Casecan Mrs. Klausman Stay In Assisted Living

Casecan Mrs Klausman Stay In Assisted Livingmrs Klausman Is A 92 Ye

Mrs. Klausman is a 92-year-old resident in an assisted living facility who has a mild cognitive impairment and difficulties with bathing and medication administration. Due to progressive arthritis, she struggles with eating because she cannot grip silverware securely, leading to frustration and embarrassment. The facility staff, unable to provide specialized feeding assistance, recommends hiring a home care provider. Her daughter is contemplating whether a skilled nursing facility might better meet her mother's needs. The questions posed involve evaluating her self-feeding deficit, whether she should be transferred to a skilled nursing facility, and if hiring a homemaker is appropriate.

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The case of Mrs. Klausman highlights critical considerations in long-term care decisions for elderly residents experiencing functional decline, particularly in self-feeding abilities. Assessing her situation from various perspectives on long-term care reveals the complexity of choosing appropriate interventions that promote safety, dignity, and quality of life.

From a medical and rehabilitative perspective, Mrs. Klausman’s difficulty with self-feeding primarily stems from her progressive arthritis combined with cognitive impairment. Arthritis impairs her fine motor skills, making it challenging to handle utensils, while cognitive impairment may reduce her ability to problem-solve or remember proper eating techniques. This dual impairment necessitates an assessment by healthcare professionals, including occupational therapists, to determine specific functional limitations and potential interventions. Adaptive devices, such as utensil handles or specialized cutlery, could mitigate her physical difficulties, allowing her to continue self-feeding with support (Chong et al., 2018). Consideration of her cognitive status is equally important; cognitive support strategies or supervision may help her maintain independence longer.

From a patient-centered care perspective, maintaining dignity and autonomy are vital. While Mrs. Klausman’s frustration and embarrassment are evident, solutions should aim to preserve her independence to the greatest extent possible. Collaboration between healthcare providers, family, and residents facilitates personalized care plans. In this context, hiring a homemaker or a personal care aide for mealtime assistance could be suitable, provided that it respects her preferences and promotes her independence. Environmental modifications such as adaptive utensils and furniture adjustments can enhance her eating experience and prevent falls or accidents (Gomersall et al., 2020).

From an ethical and quality-of-life perspective, transitions to more restrictive environments, like skilled nursing facilities, should be carefully considered. Moving Mrs. Klausman to a skilled nursing facility might provide more comprehensive medical and functional support, especially if her arthritis or cognitive impairment significantly compromises her safety. However, such transfers can also induce distress and reduce her sense of independence. The decision should involve evaluating her current and projected needs, her health status, and her personal and familial preferences (Reamy & Guse, 2017).

From a systems perspective, resource availability and existing facility capabilities influence care options. The assisted living facility lacks the staffing resources to assist with feeding, which is a common limitation in such settings primarily designed for supportive rather than medical care. Employing personalized assistance through home care providers may bridge this gap effectively, allowing Mrs. Klausman to remain in her familiar environment while receiving tailored support (Kaye et al., 2019). Ensuring that the hired caregiver is trained in gentle, respectful patient assistance is crucial.

In conclusion, deciding whether Mrs. Klausman can remain in assisted living depends on a comprehensive assessment of her functional status, care needs, and personal preferences. Adaptive devices and environmental modifications, combined with appropriate caregiver support, can enable her to maintain her independence and dignity. Transferring her to a skilled nursing facility might be warranted if her safety or health deteriorates significantly or if her needs surpass what supportive home care can provide. Hiring a homemaker for mealtime assistance appears appropriate and aligns with person-centered care values, provided it is adequately resourced and tailored to her needs.

References

• Chong, A., Swanson, J. A., & Nguyen, H. (2018). Adaptive devices for elderly patients with arthritis: A systematic review. Geriatric Medicine, 6(2), 65-70.
• Gomersall, T., et al. (2020). Environmental modifications to improve independence in older adults. Journal of Aging & Social Policy, 32(3), 232-247.
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• Reamy, A., & Guse, L. (2017). Ethical considerations in long-term care decisions for cognitively impaired individuals. Journal of Medical Ethics, 43(9), 593-597.
• Chung, R. Y., et al. (2021). Cognitive impairment and functional decline in elderly populations. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 36(7), 987-995.
• Fisher, G. & Brown, K. (2019). Person-centered care approaches in assisted living. Journal of Aging Studies, 50, 144-150.
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