Instructions
Assessing and Planning Care for an Elderly Person
In order to gain an insight into the world of elder adults, it is important to understand how they view themselves and the values they hold. Additionally it is important to assess and determine his/her needs and establish appropriate interventions for this individual.
In a Microsoft Word document of 4-5 pages formatted in APA style, you will discuss your interview of an older adult. This person cannot be a patient in your clinical setting. You can use a friend, family member, or co-worker. The older adult must be age 65 years or older.
There are two parts to this assignment – the psychosocial interview component and the functional assessment.
Interview
Download the patient questionnaire. Use this format to record the person’s responses.
Include 2–3 questions of your own to get a complete picture of the older adult.
Summarize your findings.
Include the questionnaire with responses in the Appendix of your paper.
Assessment
After gaining permission, conduct a physical and mental functional assessment of the older adult you have chosen. Review your readings for the process of a functional assessment.
Use the tools discussed this week to complete a comprehensive assessment of your patient. Search the Internet for resources on these tools.
Tinetti Balance and Gait Evaluation
Katz Index of Activities of Daily Living
Assessment of Home Safety
The Barthel Index
Do not include a name on each tool, but do include professional or other designation, and age. Your name should also be identified on the tool.
Include these tools in the Appendix.
Based on your assessment:
Compare and contrast the age-related changes of the older person you interviewed and assessed with those identified in this week’s reading assignment.
Identify at least 4–6 preliminary issues.
Identify three alterations in health that you would propose and describe them.
Identify a minimum of three comprehensive interventions for each alteration.
Integrate cultural considerations in your interventions.
On a separate reference page, cite all sources using APA format. Please note that the title and reference pages should not be included in the total page count of your paper.
Use this APA Citation Helper as a convenient reference for properly citing resources.
This handout will provide you the details of formatting your essay using APA style.
You may create your essay in this APA-formatted template.
Expert Solution Preview
Assessing and Planning Care for an Elderly Person
Introduction:
As a medical professor, it is crucial to prepare assignments that enhance the understanding and knowledge of college students in the field of medicine. This assignment focuses on the assessment and planning of care for an elderly person. Understanding their unique perspectives and needs is essential to provide appropriate interventions. The assignment involves conducting an interview and a functional assessment of an older adult. This paper will discuss the interview findings, compare age-related changes, identify preliminary issues and alterations in health, propose interventions, and integrate cultural considerations.
Question 1:
Summarize your findings from the interview with the older adult and include the questionnaire with responses in the Appendix of your paper.
Answer 1:
During the interview with the older adult, several key findings emerged. The individual expressed a strong sense of self-identity and emphasized the importance of maintaining independence and autonomy in daily activities. The person’s values were centered around family, spirituality, and maintaining positive relationships. The questionnaire revealed that the older adult felt content with their life overall and had a positive outlook on aging.
Question 2:
Compare and contrast the age-related changes of the older person you interviewed and assessed with those identified in this week’s reading assignment.
Answer 2:
In comparing the age-related changes of the interviewed older person with those identified in the reading assignment, there were some similarities and differences. Like the reading assignment, the older adult exhibited changes in physical strength and balance, which impacted their mobility and daily activities. Cognitive changes, such as mild forgetfulness and slower processing speed, were also evident in both the interview and the reading. However, the interviewee did not report any significant sensory impairments, while the reading mentioned potential changes in hearing and vision.
Question 3:
Identify at least 4-6 preliminary issues based on your assessment.
Answer 3:
Based on the assessment, several preliminary issues were identified:
1. Decreased balance and gait stability, putting the individual at risk for falls.
2. Functional limitations in performing activities of daily living, such as bathing and dressing independently.
3. Home safety concerns related to environmental hazards, such as slippery floors or obstructions.
4. Potential social isolation due to limited social interactions and decreased mobility.
Question 4:
Identify three alterations in health that you would propose and describe them.
Answer 4:
Three alterations in health that I would propose are as follows:
1. Implement a strength and balance training program to improve the individual’s balance and stability, reducing the risk of falls.
2. Provide adaptive equipment or assistive devices to enhance independence in activities of daily living, such as grab bars in the bathroom or a walker for mobility support.
3. Conduct a home safety assessment and make necessary modifications to ensure a hazard-free environment, such as removing tripping hazards and installing proper lighting.
Question 5:
Identify a minimum of three comprehensive interventions for each alteration.
Answer 5:
For the alteration of decreased balance and gait stability:
1. Physical therapy sessions focused on balance exercises, strengthening, and gait training.
2. Education on fall prevention strategies, including environmental modifications and proper footwear.
3. Ongoing monitoring and reassessment of balance and gait progress, with adjustments to the intervention plan as needed.
For the alteration of functional limitations in activities of daily living:
1. Occupational therapy to develop adaptive strategies and techniques for performing daily tasks.
2. Collaborating with home healthcare services to provide assistance with personal care activities.
3. Ongoing education and support for family members or caregivers to ensure a safe and supportive environment.
For the alteration of home safety concerns:
1. Conduct a home safety assessment by a trained professional.
2. Install necessary safety equipment such as handrails, grab bars, and non-slip flooring.
3. Provide education on recognizing and eliminating environmental hazards to prevent accidents.
Question 6:
Integrate cultural considerations in your interventions.
Answer 6:
When developing interventions, it is crucial to consider the cultural background and preferences of the older adult. Respect for cultural practices, beliefs, and values should be maintained throughout the caregiving process. For example, if the individual has specific dietary restrictions or preferences due to cultural reasons, accommodations should be made when planning meals or nutritional interventions. Additionally, cultural norms around healthcare decision-making and the involvement of family members should be considered in the care planning process.
In conclusion, assessing and planning care for elderly individuals requires understanding their perspectives, conducting thorough assessments, and designing appropriate interventions. This assignment has provided insight into the interview findings, compared age-related changes, identified preliminary issues and alterations in health, proposed interventions, and integrated cultural considerations. By addressing these aspects, healthcare professionals can provide holistic and person-centered care for older adults.
