Monday, September 30, 2019

Unme Jeans

Which, if any, of the three social media plans should Foley pursue? Why? oI would suggest that Foley pursue advertising on all three social media outlets proposed. They are all good places to reach their target demographic and the cost isn’t that high to leverage those outlets. Their buyers are social media users and they should try to reach them there. I would suggest running all three for a year and see which are return best and then she could re-evaluate from there. What benefits would Foley gain from each of the three social media plans? What risks does each entail? How can Foley better reap the benefits and mitigate the risks of each of the programs? oThe benefit of being in the social media plan is that UnME would have a presence where their target market goes to socialize and communicate with each other. It would give them the opportunity to interact with their customers in their world and raise the level of involvement with their customers and potential customers.The r isk is that they will not be able to engage their customers in a personal and meaningful manner, which seems to be critical for successful online marketing. I would advise her to seek out several marketing plans for online engagement and really look for a firm with a proven track record with online and will focus on more than just the interface. †¢How should Foley integrate social media into her traditional media plans? Should Foley take money out of traditional media (television, magazine, radio, Internet banner and search ads) to fund her social media programs?Why or why not? oI would recommend that Foley work with a firm to run a campaign that leverages the advantages of different traditional media in conjunction with online social media. There is still a solid (if shrinking) market in print and television so I would choose to be strategic with those dollars. But I would definitely run a marketing campaign that went hand in hand with the online media. †¢How should Foley measure the results of her social media plans? Which media metrics are best and least suited for a Web 2. world? oIt is definitely harder to quantify the return from online marketing against. They should work with a qualified web expert to establish good metrics for measuring the campaign. †¢Is UnME Jeans the right or wrong type of brand and/or product for Web 2. 0? Why? What advantages does the brand have in this new cultural world? What disadvantages does it have? oI think that UnME is the right type of brand and product for Web 2. 0. Their audience is younger, tech savvy, they are active online and UnMe has a unique product.They are about the experience of denim, not just the product and that is a good fit for social media. †¢How well do the social media plans address the emerging challenges of the rapidly changing media environment outlined in the case? What can you change in the social media plans to make them more effective for UnME’s target consumers? oI am not convinced that the proposed plans are the best use of social media. I like the widgets and the idea of voting for the next design, but they really need to concentrate on user experience. That is always key for online success.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

The Forgotten Offenders

â€Å"The Forgotten Offenders† Until recently the female offender was generally overlooked by an overwhelmingly male-dominated criminal justice system. There are so few women in prison in then men. Approximately 5,600 out of 196,000 inmates in state and federal prisons are women. Because of the small proportion of female prisoners, female facilities are not as well-equipped as male prisons. Educational and vocational training programs are limited. Life requires a plan in all of at least five basic life areas. These include: †¢ Subsistence Residence †¢ Children and family †¢ Health, mental health and sobriety †¢ Criminal justice compliance The ability to function successfully in the community requires a plan in all of the areas and equipping woman in each of these areas is masked by prisons. The criminal justice system discourages women from coming together, trusting, speaking about personal issues, and forming relationships. Women engage more often in self- mutilating behaviors, such as cutting, as well as verbally abusive and disruptive behaviors.They are also more likely to have a coexisting psychiatric disorder, have lower self-esteem, and more likely to use prescribed medications. With the higher rate of mental illness among female offenders, high rates of medication are given to them. The chance that they will become addicted to the medication is extremely high. Based on the crimes woman commit, they inconvenience society less then the crimes men commit and are usually non-violent and do not present a risk to public safety.These reasons alone should sentence women to community corrections whenever possible. This is important for several reasons: †¢ To reduce the incidence and the costs of incarceration †¢ To improve outcomes for women and their children †¢ To demonstrate an approach that may also be more effective with men. However, due to lack of treatment programs provided, most women in the criminal justice syste m are poor, undereducated, and unskilled. They are likely to re-offend and end up incarcerated again

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Functionalist, Conflict, and Interaction Perspectives on Mass Media Essay

It is hard to imagine that just one theoretical view can make clear the many ways that individuals relate with media and technology. Technology covers a wide range from simplistic to complicate. Media is everywhere we look and on every gadget we own. This paper will take a look at mass media from the functionalist, conflict, and interaction perspectives. You can look at a variety of theories and you will find studies and scholars that agree and those who disagree. A sociological approach in functionalism is the reflection of the relationship among the functions of less significant parts and the functions of the total. From the functionalist perspective there has been a problem from the start. The problem is the failure to identify and come up with a definition for the actual function of mass media. Also it has been problematic to define what role the mass media plays in various cultures and sub cultures (Mendelshon, H. (1974). From the start a functionalist breakdown comes with a profound handicap. According to the functionalist perspective the media is a marketing product and entertaining, it is socializing individuals, teaching norms, morals, and philosophies to future groups. Media also keeps individuals in touch with cultural standards in the time if happenings of nationwide importance. The functionalist perspective sees the media as teaching what is virtuous and appropriate (Gamson, Croteau, Hoynes, and Sasson (1992). The media has four essential functions for society: surveying the environment to give reports and information; relaying replies to this information; amusing; and transmitting traditions to upcoming generations. Advertisements are always shown before movies; it also appears on public transportation and on highway billboards. There is virtual gaming that allows one to talk to friends on social networks. Technology gives individuals and groups innovative and more stimulating ways to stay amused. Some sociologist affirm that this level of media experience hints to narcotizing dysfunction, a word that defines when persons are excessively overcome with media feedback that they begin to ignore it. Functionalism has gotten criticism for neglecting the harmful functions of an event such as divorce. Critics also say that the perspective justifies the status quo and satisfaction on the part of society’s individuals. Functionalism does not support individuals in taking a lively position in altering their social environment even if this change could be for the better. Functionalism sees vigorous social change as unwelcome since each part of society will recompense naturally for any troubles that may come to pass. Conflict theorists see social conflict among any groups in which it is probable for disparity exists: racial, gender, religious, political, economic, and so on. Conflict theorists claim that disparate groups more often than not have contradictory standards and agendas, causing them to vie in opposition to each other. This steady rivalry between groups is the foundation for the constantly shifting nature of society. Looking at the conflict perspective mass communications study has time after time recognized the major force that the media can have in determining a communal outlook about a certain matter, such as conflict. The media repeatedly helps decide what the public sees the subject, its causes and penalty, whether it is important, and what to assume about it (Reuben, R. C. (2009). The media can have a very influential role in fueling fires when it comes to certain issues like racism and other social injustices. Conflict like functionalism has been defined in many different ways. When it come to mass media the same can be said. Conflict can also be measured at  the individual point and at the group point. Although conflict is regularly important to those involved, it may not always be noticed by the media. The disagreement has got to be remarkable to the picky viewers of the media. According to the conflict perspective a main emphasis is the variance of avenues to media and technology exemplified in the digital world. Conflict theorist concentrate on who reigns the media, and how the media endorses the norms of the upper-middle-class white Americans while lessening the existence of the lower class especially minorities. Some conflict theorist’s propose that the way media is created causes an uneven political arena. Candidates with the most monies available can buy the most media exposure, trash talk their competition, and take full advantage of their visual existence. Now days cameras capture our activities and viewers can find people over their cell phones. Social scientists take the idea of the surveillance society so seriously that there is an entire journal devoted to its study, Surveillance and Society (library.queensu.ca). Influential individuals and social organizations carry much of the say so about what technology is out, when and where it is released and what kind of media is accessible for intake. This is a form of gate keeping. Deciding what story will make the headlines of the front page. Deciding which movie is playing on the screens at the local movie theater. Deciding what movies and pictures will be released and which ones will not. All of these decisions are usually made by people of high standings. No one in the lower classes has any say so in these types of decisions. Critics of the conflict perspective tip to its excessively harmful view of society. The theory in the end attributes compassionate pains, unselfishness, democratic state, civil rights, and other constructive aspects of society to capitalistic designs to have power over the groups, not to natural wellbeing in maintaining society and social order. The symbolic interactionist perspective, also known as symbolic  interactionism, directs sociologists to believe the symbols and details of everyday life, what these symbols mean, and how people interact with each other. Although symbolic interactionism goes back to Max Weber’s claim that individuals act by they way the see their understanding of the meaning of their world, the American philosopher George H. Mead (1863–1931) introduced this perspective to American sociology in the 1920s (Vissing, Y. 2011). The interactions perspective of sociology sees society as a product of everyday social interactions of individuals. Symbolic interactionists also study how people use symbols to create meaning (Vissing, Y. 2011). According to this theory technology may act as a symbol for many individuals. What kind of computer you have, the kind of vehicle you own, if individuals are able to purchase the newest products; this works as a social meter of affluence and rank. Media can generate and spread symbols that become the way we understand our society. Theorist at work on the interactionist perspective concentrate on this social creation of actuality. This process keeps going and people individually generate and comprehend reality. Social media sites inspire individuals to check in and give particulars of their day with online social networks, companies can then with no trouble endorse their merchandises on these sites. Then suddenly you are bombarded with ads of places you have been. What started out as a symbol of popularity and prestige now endorses consumerism of games and fandom. Every website and every game that is played has advertisements that the viewer must watch in order to continue on. This is very similar with the conflict theory. Sociologists differentiate the mass media from other social associations because for this realm it is a must to have an audience. The audience could be a secondary group assembled in a great theater, or it may be a main group, such as a husband and wife watching the newest movie release at home. Possession is becoming very compacted. There is a trend toward sort of a monopoly. There can be found a few of global organizations that dominate the  publishing, broadcasting, and the ï ¬ lm industries (Croteau and Hoynes 2000). Some individuals reason that the government ought to control media absorption once again. The government takes more of a â€Å"hands-off† approach. If this approach continues the trend will continue and the media leaders will continue to grow. Critics assert that symbolic interactionism leaves out the macro level of social interpretation, which is the big picture. Symbolic interactionists could fail to see the bigger problems of society by concentrating too closely on the small issues. The perspective also gets criticism for denial of the influence of social forces and institutions on individual connections. The amount of individuals in the world who have admittance to an assortment of media keeps growing. Additionally, the total of time individuals squander taking in media as well continues to enlarge. With all the new technology that is available most people are always connected to something that has media readily available twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.  Each viewpoint interprets the position of the mass media in a special way and for this reason each theory is expected to have an effect on the views of individuals that are a piece of the society in individual behaviors. As a functionalist are to be expected to view the program choices of a news group decision maker who knowingly makes the choice to pass over a pessimistic account regarding one of its supporting companies as a not taking sides action intended to lessen likely discord in the union and maybe the community. As an interactionist, would be paying attention to how the results might influence the everyday rela tions among the members of the business or even among the business and members of the community may be concerned. On the other hand, a conflict theorist is to be expected to observe this as one of the negative functions of the mass media like Gatekeeping. For that explanation conflict theory explains why news media may stay away from negative stories about their sponsors of their new show and big advertisers in their newspapers. This makes is evident when television networks that are making big dollar amounts for promotion from corporations’ like Nike and other material goods makers are hesitant to  broadcast negative media about these companies. Conflict theorist categorize the identical dilemma at the neighboring point everyplace city reporters will not present bad reviews on certain products like franchise restaurants or other local businesses since the bulk of their financial support comes from the paid advertising of these and other businesses. While media has an impact on society, society has an impact on the media. In fact, with the inventions of such websites and social networks like Facebook and many others individuals in society with this access are just as influential. These social networks have allowed individuals to more and more capable to put forth weight in the other sociological institutions including the mass media. The conflict theory can sometimes see the community as neither here nor there by screening it as just submissively overcome to the forces of the free market, interactionism can lead us into more understanding of how the amplified discussion connections linking character and civilization seeing how the media is very personal to most. We have seen that there can be some slight similarities connecting the social theories of Functionalism, Interactionism and Conflict Theory. They however disagree somewhat significantly with each other. Mostly depending on what theory a person decides to agree with their view and opinions about the media and other social institutions will vary quite a bit. Just because one individual may view the media with the Conflict lens does not mean that the Functionalism and Interactionism does not make very valid points that can be used to enhance our understanding. Full understanding will not be attained from one theory and it is unlikely that everyone will ever agree on just one theory. The understanding that we have gained is that the media truly has an impact on individuals, cultures, society, and mass communications. It is not just at a local level but at a global level. By studying these theories we can gain insight and understand about each point of view. Each ones has a contribution t o share. References: Croteau, David; Hoynes, William, Media society: industries, images, audiences, 2003 Fine, G., & Kleinman, S. (1979). Rethinking Subculture: An Interactionist Analysis. American Journal of Sociology, (1). 1. Gamson, William A.; Croteau, David; Hoynes, William; Sasson, Theodore. In: Annual Review of Sociology, 1/1/1992, Vol. 18, p. 373-393; Library.queensu.ca, Retrieved from: http://library.queensu.ca/ojs/index.php/surveillance-and-society/about/editorialPolicies Mendelsohn, H. (1974). BEHAVIORISM, FUNCTIONALISM, AND MASS COMMUNICATIONS POLICY. Public Opinion Quarterly, 38(3), 379. Reuben, R. C. (2009). MEDIA AND CONFLICT THEORY: AN INTERDISCIPLINARY OVERVIEW: THE IMPACT OF NEWS COVERAGE ON CONFLICT: TOWARD GREATER UNDERSTANDING. Marquette Law Review, 9345. Vissing, Y. (2011) Introduction to Sociology. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc.

Friday, September 27, 2019

Movie Review Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Assignment - Movie Review Example Along with the successful casting, the script and the direction are the other main features of The Cooler, the first feature directed by Wayne Kramer. Whereas the setting of the movie is generally weary and familiar, the movie cannot be considered as ordinary thing, thanks mainly to the quality of the acting and the skillful direction and scriptwriting. â€Å"The script and the direction are skillful, if occasionally gimmicky†¦ Luckily this picture is rescued from cliche by the quality of the acting, and Mr. Kramer wisely gives the actors room to work.† (Scott) Therefore, it is important to recognize that the quality of the acting and the skillful direction and scriptwriting are the basic factors that contribute to the wide acceptance of the movie The Cooler, although there is a view that the movie is unattractive and having nothing motivating or revelatory about it. In a careful observation and review of the film, it becomes lucid to the viewer that The Cooler incorporat es several ingredients of a typical drama film, and the director is satisfied to recycle familiar elements of movie-making, especially with regard to setting and story lines.

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Non Profit Interview Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Non Profit Interview - Essay Example These most important, full-service healthiness care distributors are accountable for making sure that billions of components of prescription are securely distributed to the representatives of retail pharmacies, treatment habitats, treatment centers and contributors in all 50 states. HDMA together with the associates are the essential connection in the healthcare scheme that is accountable for medication security, excellence, reliability and accessibility within the market. In the course of management on public guiding principle and industry best performance, the organization together with its member's center on providing worth, eliminating expenses and increasing inventive resolution to bring care carefully and efficiently. In this particular work, we are going to major in the roles and the contribution of the organization to the society, this will be as regard to the interviews that were carried out in the organization. It will mainly focus on the views of the interviewees and will be based on their organization together with their roles in the society. These organizations are placed in the society strategically so as to have a positive impact in the community. Within the interview carried out, one of the interviewee, Tirza Niemann says that the sectors are established so that it can enable the adult to obtain education (Hodgkinson pg 255). This is as they do provide the facilities of the education within their organization. This is seen among the members of the meetings, marketing and education section in the healthcare organization found in the Washington D.C in the metro area. With this, it is clear that other than just distributing the health care products to the retailers, the organization also has a section from which they have organized to at least provide education to the adults. This is the type of the education that is given to the individuals of whom were late for their studies in their respective stages. Thus, the organization facilitates their progression of the education in such a manner that they are either full or p artially sponsored to pursue with their education in their respective stages and fields. This is usually done by the use of the seminars or even webinars. Other than giving the financially disabled people the opportunity to proceed with their education, they also offer some of the training to the ones of whom are not good in the paper works. With this, they do provide the technical trainings such as the mechanics or the tailoring training for the ones who did not qualify for their next stage but rather they need something that will help them to attain their living. According to Linda Coporaletti Hoyt who is a director in the administration and human resource section in the HDMA organization, says that the non profit sector is entitled to expose the members of whom worker in the organization in such away that they can be able to perform in any field that it is represented to them. To attain this, the members in the organization are forced to volunteer some of their time to participate in the committee organized by the organization. Other than that, the organization are set to ensure that the members in the society are well enlightened with the commodity that they are providing to them as this will enable

Research Proposal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words - 1

Research Proposal - Essay Example Either consciously or unconsciously these variables influence on residents’ health behaviour significantly. Urban planning and design may affect human personality and its behaviour in multiple ways: to a greater or lesser extent all people are the products of their areas. Already in the late XIX century French sociologist F. Siegfried defined that there are several major cleavages in society that affect human mentalities and behaviour. The most important of these cleavages was the one between cities and towns. Presumably, city planning may be one of the most important factors that determine differences between the residents. Intensification of city’s life on human mentality and behaviour requires, hence, more in-depth analysis. Speaking from this perspective, favourable or unfavourable planning may shape people’s health behaviour and, respectively evil or good health habits. Statistic shows that percentage of children-smokers may be higher in the neighbourhoods where the average percent of smokers is greater. People who live in more favourable areas may be more devoted walking, running or outdoor activities than those who live outside the recreation options. Observing Suarez (2000) narrow streets, wide sidewalks, and accessibility of commercial to residential areas make walking easier and much more pleasant. Reversely, poor street design with garages, fences and plenty of barriers for neighbour-to-neighbour communication have altogether negative effect on human health behaviour. Besides, the areas with worse transportation systems, poor night lighting, etc. may be in their turn more dangerous for the residents and have higher criminal statistics. In this project I will attempt to study the correlation between area’s night lighting and criminal rate. A number of disciplines, including criminology, sociology, psychology and architecture, seek to explain crime from their particular perspectives. Many of

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Team work Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Team work - Essay Example I feel, as a member of my team, that I have been very fundamentally contributing to this team in various ways that have made the team to make the milestones that they have so far, until now, the team is able to reap success in its hard work through commitment. My contribution has been to arrange when to meet every time and also to look for the venue for meeting as a team. I have also been involved in raising thought provoking questions that have been in line with our project, that have enabled our group members to always involve in brainstorming for us to get solutions to the problems that we had to handle from time to time. I can also remember that, when we first came together as a group, it was my initiative to lead the group into carrying out a formal introduction of all the group members. We only came together as team of members, who hardly knew each other well, and this could have been an impediment to our success since, it is hard to work together with people you do not talk wi th. To make everyone feel free and contribute their efforts o the group, I thought there was a need for a session to know each other before we could begin our project. One thing I have to commend my team about is the way in which the tem was organized. We had everyone assigned its duty on every occasion that we met. For instance, we had a team leader whose responsibility was to assign duties to every team member. The team leader could ensure that every team member had a responsibility that would contribute to the team’s success. This was very important in increasing the team’s effectiveness in carrying out the project since every member was involved in contributing to the team’s success. Most of the time, I had the responsibility as the team’s organizing secretary and my duties were to organize and schedule events and fix venues for our team, in conjunction with the other team members. Such kinds of responsibilities were very

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Book Assesment Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Book Assesment Report - Essay Example The book that we are going to analyze is Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed by Jared Diamond. Latesvology is a model that deals with the impacts of change in the society brought about by economical, technological and social changes. It further examines the dominant views and acceptable variance in the society related to economical or technological changes. Discussion The changing global economy has been of concern to the many people in different spheres of the global economy since these changes in the global economy have had an effect on the technological and social values within the society. The global world economy has grown tremendously over the years, and thus various sectors, such as the energy and mining sectors, have grown. However, these industries have experienced growth which has boosted the technology sector but has been detrimental to the society in terms of environmental pollution. The growth in the global economy impacted negatively the society in terms o f environmental degradation. This book specifically looks at the advancement of society during the past years and explains how economic growth has contributed to the collapse of different societies. ... Regions such as Europe grew in the past decades leading to the growth of agriculture, industry, technology and the society. As a result, to support this growth, many societies demanded more of resource allocation to be used in supporting industrial growth in order to accommodate the lifestyles of the society. However, growth in the economical aspect led to growth of industries and technology, and as a result, technology was used in the exploitation of resources. Technology was used in expanding industries as new forms of technology, such as growth in the transport systems paved way for industrial growth. As a means of sustaining the industrial growth and other forms of growth, minerals and other resources became the focal point of the development and search of these resources over the long period of time. Therefore, mining and other activities related to mineral extraction became major economic activities. The book in this case compares the race and rate of resource utilization durin g the Mayan, Vikings periods as equal to the current rate of resource utilization in the world (Diamond 187). The current global situation is that commodities and resources are the main drivers of the global economy. As a result, resources such as oil, steel and land are regarded as big economical factors in the development of societal life. Moreover, technology also assisted the development of the economical sector in that it was utilized in the process of acquiring resources from the earth easily for consumption. Consequently, the development of technology aided in the growth of the market economy within the business world. As the economy grew, the net effect in the society was the change in lifestyle and change of the standards of living. People began

Monday, September 23, 2019

The Fourth Crusade Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

The Fourth Crusade - Essay Example [The crusades. New York: Cosmopolitan book corporation, 1929.] The mission of beginning a new crusade had become a life-task to Pope Innocent III. After the death of Richard the Lionheart, the Pope lost all hope in getting a trustworthy monarch to lead the holy war. Almost immediately upon being elected pope, Innocent III decided that the papacy itself should assume the leadership of the next Crusade. He issued his crusading letter in August of 1198, sending it to all the archbishops of the West. He directed the call to arms not to kings and emperors, but to counts and barons and even to cities. The archbishops and bishops of the Church were likewise to contribute soldiers, or an equivalent amount in money.["The Fourth Crusade ", Vol 3:1, (Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania] In 1198 he called for a new Crusade, which was largely ignored among European leaders. The Germans were struggling against Papal power, and England and France were still engaged in warfare against each other. The tone of the encyclical makes it clear that Innocent believed the Church itself was the true leader of the Crusades. Even so, he wrote separately to the kings of France and England, ordering them to cease their war. Not, you will note, that they should go on crusade themselves, but only that their quarrel should not interfere with the raising of troops and money for the Crusade. He likewise sent a papal legate to try to persuade Genoa and Pisa to make a truce between them, for much the same reasons, except that he wanted the Pisans and Genoese to participate in the Crusade.However, due to the preaching of Fulk of Neuilly, a crusading army was finally organized at a tournament held at Ecry by Count Thibaud of Champagne in 1199. Thibaud was elected leader, but he died in 1200 and was replaced by an Italian count, Boniface of Montferrat. Boniface and the other leaders sent envoys to Venice, Genoa, and other city-states to negotiate a contract for transport to Egypt, the object of their crusade; one of the envoys was the historian Geoffrey of Villehardouin. [Donald Queller: The Fourth Crusade, and bibliography in Jonathan Riley-Smith, The Crusades.] Preparation for the Crusade Genoa was uninterested but Venice agreed to transport 33,500 crusaders (as well as 4,500 horses), a very ambitious number. This agreement required a full year of preparation on the part of the city of Venice to build numerous ships and train the sailors that would man them, all the while curtailing the city's commercial activities. The majority of the crusading army that set out from Venice in October 1202 originated from areas within France. It included men from Blois, Champagne, Amiens, Saint-Pol, the Ile-de-France and Burgundy. However, several other regions of Europe sent substantial contingents as well, such as count Flanders and Marquis Boniface of Montferrat from northern Italy. Other notable groups came from the German Empire, including the men under Bishop Martin of Pairis and Bishop Conrad of Halberstadt together in alliance with the Venetian soldiers and sailors led by the Doge Enrico Dandolo.[ Queller, Donald E. "The Fourth Crusade: The Neglected Majority] Attack on Zara Since there was no binding agreement amongst the crusaders that all should sail from Venice, many

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Population Advocate Role Essay Example for Free

Population Advocate Role Essay More than 50 million people in the United States have disabilities (Bauer, 2008). With the growing population and the careless lifestyle of some people, it is envisaged that more people would fall into this bracket. These disabilities include blindness, deafness, the handicapped, the mentally retarded and other ailments that does not allow people function as they would in the society. Although the government is doing its best to curb the rate of disability, it seems as if enough attention is not being given to those that are already disabled in our society. This is the job of the population advocate. The population advocate role has become a necessity in the human service field. This is because unlike other people of the society, these sections of the society have special needs and they need special attention. However, the question is who will take his/her time to attend to the needs of these people? The populations advocate for the disabled plays the role of speaking on behalf of the disabled section of the society. As a result of their condition, disabled people are often sidelined in the society and given little or no attention. The population advocate takes it upon himself/herself to see to the welfare condition of these people. The duty of advocacy should not be left to individuals and welfare organizations. It should be the collective responsibility of everyone as these people are also part of our society. People with disabilities have needs such as housing, treatment, short and long-term medical care, education, probation, and domestic violence. As an advocate, I can play a role by volunteering to take anybody with disability around me for treatment and ensure that he/she is treated like other patients. Apart from this, I would speak up, make a report to the police and rise in defense of the disabled whenever I see them being a victim of domestic violence. I will also make sure that I become a guide to the disabled person around me and become friends with them. I will also contact various welfare organizations to fund housing projects for the disabled in my community.

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Person-centred and Non-person-centred Approaches to Dementia

Person-centred and Non-person-centred Approaches to Dementia Quality care is very important especially to the people who suffer from diseases like the elderly. There are several geriatric health conditions that affect the lifestyle, day-to-day living, social and emotional, and spiritual aspects of their lives. Seniors who have dementia are entitled to be treated well. There are different approach that healthcare providers must know for them to become effective caregivers. In the same manner, patients expect to receive an appropriate care from their carers. In this paper, with the best of my knowledge, I will discuss and explain the person-centred and non-person-centred approach to dementia, different techniques, and the impacts of equality, diversity and cultural issues, as well as the effects of legislation and policy on the person-centred approach for people with dementia. Person- centred approach is a philosophy that acknowledges the unique characteristics of each individuals living in a rest home. The employees interact with the patients based on the personality, medical history and their values. Its main objective is to create partnerships between the staff, demented patients and their families which will give the best results and improve the quality of care and life for the unwell persons. This philosophy mainly focuses on the people rather than on the health condition, and on the individual’s abilities and strengths rather than losses. There are eight principles of care involved in this approach, and these are the following: Individuality People working in the rest home must make sure that they know very well, or at least try to scan the previous records of the patients so as to be aware on the client’s interests, preferences, needs and wants. It is also achieve by gathering information to the relatives, visitors and families of the patient. In this way, proper treatment and handling is executed to each residents. Most of the time, sick individual responds to the caregiver on how they are being manage. It develops smooth relationship between the care recipient and healthcare provider if they get along with each other, the work is much easier to perform than the other way around. Rights Demented patients still have the right to live the way they wanted to be even if they are suffering from a disease. Oftentimes, these people are being discriminated and treated differently compared to others. Each rest home has provided set of guidelines and rules for the patients. The government also outlined the legal rights of demented individuals. They still have the right to do their own care especially if they are able to manage themselves. Healthcare providers are there just to guide and support them. The right to perform their daily activities and whatever curricular activities they want to do must be given to them. Additional rights are: the right to information, to proper treatment and access to health and other services, to be respected and the right to choose and individuality, fair treatment, complaints, and the right to proper standards. Choice People who have dementia must not be taken for granted when it comes to making decision. Their condition do not serve as a hindrance in deciding for themselves. They should invariably be asked to what they favour, and still have to be part in decision and plans about their present situation. Simple things such as choosing what to wear, eat, taking medication and even doing activities must always be based on their preferences. Clients are also required to fill out the consent form before admitting to the rest homes or in any service provisions. Most of them signed the DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) form in advance since dementia is a progressive disease that no known cure. Residential care home always emphasize that patients have the freedom to act whatever they want but with the support of healthcare providers and other allied health professionals. Privacy Dementia linked to cognitive impairment most likely affects the privacy of sick individual as well as the people surround them. Facility’s procedures and policies can influence the privacy of patients. Personal information and health status of the clients must not be tackled without the consent of the concerned person. When it comes to caring them, caregiver must ensure that the door whether in the toilet or room must be closed, even curtains of the window for patients safety and privacy. It is important to knock on the door before entering in to the room, it also shows respect to them. Independence Most of the rest homes encourage self-reliance to the residents especially if the person still has the capacity to do so, despite of the health status.it is important for them to give the space and assistive equipment specifically inside their bedroom so that they are inspired, and it helps stimulate their self-support. Still, the facility is responsible for their clients, aside from encouragement, they must ensure that safety comes first before anything else. Dignity It is defined as the quality of being worthy of honour or respect. As the illness advances the individuals start to lose their personal identity or sense of self, which is the reason for them to become more reliant on the people around them. Someone must validate to the patients who they are, and what they are doing. It is essential that demented people are being treated extra special and most especially with respect. Care staff must keep in mind that, despite from the health condition of the clients, they are still valuable human being and are unique. The support of family, relatives, friends, and even health care professionals are important in order to help the patients in retaining feelings of self-worth as well as the sense of identity. Respect Everyone is entitled to be respected by other people. Regardless of the status in life, attained education, job, and even health condition. Individuals with illness need special attention and cares, and most of all they must be regarded as important persons too. By doing this, they will not feel neglected and not worthy to the society. Expressing concerns, and helping them in remembering what and who they were in the past will make a big difference. Listening and making conversation with them is essential as well, it helps in uplifting their spiritual, cultural, beliefs and values. Autonomy This simply means self-determination or self-rule. Patients with dementia have the right to make their own decision. Depriving their chance to decide their own destiny or fate will be grounds for the moral right of the clients. An example of this is the paternalistic approach, which define as the intentional restriction of an individual’s liberty. In this theory, it is believed that restricting the person will protect and promote the individual’s interest. That is why person-centred approach is being practiced in most of the residential care homes because its principle is self-determination, in which the patient’s role is more active when it comes to his wellbeing. It requires responsibility for deciding on their own and the ability to handle the consequences of their choices. Non-person-centred approach is different from person-centred approach. The latter deals with patient directly such as staff to client relationship, medication treatment specifically for the person involved and everything that is personalised for a patient. Whilst the previous approach cares for the whole facility, residents, as well as to the employees. The two types of this approach are the following: Institutional perspective In rest homes or hospital, it is always departmentalise like kitchen, laundry, housekeeping, physiotherapy, chaplain, and other services offered depending on the organisation, all have different functions but have the same goal, which is for the benefit of the residents. For instance, in the kitchen, the chef must ensure that patients are getting the right designation of food, whether puree or on a soft diet, and is following dietician’s nutritional plans. Similarly, housekeeping department should always keep the room, lounge, toilets and the whole facility tidy and inviting for the residents and visitors as well. Laundry staff must sort out properly the clothes of each residents, should be clean and presentable enough to wear. The same with the towels, flannels, beddings etc. it should always be washed and cleaned appropriately. Biomedical perspective Dementia syndrome is common to the elderly from 65 years old and beyond, and it is a progressive disease that is incurable. Although there are few younger people experiencing this kind of illness. Most of the populace are scared to have this kind of illness, and because of this the government conducts a lot of public awareness and educational programmes regarding this matter. Patients admitted in the hospital or in a rest homes do not always have dementia, there are also other geriatric health conditions like diabetes, kidney problems, stroke or heart diseases, paralysed individuals, and other cases which come to the end point or there body stops responding to the treatment. Even though they are under palliative care, GP’s still prescribe medications for them just to lessen the pain they have. Residential care depends on the doctors’ orders and to the pharmacists who provide the set of medicines for the residents. Nurses are the ones who give medications to the clients certainly. The treatment plan is sometimes altered if the client refuse from it. Physiotherapist are there to help, assist, and support them like in moving, walking, and other related sessions for patient’s own sake. Activity coordinators prepare mental activities to enhance or at least activate the minds of the residents. Several techniques are available to be able to cope with behaviours of the elderly especially demented individuals. Care staff and families must be aware of the different approach. These are the following: Validation Approach It is a therapy which merely focuses on the emotional feelings of the patient. It is also a way of showing understanding and empathy to the seniors since most of them have experienced unresolved issues in the past which triggers their emotional behaviour. There are sub- techniques in this kind of approach which the care giver must practice to be an effective validation therapist, and these are: Centre Themselves, the staff must put themselves in patient’s shoes. Try to view the client as their own mother or grandparent, relax and think clearly before reacting. Second is try to Reminisce, ask questions about care recipient’s mom or dad, share your personal experience, and let the patient show his loneliness. The third one is to Use Extremes, know if the client misses his mother or grandparent and what are the things that he wants to do again with that loved one. This enables the patient to process the feeling of woe in losing someone. Match and Express the Emotion is nec essary to let the patient know that he is not alone about the sadness, care staff are there to help him. Rephrasing and Use Senses are also important since it reassure the patient that somebody understands what he truly feels. Holistic approach This care addresses the wholeness of a person. It includes the emotional, spiritual, and intellectual of the patients. Its main goal is to enhance the quality of life of a person and still be able to enjoy the remaining years of their life despite of the illness. Utilizing holistic methods is beneficial to both care staff and patients. According to the website keepinmind, there four pillars of holistic approach: Environmental, Communication, Nutritional, and Engaging Activity. Environment can affect the behaviour of a patient. It is important to eliminate negative aspects and keep the place safe in order to achieved holistic care, and minimise the anxiety and agitation of the client. Effective communication play a vital role also since constant talking and convincing the patient is required for them to keep calm. These includes verbal and non-verbal communication skills. Assistive Technology Nowadays technology is becoming a necessity. It is part of a person and it makes life easier and faster. Even though high technology is often linked to younger generations, there are useful inventions and gadgets specifically designed for the seniors, especially to those disabled, unwell, and dementia patients. These individuals need assistance whilst maintaining their independency and autonomy. Some of the simple tools available are touch lamps, and automatic calendar clock. High technology devices like satellite navigation systems in which it is use to find missing person. In rest homes, sensor mats are placed to those residents who are prone to falls. Automatic beds and specialised foams or mattress are also available for special case patients. Hearing aids allow the client to be aware of the happenings around them and to be able to communicate with their loved ones and employees. Standing and sling hoist equipment are designed for easy transfer of patients. It promotes safety to both healthcare providers as well as to the patients. Alternative therapies Some people are open-minded and are willing to try traditional treatments. As what others say, there’s no harm in trying. Treatments include acupuncture, aromatherapy, music therapy, bright light therapy, and herbal medicines. Taking herbal medicines, dietary supplements or even vitamins believed to cause delay or it slower the progress of dementia. Although there is no strong evidence about it but there are few researches say that it has positive effects to the patients. The most common herbs are Ginkgo biloba extract, Yizhi capsule (YZC), Kami-Umtam-To (KUT), and Choto-san. Vitamin E might slow the effects of dementia but taking too much has high risk for patient with heart disease. The same effect with Omega- fatty acids and Coenzyme Q10 but still need further studies and research about it. Reminisce techniques Every person reminisce, whether healthy or suffering from a disease. It is a useful tool for everyone especially in times of hardship and stressful events in life. People can divert their feelings through this process, it is inspiring and helps a person to keep moving on and continue to live. This technique is effective to dementia patients, it is a way for them to recall who they were decades ago. In addition, reminiscing or life-review promotes socialization too, since it involves communication with other person. Most of the seniors love to tell stories about their previous experiences to the young ones, and those are useful information that can be applied in the future. Their knowledge, wisdom and skills are very important since those are based on real-life event, not just make-up stories. Moreover, reminisce therapy conveys a lot of benefits for persons with Alzheimer’s. It gives them the sense of belonging, peace and power, existence, importance and value, and gives a positive outlook in life. Furthermore, there are several mediums that can assist in this therapy which is intended to use for different senses as well. Captured memories from the past, paintings, and other valuable objects is utilise for their vision. Old music played in various instruments is used for their sense of hearing, and certain food and smell kits are for their sense of taste well as smell. There are three types of reminisce activities and therapies and these are: Simple, Evaluate, and Occasional reminisce. It is like a level of reminiscing, from their happy and enjoyable to challenging experiences and conflicts, and up to the stressful events and other emotional happenings in life. Involvement and participation of families, friends, relatives, care staff, and other healthcare providers are necessary for this to be an effective therapy. Public health and health promotion The most common dilemma of patients with dementia or any other geriatric health conditions is discrimination. Oftentimes, families and relatives hesitate to seek professional and government help because they are scared to be treated as different from other normal individuals. Promoting public health and awareness is very important to eliminate such stigma. Lack of information to health problem can due to the misunderstanding that dementia is a normal condition of ageing rather than a progressive disease. It can also because of unrecognised or limited information about the signs and symptoms of dementia. Then, lack of understanding about risk factors associated with the disease. Socioeconomic and cultural variables contribute to shaping knowledge and beliefs about dementia. That is why government funded programmes and other organisational campaigns are important in public awareness. It helps the society to fully accept the illness as well as those who have this condition, and proper m anagement and approach will eventually implemented nationwide. By doing this, discrimination will be totally eliminated, fair treatment and smooth life ahead for affected individuals is feasible. Attitudes to health and demand for healthcare The increasing number of people having dementia resulted to high demand of healthcare providers worldwide. Lots of service provisions and other government support services are available to help families in dealing with the disease. Family members send their patients to rest homes and hospitals due to the fact that they cannot handle them at home. They are aware that professional help is necessary to provide the quality care for their unwell seniors. It is important to give the utmost cares when it comes to the patients. Choosing the right facility that suits to the needs of the client must be done. For the care staff, several trainings, programmes and seminars are important to ensure the safety of the stakeholders. In response to the necessities of patients with dementia and other common geriatric health problems, local agencies in New Zealand established rules and regulations for stakeholders, healthcare providers, families, and support organisations as their guidelines. Person-centred approach focuses on the individual which is more applicable and is now followed by any service provisions compared to the traditional one. The principles of care are mainly for the benefits of patients. Their rights as a resident in a rest home are carefully executed, every care and treatment is always based on their preferences. Most of the clients are fully aware about their rights since prior to admission, the management let them sign forms, consent and other important protocols. Basically, the main function of employees is to ensure the safety of the clients, performing cares without offending their right to privacy and independence, support and understand the current situation facing by the patients as well as the families, and most specially giving the best effort for them to enjoy the last chapter of their lives in the world.