Case Study 2 Directions Please Base Your Case Study Assignme

Case Study 2 Directionsplease Base Your Case Study Assignment Off Of T

Use the facts provided in the case study about Ms. Abby Jones, an 85-year-old woman with mild dementia who has recently experienced a fall and hospitalization, to develop a comprehensive care plan. Incorporate additional relevant behaviors or information that logically align with her condition, such as the potential need for safety devices like door alarms to prevent wandering. Consider her cognitive status, physical health, social needs, family wishes, and financial constraints when making recommendations. Support your decisions with citations from relevant academic and reputable sources. Your report should be 2-3 pages long and may include lists or outlines but does not require APA formatting.

Paper For Above instruction

Ms. Abby Jones, an 85-year-old grandmother, faces significant challenges following a recent fall, hospitalization, and her ongoing cognitive decline associated with mild dementia. Her current situation necessitates a carefully planned long-term care strategy that balances her safety, health needs, social engagement, and financial limitations. Given her cognitive deterioration—marked by memory lapses, difficulty following instructions, and repetitive questioning—an appropriate care environment must address her safety and well-being while respecting her personal preferences and family concerns.

Assessment of Ms. Jones’s Needs

Ms. Jones’s memory issues have advanced from minor forgetfulness to more serious concerns such as forgetting meals, medication routines, and safety procedures like turning off the stove. Her inability to recall her last meal or recent activities poses a risk of injury or safety hazards at home. Furthermore, her difficulty in following directions and her disorientation post-surgery suggest that her ability to live independently is compromised. The family’s desire for her to remain in a long-term care setting stems from concerns about her safety, her tendency to become disoriented, and feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Safety and Environmental Considerations

To ensure her safety, especially given her risk of wandering and disorientation, environmental modifications should be implemented. Installing door alarms would alert caregivers if Ms. Jones attempts to leave her residence unaccompanied, reducing the risk of her wandering into unsafe areas or getting lost (Moyle et al., 2018). Additionally, installing safety locks and removing objects that she might trip over can prevent falls. Given her cognitive state, simplified, consistent routines and labeling important items (like medication bottles) can help reduce confusion (Seeley et al., 2020).

Type of Care Setting

Considering her physical recovery, cognitive needs, and social withdrawal, a cognitive impairment specialized residential facility or assisted living with memory care units is advisable. Such facilities provide around-the-clock supervision, structured routines, and staff trained in managing dementia-related behaviors (Chapman et al., 2018). Long-term care placement would also mitigate her risk of wandering and safety hazards, as staff can monitor her continuously and implement safety protocols effectively.

Therapy and Medical Needs

Initially, her limited therapy hours—ranging from 1 to 3.5 hours daily—reflect her physical and cognitive tolerance. Post-discharge, her therapy needs should focus on maintaining mobility, preventing further decline, and managing her pain. Coordination with physical therapists to develop a tailored, manageable rehabilitation program is vital, considering her ability to tolerate therapy sessions (Hirsch & Brenner, 2020). As her therapy funding is limited to Medicare benefits for approximately 100 days, alternative funding options or community resources such as Medicaid or state-funded assistance should be explored for ongoing services.

Social and Emotional Well-being

Ms. Jones’s feelings of loneliness and her desire to be with her cat indicate emotional needs that could be addressed through social programs and structured visits. Facilitating regular visits from staff and arranging virtual contact with her family could alleviate feelings of isolation (Cialdella et al., 2019). Pet therapy or visits from therapy animals might also uplift her mood and foster engagement, contributing positively to her mental health (Beetz et al., 2012).

Financial and Family Considerations

Financial constraints significantly influence her care options. With her limited income, reliance on Medicare, and family’s capacity to provide support, community-based programs like Medicaid-waivered services or adult day programs might offer supplementary resources that extend her care beyond initial placement (Smith et al., 2017). The family’s involvement remains central; ensuring they are informed and included in care planning can help align the services with her preferences and ensure continuity of care.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Based on Ms. Jones’s current health status, safety risks, and social needs, placement in a memory care assisted living facility with safety features, trained staff, and supportive services appears most appropriate. An individualized care plan should include environmental modifications, appropriate physical and cognitive therapies, regular social engagement, and financial planning for sustained support post-Medicare coverage. Continuous reassessment of her condition will be essential to adapt her care plan over time, and family support and involvement should be prioritized to enhance her emotional well-being.

References

  • Beetz, A., Uvnäs-Moberg, K., Julius, H., & Kotrschal, K. (2012). Psychosocial and neurobiological effects of human-animal interactions: The possible role of oxytocin. Frontiers in Psychology, 3, 234.
  • Chapman, S., Jenkins, C., & Davis, M. (2018). Specialized dementia care units: Design and effectiveness. Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 50(2), 122–130.
  • Cialdella, P. R., et al. (2019). Impact of social engagement on cognitive decline: A review. Aging & Mental Health, 23(12), 1627–1634.
  • Hirsch, M., & Brenner, D. (2020). Physical therapy approaches for post-acute care in dementia. Physical Therapy Reviews, 25(4), 235–242.
  • Moyle, W., et al. (2018). Wandering behavior in dementia: Strategies for safety. Dementia, 17(3), 362–377.
  • Seeley, J. R., et al. (2020). Managing behavioral symptoms in dementia care: Strategies and safety interventions. Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 46(6), 19–27.
  • Smith, M., et al. (2017). Funding long-term care for the elderly: Policy implications. Journal of Aging & Social Policy, 29(3), 161–175.