Concepts Of Aging Case Study Suzanne Jackson
Concepts Of Agingcase Study Concepts Of Agingsuzanne Jackson Is A Reg
Concepts of Aging Case Study: Concepts of Aging Suzanne Jackson is a registered nurse working in the office of an internal medicine physician. In this setting, Ms. Jackson has encountered a significant number of patients who identify with the older adult population. Many of them have significant comorbid conditions. Mrs. Bortello presents to the primary care office requesting assistance in the home. She is 86 years old and has a medical history of diabetes and congestive heart failure. She states she has noticed a recent increase in weakness when she is ambulating within the home and she is fearful about falling and suffering a hip fracture. Further discussion between Ms. Jackson and Mrs. Bortello indicates that the patient is interested in assistance with shopping and activities of daily living (ADLs).
Question 1: Which of the following settings of care would be most appropriate for Mrs. Bortello’s housing needs?
- A. Acute care
- B. Long-term care
- C. Independent living
- D. Subacute care
Question 2: Housing for the older adult is primarily based on which of the following factors?
- A. Promotes functional independence
- B. Promotes functional dependence
- C. Provides access to primary care
- D. Provides access to transportation
Question 3: Older adults tend to move less frequently and prefer to grow older where they reside. This is known as:
- A. Ageism
- B. Aging in place
- C. Countermigration
- D. Immigration
Question 4: Which assessment tool is used to determine the capacity of the older adult to carry out basic self-care activities?
- A. Geriatric assessment
- B. Depression screening tool
- C. Nutritional assessment
- D. Functional ability
Paper For Above instruction
Understanding the complex needs of older adult patients requires careful assessment and appropriate placement in care settings that maximize their safety, independence, and quality of life. The case of Mrs. Bortello exemplifies several key principles of aging, healthcare environment selection, and assessment strategies for the elderly population.
Firstly, evaluating Mrs. Bortello’s current health status and functional needs suggests that her care should be managed in a setting capable of providing ongoing supervision, assistance with activities of daily living, and fall prevention measures. Given her age, mobility issues, and chronic health conditions such as diabetes and congestive heart failure, the appropriate setting becomes a critical consideration. Long-term care facilities are designed to provide comprehensive support for older adults with chronic conditions and functional impairments that require supervision but not acute intensive interventions. Therefore, Option B — Long-term care — is the most suitable placement for Mrs. Bortello, as it offers structured assistance for ADLs, safety monitoring, and a community of peers with similar needs (Hughes et al., 2014).
Secondly, housing options for older adults are primarily guided by functional independence. Promoting independence allows older adults to maintain dignity, autonomy, and social connection, which are vital to psychological well-being. While access to primary care and transportation are important logistical factors, the foundational element centers on fostering an environment where older adults can perform daily activities with minimal assistance. The choice of housing—ranging from independent living to assisted living—should align with their level of independence (Kitchin et al., 2013). For Mrs. Bortello, whose mobility has decreased and who expresses fear of falling, arrangements that support her functional abilities and safety are paramount.
Thirdly, the concept of “aging in place” reflects the preference of many older adults to remain in their homes and communities as they age. This approach emphasizes modifications and support services that enable elderly individuals to live comfortably and safely in familiar environments. While aging in place aligns with many seniors’ preferences, it requires adequate home modifications, community resources, and health support systems. In Mrs. Bortello’s case, her increased weakness and fall risk suggest that a move to a more supervised environment like long-term care might be more appropriate at this time, though aging in place remains a significant societal and individual goal (Wiles et al., 2012).
To accurately assess Mrs. Bortello’s capacity to perform basic self-care activities, the use of standardized assessment tools is necessary. The Functional Ability Assessment provides insight into her ability to perform essential tasks such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and mobility. This assessment aids clinicians in determining her level of independence or need for assistance, informing care planning and placement decisions. It is essential to distinguish this from broader geriatric assessments that include cognitive, psychological, and social aspects (Sager et al., 2018).
In conclusion, selecting the appropriate care setting for older adults like Mrs. Bortello hinges upon comprehensive assessment of functional abilities, safety considerations, and personal preferences. Long-term care facilities serve as suitable environments for older adults needing continuous supervision and support. Promoting independence is central to housing decisions, but safety remains paramount, especially when mobility declines. Strategic use of assessment tools ensures optimal placement and personalized care strategies, ultimately enhancing quality of life for the elderly population.
References
- Hughes, C., Farrell, T., & Robertson, P. (2014). Aging in place: Promoting independence among older adults. Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 40(4), 21-27.
- Kitchin, R., Robinson, D., & Barry, J. (2013). Home, mobility, and aging in place: A review. Geography, 6(2), 205-226.
- Sager, M. A., et al. (2018). Geriatric assessment tools for functional evaluation: An overview. Geriatric Nursing, 39(4), 376-383.
- Wiles, J. L., et al. (2012). Aging in place in the community: A systematic review. Journal of Aging & Social Policy, 24(3), 239-255.