Assessing and Planning Care for an Elderly Person

Assessing and Planning Care for an Elderly Person

From the interview and assessment, the age-related changes noted include decreased muscle strength, slower gait speed, and mild joint stiffness impacting his movement. The changes are consistent with research evidence on age-related changes in the musculoskeletal system. Due to age-related changes, the cartilage matrix around joints thins out through gradual loss with aging caused by loss of cells and condensed growth factor activity (Zhai et al., 2023).

Preliminary Issues

The preliminary issues identified include balance and mobility challenges caused by reduced muscle strength and joint stiffness. Second, possible risk of falls particularly in areas with obstacles or uneven surfaces. Thirdly, difficulty performing specific activities of daily living (ADLs) like dressing or bathing independently. Lastly, mild cognitive alterations impact concentration and memory.

Health Alterations Identified

         Three health alterations I would propose are balance and mobility improvement, home safety enhancement, and social engagement promotion. Balance and mobility improvement may be achieved through physical therapy and targeted exercises. Home safety can be enhanced by putting up grab bars, removing hazards, and improving lighting while promoting social engagement can be done by connecting the patient with support groups, community programs, and social events.

Three Comprehensive Interventions for each Alteration

         To improve mobility and balance, the patient should be referred to a physical therapist to help improve balance, flexibility, and strength. Patient education on fall prevention measures and the provision of assistive devices would be given. Lastly, assessments would be conducted regularly to monitor progress and change interventions accordingly.

Further, home safety would be improved by carrying out home safety assessments and making recommendations for changes like securing loose cables and removing drugs. The patient would be educated on measures to prevent falls and safe mobility aid use at home. Also, the implementation of adaptive equipment and home changes can be done in collaboration with occupational therapy. Lastly, social engagement promotion can be achieved by connecting the patient to community-based programs that are tailored to older adults like senior centers or volunteer opportunities. Also, enhancing social and family support by nurturing closer relationships with friends, family members, and neighbors. Intergenerational programs that encourage interactions between younger and older generations, like mentorship programs, may help.

Cultural considerations

         The specific interventions would be culturally considerate. During the designing of the intervention, the patient cultural preferences and background would be considered. The patient’s autonomy would be respected, and he would be actively involved in his care plan. Lastly, cultural traditions would be incorporated to promote mental well-being and social engagement.

References

Jeong Hye Park, & Kang, S.-W. (2023). Social Interaction and Life Satisfaction among Older Adults by Age Group. Healthcare, 11(22), 2951–2951. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11222951

Plácido, A. I., Herdeiro, M. T., & Roque, F. (2022). Health and Wellbeing in Aging. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(14), 8835. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19148835

Zhai, M., Huang, Y., Zhou, S., Jin, Y., Feng, J., Pei, C., Wen, L., & Wen’s, L. (2023). Effects of age-related changes in trunk and lower limb range of motion on gait. 24(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-023-06301-4

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Assessing and Planning Care for an Elderly Person
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.

Assessing and Planning Care for an Elderly Person

In a Microsoft Word document of 4-5 pages formatted in APA style, you will discuss your interview with 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