymuscle.Icanyouexercisesforhim.

2Physiotherapist: Remember–beforeexercisehemustwarmupanddown.Carer: Whatdoyoumean?Howcanhe‘warmup’?Physiotherapist: Hecanwarmupandcooldownbyinoneplaceandstretching.Carer: OK.

3Physiotherapist: Remember–startwiththeexercisesfirst.Slowlydothemoredifficultexercisesashebecomes.Carer: Hehasneverbeenveryfit.Physiotherapist: Hecandotheexercisesasbesthecananddefinitelywhenhegetstired.Carer: Whataboutifithurtshim?Physiotherapist: Definitelystopifithim.

4Carer: Dadgetsverytiredafter.Physiotherapist: Ifhegetstiredintheafternoon,thenhecanexerciseinthemornings.Carer: Butmydadishardtogetmoving.Physiotherapist: Trytomakeexercising.Hecangotoexercisegroupswithpeoplelikehim,perhapsplayinghelikesandsocialisingafterwards.

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6 Find out more

Parkinson’sNSWwww.parkinsonsnsw.org.au








http://www.parkinsonsnsw.org.au







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Unit 3: Multiple sclerosis

1 Information

Multiplesclerosis(MS)isanincurablediseasethatcanaffectthebrain,spinalcordandopticnerve.NotwopeoplewithMSwillhavethesamesymptoms.

2 Vocabulary


drag

spasms

incontinence

constipation

dizzy

pins and needles

neuralgia


drag accidentalleakofurine

spasms topullalongwithdifficulty

incontinence difficultyemptyingthebowels,oftenwithhardfaeces(poo)

constipation suddentensingofmuscles

dizzy intense,stabbingpainusuallyintheheadorface

pins and needles feelslikeeverythingisspinningandunbalanced

neuralgia pricking,burning,tinglingornumbingsensations

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3 What’s the problem?

Earlysymptomsofmultiplesclerosis.

3.1 Talking to the doctor

Listening 1: Writethedialoguenumbernexttothecorrecttopic(somehavenumbersthatcomeuptwice)

Topics:

tiredanddizzy

weakness,coordination,balanceandmovementofthearmsandlegs

can’treadsmallprint

draggingonefoot

eyesightisblurred

sensitivetoheat

muddledandforgetful

pinsandneedles

incontinenceandconstipation

sharppainintheface

1Patient:Idon’tknowwhatiswrongwithme,doctor.Doctor:Tellmewhat’shappening.Patient:MylegmusclesoftencrampandIfeelweak.Ican’tplaysocceranymore.Ican’tkicktheballandmyleftfootwon’tdowhatIwantittodo.Doctor:OK,wewilldosometests.

2Patient:IamsotiredandsometimesIfeeldizzy.Doctor:Whatelsehaveyounoticedthatisdifferent.Patient:Well,Ican’tstandtheheatoftheshower.Doctor:OK,wemustrunsometests.

3Wife:Myhusbandisdepressedallthetimeandsomuddled.Doctor:OK,thatcanbecausedbyafewthings.Haveyounoticedanythingelse?Wife:Yes,hecan’tseeverywell.Andheissoilinghisunderpants...thenothertimeshesaysheisconstipated!Doctor:OK,pleasebringhimintoseeme.

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4Doctor:Hi,whathasbeenhappeningwithyou?Patient:Ioftenfeeldizzy.Iamworried.Doctor:Haveyouanyotherproblems?Patient:Yes,myhandsometimesfeelslikesomeoneinstickingpinsinit.Doctor:Right,thatcouldbecausedbyafewthingssoIwilldosometests.

5Doctor:Goodmorning.Howareyou?Patient:Sometimeslfeelasuddensharppaininmyface.Doctor:Isthereanythingelseyouhavenoticed?Patient:AndIcan’treadthetraintimetablenow.Doctor:OK,let’sdosometests.


1Patient:Idon’tknowwhatiswithme,doctor.Doctor:Tellmewhat’shappening.Patient:MylegmusclesoftenandIfeelweak.Ican’tplayanymore.Ican’tkicktheballandmyfootwon’tdowhatIwantittodo.Doctor:OK,wewilldosome.

2Patient:IamsoandsometimesIfeeldizzy.Doctor:Whatelsehaveyouthatisdifferent.Patient:Well,Ican’tstandtheoftheshower.Doctor:OK,wemustsometests.

3Wife:Myhusbandisallthetimeandsomuddled.Doctor:OK,thatcanbebyafewthings.Haveyounoticedanythingelse?Wife:Yes,hecan’tverywell.Andheishisunderpants...thenothertimeshesaysheisconstipated!Doctor:OK,pleasehimintoseeme.

4Doctor:Hi,whathasbeenhappeningwithyou?Patient:Ioftenfeel.Iamworried.Doctor:Haveyouanyotherproblems?Patient:Yes,mysometimesfeelslikesomeoneinstickinginit.Doctor:Right,thatcouldbecausedbyafewsoIwilldosometests.

5Doctor:Goodmorning.Howareyou?Patient:Sometimeslfeelasharppaininmyface.Doctor:Isthereanythingyouhavenoticed?Patient:AndIcan’tthetraintimetablenow.Doctor:OK,let’sdosome.

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3.2 Match the possible symptoms with what you would say if you had them

sensitive to heat ‘Ifeelsoconfused.’

muddled ‘Ifeelsad.’

depressed ‘Iforgetmyappointmentsallthetime.’

fatigue ‘Ican’tseethewhiteboard.’

muscle spasms ‘Ifeltasharppaininmyface.’

constipation and incontinence ‘Iamsotired.’

neuralgia ‘IfeellikeIwillfalldown.’

lose movement of arms and legs ‘Ican’tstandtheheatofthesunonmyskin.’

dizzy ‘WhenItrytocrosstheroadquicklymyfootwon’tmove.’

weakness in arms and legs ‘Ican’tplaytennisanymore.’

can’t see properly ‘Ican’tlifttheshoppingbagsanymore.’

forgetting ‘Mycalfmusclesuddenlyclenchedup.’

dragging foot ‘SometimesIcan’tgotothetoiletandsometimesIleakintomypants.’

4 Looking after MS

4.1 Match what is said with the health professional who would say it

physiotherapist ‘Iwillteachyourmumnewwaystohelpherlivewithouthelpandgiveheraidsshecanusetohelpherself.’

occupational therapist ‘Iwillcheckyourmumandworkoutwhatisworkingwellandwhatisnotworking.’

europsychologist ‘Iwilldesignspecialexercisesforyourfathertohelphimbestrongerandmoreflexible.’

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5 Find out more

MultipleSclerosisLimitedwww.ms.org.auFreecall:1800042138








http://www.ms.org.au







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Unit 4: Falls prevention

1 Information

Fallsareamajorcauseofinjuryforolderpeople.

2 Vocabulary


balance

strength

flexible

comfortable

safety

clutter

repair

wrinkle

sturdy

grab rails

slippery


balance easytobend

strength easytowear

flexible keepstablepositionwhenwalkingorstandingorevensittingstill

comfortable havingpowerinthebody

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safety untidycollection

clutter mend

repair beingprotectedfrom

wrinkle strong

sturdy difficulttostandonbecauseitissmooth,wetorslimy

grab rails creaseintheskin

slippery handlestohelppeopletobalanceandtogivesupport

3 Stopping falls

3.1 Talking to the health professional


Topics:

goodshoes

goodexercises

1Son: Myfatheroftenfallsover.WhatcanIdo?Doctor:Hecandoexercisestohelphimself.Son: Whichexercisesaregood?Doctor: Weight-liftingwillmakehimstrong,taichiwillhelphisbalanceandstretcheswillhelphimtobeflexible.Atrainedhealthprofessionalcangivehimbalanceandlegstrengthexercises.Son: Itisveryhardtomakehimdoanything.Doctor: Therearegroupswhichhecanjointodoexercisesandmakefreinds.

2Daughter: Mymumisnotsteadyonherfeet–howcanIhelpher?Nurse: ArehershoesOKforher?Daughter: Whatdoyoumean?Nurse: Theymustbewide,fitwell,havelowheelsandsoleswhichdonotslip.


1 Son: Myfatheroftenfalls.WhatcanIdão?Doctor:Hecandoexercisestohimself.Son: Whichexercisesare?

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Doctor: Weight-liftingwillmakehim,taichiwillhelphisandwillhelphimtobeflexible.Atrainedhealthprofessionalcangivehimbalanceandlegstrengthexercises.Son: Itisveryhardtomakehimanything.Doctor: Therearegroupswhichhecanjointodoexercisesandmake.

2Daughter: Mymumisnotonherfeet–howcanIhelpher?Nurse: AreherOKforher?Daughter: Whatdoyoumean?Nurse: Theymustbewide,well,havelowheelsandwhichdonot.

4 Improve safety in the home

Listening 1:

•Havegoodlighting.•Putinstronglightglobes.•Usenightlights.•Putinlightsnearthestairsandthebathroomwhichlightupwhensomeonemovesnearthem.

•Removeclutter.

•Makesurewalkwaysandcorridorsareclearandwelllit.

•Repairorreplacecarpetsthathaveholesorlongthreads.•Checkthatmatsandrugswillnotslipandhavenotearsorwrinkles.

•Putstickytapeonallmatsandrugseverywhere.

•Makesurethatchairsandbedsarestrongandeasytogetintoandoutof.

•Makesuretablesandbenchesdonothavesharpcorners.

•Checkthatalldoorscanbeopenedandclosedanddonothavelocks.•Checkthatdoorsoutsidecanbelockedandunlockedeasily.•Wipeupspillsimmediately.

•Putgrabrailsinthebathroom.

•Storeandusemedicinessafely.

•Checkthehousesmokealarmswork.


•Havelighting.•Putinlightglobes.•nightlights.

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•Putinlightsnearthestairsandthebathroomwhichlightupwhenmovesnearthem.

•Remove.

•Makesurewalkwaysandcorridorsareandwelllit.

•Repairorcarpetsthathaveholesorlongthreads.•Checkthatmatsandwillnotandhavenotearsorwrinkles.

•Putstickytapeonallandrugseverywhere.•Makesurethatchairsandbedsareandeasytogetintoandoutof.

•Makesureandbenchesdonothavecorners.

•Checkthatalldoorscanbeandclosedanddonothavelocks.•Checkthatdoorsoutsidecanbelockedandeasily.•Wipeupimmediately.

•Putgrabrailsinthe.•andusemedicinessafely.

•Checkthehousesmokework.

5 Improve safety outside the home

5.1 Match the beginning of the sentence with the correct end of the sentence

Clear away... ...withwhitepaintsotheyareeasytosee.

Kill plants that make garden paths slippery... ...ofobstacles.

Paint the edge of outside steps... ...gardentools.

Put lights over outside steps so that they... ...brokenunevenorcrackedpaths.

Keep paths clear... ...whenthepathiswet.

Fix... ...arewelllit.

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6 Find out more

NSWFallsPreventionNetworkhttp://fallsnetwork.neura.edu.au

MyAgedCarewww.myagedcare.gov.auCall1800200422






SHARE–LearnforLifewww.share.org.auCall0415715899

SteppingOnwww.steppingon.com

ClinicalExcellenceCommission,NSWFallsPreventionProgramwww.cec.health.nsw.gov.au/programs/falls-prevention


http://fallsnetwork.neura.edu.au

http://www.myagedcare.gov.au






http://www.share.org.au

http://www.steppingon.com

http://www.cec.health.nsw.gov.au/programs/falls-prevention

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Unit 5: Stroke

1 Information

Astrokestopsbloodflowtothebrain.Ifyouhavehighbloodpressure,smoke,havediabetesorhighbloodcholesterol,drinkheavily,eatahigh-salthigh-fatdietandlackexercise,youaremorelikelytohaveastroke.

2 Vocabulary


atrial fibrillation

clot

artery

blood vessels

risk factor


atrial fibrillation tubethatcarriesblood

clot somethingthatmakesgreateraperson’schancesofdevelopingadisease

artery athickmassofbloodstucktogether

blood vessels irregularheartbeat

risk factor tubesthatcarrybloodfromthehearttoallpartsofthebody

3 Prevention and help

3.1 Match each strategy for preventing another stroke with the correct picture

stop smoking 1

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drink less alcohol 2

exercise more 3

reduce salt 4

reduce fatty food 5

3.2 Who can help you?

Thefollowingarehealthworkerswhoworkwithstrokesufferers.Matchtheirtitlewithwhattheysaytheydo.

cardiologist ‘Ioperateonpeoples’bloodvessels.’

geriatrician ‘Itreatpeoplewithheartproblems.’

neurologist ‘Itreatpeoplewhohaveproblemswiththeirbrains.’

vascular surgeon ‘Ioperateonbrains.’

neurosurgeon ‘Itreatpeoplewithdiseasescommoninoldage.’

4 Taking care of your health

4.1 Talking to the health professional

Ifyouhavehadonestrokeyouaremorelikelytohaveanother.


Topics:

checkcholesterolandbloodsugar

checkyourbloodpressure

donotdrinkalcoholtwodaysaweek

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donoteatsaltyfood

stopsmoking

checkyourheartbeat

exerciseandkeepahealthyweight

1Patient:WhatcanIdotoavoidhavinganotherstroke?Doctor:Doyousmoke?Patient:Yes.Doctor:Stopsmoking.Smokingcandoubleorevenquadrupleyourchancesofhavingastroke.

2Carer:Myhusbandhashadastroke–Idon’twanthimtohaveanother.WhatcanIdotohelphim?Doctor:BringhimintoseemeandI’llcheckhisbloodpressure.Carer:Whydoyouwanttocheckhisbloodpressure?Doctor:Highbloodpressureisariskfactorforastroke.

3Woman: Iwanttoknowhowtoavoidhavingastrokebecausemymumhadoneatmyage.Physiotherapist: First,youmustexercise.Woman: HowmuchexercisedoIneedtodo?Physiotherapist: Youneedtodoatleast30minutesintenseexercisefivedaysaweek.Woman: OK.Physiotherapist: Andbeahealthyweightforyourheight.

4Carer:Myfatherlikestodrinkacoupleglassesofwineeverynight–isthisOK?Doctor:That’sOKbuthemustnotdrinktwodayseveryweek.Carer:WhatshallIgivehiminstead.Doctor:Offerhimtapwaterinstead.

5Carer:Iknowahighsaltdietisariskfactorforanotherstroke.Whatisthebestfoodforkeepingbothmyandmyhusband’ssaltdown?Nutritionist: Freshfood,highinfibreandgrains.Carer:OK,fruitandveg–andwhatshouldInoteat?Nutritionist: Yes,fruitandvegisgood,definitelynofastfoodortoomanycakesorsweetthings.

6Patient:Ihavecomeinsoyoucancheckmybloodpressure.Doctor:That’sagoodidea.Iwillalsocheckyourbloodsugarandcholesterol.Patient:Whyisthatnecessary?Doctor:Ifyouhavehighbloodsugarandcholesterolyouaremorelikelytohaveastroke.Patient:Youbettercheckthen.

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7Patient:Hidoctor,Iamworried.Doctor:Whyareyouworried?Patient:Sometimesmyheartracesandthengoesveryslowly–it’snotaregularheartbeat.Doctor:Iwillhavetocheckthis.Thisproblemiscalledatrialfibrillation.Thiscouldbeawarningsignforastroke.


1Patient:WhatcanIdotohavinganotherstroke?Doctor:Doyousmoke?Patient:Yes.Doctor:Stopsmoking.Smokingcanorevenquadrupleyourchancesofhavingastroke.

2Carer:Myhashadastroke–Idon’twanthimtohaveanother.WhatcanIdotohim?Doctor:BringhimintoseemeandI’llcheckhisbloodpressure.Carer:Whydoyouwanttohisbloodpressure?Doctor:Highbloodpressureisafactorforastroke.

3Woman: Iwanttoknowhowtoavoidhavingastrokebecausemyhadoneatmyage.Physiotherapist: First,youmustexercise.Woman: HowmuchexercisedoItodo?Physiotherapist: Youneedtodoatleast30minutesintenseexercisefivedaysa.Woman: OK.Physiotherapist: Andbeahealthyweightforheight.

4Carer:Myfatherlikestoacoupleglassesofwineeverynight–isthisOK?Doctor:That’sOKbuthemustnotdrinkdayseveryweek.Carer:WhatshallIgivehiminstead.Doctor:Offerhimtapinstead.

5Carer:Iknowasaltdietisariskfactorforanotherstroke.Whatisthebestfoodforkeepingbothmyandmyhusband’ssaltdown?Nutritionist: food,highinfibreandgrains.Carer:OK,fruitandveg–andwhatshouldInoteat?Nutritionist: Yes,fruitandisgood,definitelynofastfoodortoomanyorsweetthings.

6Patient:Ihavecomeinsoyoucanmybloodpressure.Doctor:That’sagoodidea.Iwillalsocheckyourbloodandcholesterol.Patient:Whyisthatnecessary?Doctor:Ifyouhavehighbloodsugarandcholesterolyouaremorelikelytohaveastroke.Patient:Youcheckthen.

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7Patient:Hidoctor,Iamworried.Doctor:Whyareyouworried?Patient:Sometimesmyheartandthengoesveryslowly–it’snotaregularheartbeat.Doctor:Iwillhavetocheckthis.Thisiscalledatrialfibrillation.Thiscouldbeawarningsignfora.

5 Find out more

TheStrokeFoundationwww.strokefoundation.com.auStrokeLine:1800787653







HeartFoundationwww.heartfoundation.org.au


http://www.strokefoundation.com.au







http://www.heartfoundation.org.au

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Unit 6: Vision loss

1 Information

Livingwithsightlosscanbedifficult.VisionAustraliahasexpertswhocangivepracticalandemotionalhelpforeverydaylife.Forexample,goingoutandaboutconfidentlyandreadingpersonalmailandnewspapers.Ourclientscanalsomeetotherswithsightlossandjoindifferentsocialgroups,includingsomeinotherlanguages.VisionAustraliastaffuseinterpreterservicesthatprovidesphoneandface-to-facesupport.

Causesofsightlossinclude:

•Retinaldetachment.

•Glaucoma.

•Maculardegeneration.

2 Vocabulary


floaters

blurry

blank

sparks

peripheral vision

shadow

shade

distorted

dim

absence

magnifying glasses

hallucinations

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ophthalmologist

vision

retina

detached


floaters unclear

blurry asmallburstoflight

blank tinyspots,specks,flecksor‘cobwebs’thatdriftaroundwhatyousee

sparks nothingthere

peripheral vision areaofdarknessproducedwhenalightisblocked

shadow bentortwistedoutofshape

shade sidevision

distorted areaofdarknessproducedwhenalightisblocked

dim something–likeanimage,soundorsmell–thatseemsrealbutisnot

absence lowlighting,notbright

magnifying glasses notthere

hallucinations stronglensesusedtomakethingslookbigger

ophthalmologist beingabletosee

vision thinfilmatthebackoftheeye

retina notjoined

detached eyedoctor

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3 What’s the problem?

3a Retinal detachment

Retinaldetachmentmeanstheretinahasbrokenfreefromthebackoftheeye.Theretinacanalsohaveaholeoratearinit.

Match the symptom with what you would say if you had the symptom

floaters ‘Iseeflashinglightsatthesidesofmyvision.’

blurry vision ‘Ican’tseeverywellouttotheside.’

bright lights or sparks, particularly in the periphery (outer edges) of the visual field

‘IcannotseenowaswellasIsawbefore.’

areas of darkness, shadow or shade in the visual field

‘Iseethingsfloatingintheairwhicharenotthere.’

loss of vision ‘Everythinglooksunclear.’

Talking to the optometrist


Topics:

areasofdarkness,shadoworshadeinwhatyoucansee

floaters

blurryvision

1Carer: Hi,myhusbandsaysheseesthingsfloatingaroundtheroom–buttheyarenotthere!Optometrist: Whatelsedoeshesayhesees?Carer: Heseesflashinglightsandsparks.It’sveryupsetting.Optometrist: OK,Iwillhavealookathiseyes.

2Carer: Myhusbandsaysheseesshadowsintheroomwhichworriesmebecausetheyaren’tthere.Optometrist: Yes,itisworrying.Carer: Yes,andhesayshisvisionisblurry.Optometrist: Iwillhavealookathiseyes.Hemayhavearetinaldetachment.

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1Carer: Hi,mysaysheseesthingsfloatingaroundthe–buttheyarenotthere!Optometrist: Whatelsedoeshesayhesees?Carer: Heseesflashing.It’sveryupsetting.Optometrist: OK,Iwillhaveaathiseyes.

2Carer: Myhusbandsaysheseesflashingandsparksintheroomwhichworriesmebecausetheyaren’tthere.Optometrist: Yes,itisworrying.Carer: Yes,andhesayshisisblurry.Optometrist: Iwillhavealookathiseyes.Hemayhaveadetachment.

3b Glaucoma

Glaucomaisthenamegiventoagroupofeyediseasesinwhichtheopticnerveatthebackoftheeyeisslowlydestroyed.

Symptoms of glaucoma

Glaucomahasnosymptomsuntilthesuffererscannotsee.Glaucomaissometimescalledthe‘sightthief’becauseittakesawaythesidevisionfirstsothesuffererscanreadthechartintheoptometristandreadthenewspaperbuttheydonotnoticethattheyarelosingtheirsidevision.

Talking to the optometrist


Topics:

glaucomaiscalled‘thesightthief’

Icanstillreadthenewspaper

Icanreadthechart

3Customer: Goodmorning.Iwouldlikeaneyetest.Optometrist: OK,ofcourse.Haveyouhadanyproblems?Customer: No,IamhappybecauseIcanstillreadthenewspaper!Optometrist: That’sgood!

4Optometrist: OK,pleasereadthetoplineoflettersonthechart.Customer:PKYLNM.Optometrist: OK,noproblemsthere.Customer: Great!Thanks.

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5Optometrist: Iwouldliketonowcheckyouforglaucoma.Customer: Why?MysightisOK!Optometrist: Glaucomaiscalledthe‘sightthief’.Customer: Why?Optometrist: Becauseyoucanreadthepaperandthechart–butglaucomatakesawayyoursidevisionandyoudonotnotice.Customer: OK,pleasecheckforglaucomathen.


3Customer: Goodmorning.Iwouldlikeantest.Optometrist: OK,of.Haveyouhadanyproblems?Customer: No,IamhappybecauseIcanstillreadthe!Optometrist: That’sgood!

4Optometrist: OK,pleasereadthelineoflettersonthechart.Customer:PKYLNM.Optometrist: OK,nothere.Customer: Great!Thanks.

5Optometrist: Iwouldliketonowcheckyoufor.Customer: Why?MysightisOK!Optometrist: Glaucomaiscalledthe‘thief’.Customer: Why?Optometrist: Becauseyoucanreadthepaperandthe–butglaucomatakesawayyoursidevisionandyoudonotnotice.Customer: OK,pleaseforglaucomathen.

3c Macular degeneration

Maculardegenerationisthemostcommonreasonwhyolderpeoplecannotsee.Themaculaisthecentreoftheretinaandaffectsstraight-aheadvision.

Match the symptom with what you would say if you had the symptom

problems with close work such as reading

‘Thewhitelineontheroadlookswavyandthetelegraphpoleseemstohaveabendinit.’

distorted central vision (for example, straight lines look wavy)

‘WhenIlookstraightatsomething,Ican’tseeit.’

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blurred central vision ‘Icannotreadthenewspaperprint.’

blank or dark spots ‘IseelittlepeoplelivinginmyhouseandgardenandIseepatternsonthewallthataren’tthere.’

complete loss of central vision ‘Iseeblackspotseverywhere.’

Charles Bonnet syndrome ‘Mystraight-aheadvisionisnotclear.’

Looking after macular degeneration

Talking to the health professional

Listening 1:

6 Doctor: Goodmorning.Carer: Goodmorning.Mymumhasjustbeentoldshehasmaculardegeneration.Doctor: Yes,that’sverycommoninolderpeopleandtherearelotsofthingswhichcanhelpherandhelpyoutolookafterher.Carer: Whatarethey?Doctor: Shecangetprescriptionglasses,magnifyingglassesandtoolstohelpherlivemoreindependently.

7 Carer: Goodmorning.Howcanyouhelpmymotherwhohasmaculardegeneration?Occupational therapist:Goodmorning.Icanhelphertomakethebestofhervision.Carer: Yes,how?Occupational therapist:Icanmakechangestoherhomesoitwillbeeasierforhertolivethere.

8Carer: Doyouhaveanyotheradviceformymum?Doctor: Doesyourmumsmoke?Carer: Yes.Doctor: Shemuststopsmoking–smokingincreasesherriskofmorelossofhersight.Carer: OK,isthereanythingelseIcandotohelpher?Doctor: Shemusteathealthyfoodandexerciseandshemustprotecthereyesfromthesun.Shemustwearsunglasses.Thisisimportant.


6 Doctor: Goodmorning.Carer: Good.Mymumhasjustbeentoldshehasmaculardegeneration.Doctor: Yes,that’sveryinolderpeopleandtherearelotsofthingswhichcanhelpherandhelpyoutolookafterher.

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Carer: Whatthey?Doctor: Shecangetprescriptionglasses,magnifyingandtoolstohelpherlivemoreindependently.

7 Carer: Goodmorning.Howcanyouhelpmywhohasmaculardegeneration?Occupational therapist:Goodmorning.Icanhelphertomakethebestofhervision.Carer: Yes,how?Occupational therapist:Icanmakechangestohersoitwillbeeasierforhertolivethere.

8Carer: Doyouhaveanyotheradviceformymum?Doctor: Doesyourmum?Carer: Yes.Doctor: Shemuststopsmoking–smokingincreasesherofmorelossofhersight.Carer: OK,isthereanythingIcandotohelpher?Doctor: Shemusteatfoodandexerciseandshemustprotecthereyesfromthesun.Shemustwearsun.Thisisimportant.

4 Find out more

VisionAustraliawww.visionaustralia.orgCall1300847466

GlaucomaAustraliawww.glaucoma.org.auSupportLine1800500880

MacularDiseaseFoundationAustraliawww.mdfoundation.com.auSupportLine1800111709









http://www.visionaustralia.org

http://www.glaucoma.org.au

http://www.mdfoundation.com.au








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Talking to Carers - WordPress.com · Talking to Carers is an initiative of Mary Kang, Care Project Coordinator, Carers’ Program, SLHD Researcher and writer: Mary Johnston This project