Mrs. Alice Kingson Is A 76-Year-Old African American Woman

Mrs Alice Kingson Is A 76 Year Old African American Woman Who Lives W

Mrs. Alice Kingson is a 76-year-old African American woman who lives with her husband of 55 years, Charles, in their home, a modest bungalow. She was referred to Elder Services, with her permission, by the hospital discharge planner following her hospitalization at Memorial Hospital for a stroke. The mild stroke left her with a pronounced weakness on her right side and some speech deficits. Although her husband is currently providing personal care and preparing all meals for Mrs. Kingson, this is not a long-term solution. Mr. Kingson has his own health problems and is overwhelmed by the demands of her care. Mrs. Kingson has four grown children, all living within five miles, along with seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She used to see her family regularly but has become more isolated since her stroke.

She had a career as a children's librarian, retiring ten years ago after working until her retirement. She was actively involved in volunteering until her illness. Her physical health is relatively good, with notable residual effects from her stroke, including weakness on the right side, unsteady gait, drooping face on the right, and slurred speech, though she can be understood with effort. She has controlled high blood pressure and has recent hypercholesterolemia management. She also experiences arthritis, minor hearing loss, and wears glasses for close work. She is on medications, including Lipitor and Paxil, and manages her medications well with blister packs. Her nutritional status appears adequate, with no signs of neglect or abuse.

In terms of activities of daily living (ADLs), Mrs. Kingson requires assistance with bathing, dressing, and ambulation due to her physical limitations. She can use the phone and take medications independently but cannot prepare meals, do housework, or transport herself independently. Despite her limitations, her awareness of her abilities aligns with her observed performance, and she exhibits good cognitive functioning. Her psychological health shows signs of mild depression, attributed to frustration over her physical limitations and speech problems, although her mood is generally engaging and humorous. She demonstrates good long-term and short-term memory and remains oriented to time, space, and person.

Socially, her activities have diminished, leading to feelings of isolation from friends and family, especially church and community engagements. Her husband, who is extremely vigilant and nervous about her health, has also become socially isolated, reducing his contact with friends and community activities. The couple relies on their adult children for instrumental support, including meals and household chores. Mrs. Kingson prefers not to voice her concerns about her husband's overprotectiveness, instead relying on prayer and her faith to cope.

Spirituality is central to Mrs. Kingson’s life; she is an active member of a large, diverse parish and finds strength in her faith and community. Despite her physical and emotional challenges, she remains committed to her spirituality and community involvement, although her mobility limitations hinder her participation. She has a history of racial discrimination, which influences her views on social justice and her efforts to instill pride about her heritage in her children. Her financial situation is stable, supported by pensions and Social Security, with adequate insurance coverage, though the costs of home support services could be burdensome.

Her sexual activity is of concern to her and her husband, as she desires to resume intimacy, but her health issues and her perception of being fragile have created some reluctance. Nonetheless, their relationship remains affectionate and supportive. The home environment is safe and well-maintained, with necessary modifications due to her mobility issues, and family photos create a comforting atmosphere.

Paper For Above instruction

The case of Mrs. Alice Kingson exemplifies the complex interplay of physical, psychological, social, and environmental factors affecting an older adult recovering from stroke. This paper explores her health status, functional abilities, mental health, social engagement, spiritual life, financial resources, and environmental safety, with an aim to develop comprehensive care strategies tailored to her needs.

Introduction

Stroke remains one of the leading causes of functional decline among older adults, often resulting in long-term deficits that influence their independence and quality of life (Benjamin et al., 2019). Mrs. Kingson’s case highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach that considers physical rehabilitation, mental health support, social integration, and environmental adaptations. Understanding her strengths and challenges enables caregivers and healthcare providers to formulate effective intervention plans that promote recovery, autonomy, and well-being.

Physical Health and Functional Status

Mrs. Kingson’s post-stroke presentation indicates residual deficits, including right-sided weakness, unsteady gait, and speech impairments. Despite these, her physical appearance and engagement demonstrate a relatively positive outlook. Her ongoing management of hypertension and cholesterol, along with arthritis, suggests a need for continued medical oversight to prevent recurrent cerebrovascular events (Johnston et al., 2021). Her ability to manage medications independently is encouraging, yet she requires assistance with ADLs, which underscores the necessity for tailored rehabilitation programs emphasizing strength, balance, and mobility training (Langhorne et al., 2018).

Psychological and Mental Health Considerations

While Mrs. Kingson exhibits a vibrant personality, signs of depression are evident, consistent with common post-stroke psychological sequelae (Ayerbe et al., 2013). Her frustration and boredom, coupled with limited social interaction, exacerbate her emotional distress. Notably, her expressed reliance on faith and prayer as coping mechanisms reflect the significance of spiritual resources in managing psychological health (Koenig et al., 2012). Regular mental health screening and counseling interventions are essential to address her depressive symptoms and promote emotional resilience.

Social Support and Community Engagement

Social isolation post-stroke can adversely impact recovery outcomes, emphasizing the importance of fostering social connections (Cacioppo & Hawkley, 2009). Mrs. Kingson’s restricted mobility and her husband's overprotectiveness limit engagement with community and family activities. Interventions should include facilitating mobility aids, encouraging participation in church activities, and supporting her desires to reconnect with friends and community groups. Family-centered approaches and caregiver support are vital to ease her husband's burden while ensuring Mrs. Kingson maintains social ties (Bartlett et al., 2018).

Spirituality and Cultural Considerations

Mrs. Kingson’s deep religious faith serves as a vital coping resource. Her active participation in her church community offers a sense of purpose and belonging (Pargament et al., 2013). Interventions should incorporate her spiritual practices and involve faith-based support networks to enhance her psychological well-being and adherence to care plans. Acknowledging her cultural identity and history of racial discrimination informs culturally sensitive interventions that respect her values and experiences (Campinha-Bacote, 2011).

Financial Resources and Home Environment

Financial stability from pensions and Social Security supports basic needs, yet home care costs pose potential financial strain. Exploring community resources, such as home health services, transportation assistance, and support groups, can ease financial burdens and improve quality of life (Miller et al., 2020). The home environment appears suitable for her needs, with safety modifications for mobility, but ongoing assessment ensures hazard mitigation as her condition evolves.

Intimate Relationships and Sexual Health

Mrs. Kingson’s desire to resume intimacy underscores the importance of addressing sexual health concerns among seniors post-stroke (Gordon et al., 2012). Open communication with her husband and healthcare providers is essential to normalize these discussions and develop mutually satisfying solutions that respect her health status and comfort.

Conclusion

Mrs. Kingson’s multifaceted case emphasizes the importance of holistic, patient-centered care for older adults recovering from stroke. Strategies should include physical rehabilitation, psychological support, social reintegration, spiritual engagement, financial planning, and environmental safety assessments. Tailoring interventions to her unique cultural and personal preferences enhances her potential for improved independence, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life.

References

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