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Chronic Fatigue Research Paper

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Senior Services and Chronic Fatigue

According to the National Institute of Health, fatigue is a "common clinical complaint among older adults for which multiple definitions and measurement instruments exist. Fatigue is often a symptom of underlying medical or psychiatric illness." One of the greatest problems with chronic fatigue is that, while it is common, it is almost impossible to diagnose consistently.

While the symptoms of fatigue typically include chronic tiredness and exhaustion, many seniors also complain of physical or cognitive decline or an inability to complete tasks. Measuring "tiredness", "decline", or slower performance is very difficult and relative, thus the complexity in diagnosing chronic fatigue. Many researchers have …show more content…
Senior services providers are often able to relate what they have seen and heard to help the doctors in their diagnosis. This first-hand, qualitative account of your loved one's issues are often essential in moving forward quickly with a plan of action.

Because chronic fatigue is measured in degrees of variance, a running record of compiled data is often necessary to determine if any treatments are working. Senior services providers are able to chart and collect this data for your loved one. There is rarely a quick fix to issues of fatigue, and several treatment options are often tried before something is found that works.

In addition to helping with the diagnosis and treatment of chronic fatigue, senior services are often necessary for seniors to maintain independence and quality of life when living alone if they are suffering from this ailment. Research shows that seniors suffering from chronic fatigue were more than twice as likely to be living alone. These seniors also were more likely to have other medical issues such as incontinence, hearing problems, joint problems, and other conditions which limit self-care and positive social interactions. Senior services are able to help with light housekeeping, laundry, transportation, self-care, medication management, and so

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