Nur2092 Week 10 Part II Assignment: Functional Assessment

Nur2092 Week 10 Part Ii Assignment Functional Assessment Of The Older

Compare and differentiate between activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), and advanced activities of daily living (AADLs). For each category, provide two examples that illustrate their differences and scope.

Discuss at least two disorders that may impair or alter an older adult’s cognition, explaining how these conditions affect mental processes and daily functioning.

Identify and describe some key signs and symptoms that may indicate caregiver burnout, emphasizing the importance of recognizing these indicators for timely intervention.

Describe a reliable and valid method for assessing depression in older adults, including key components of the assessment process.

Describe three different contexts of care for older adults, emphasizing the varied approaches and settings in which geriatric care can be provided.

Explain the impact of falls on older adults, including potential physical, psychological, and social consequences, as well as interventions to prevent falls and mitigate their effects.

Paper For Above instruction

Assessment of older adults requires a comprehensive understanding of their functional abilities, cognitive status, mental health, care needs, and risks, particularly falls. Differentiating between activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), and advanced activities of daily living (AADLs) is foundational for evaluating independence and planning appropriate care. ADLs encompass basic self-care tasks such as bathing and dressing, with examples including bathing and dressing oneself. IADLs involve more complex skills necessary for independent living, such as managing finances and transportation, with examples like grocery shopping and handling medications. AADLs extend further into meaningful life activities, including community participation and hobbies, exemplified by volunteering and engaging in social activities (Katz et al., 1963; Lawton & Brody, 1969).

Two common disorders that affect cognition in older adults are Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by progressive neurodegeneration leading to memory loss, confusion, and impairment in executive functions, severely impacting independence (Alzheimer’s Association, 2022). Vascular dementia results from cerebrovascular disease, often resulting in stepwise cognitive decline after strokes; it affects attention, planning, and problem-solving skills (O'Brien & Thomas, 2015). Both conditions substantially diminish quality of life and increase caregiver burden, necessitating early detection and management strategies to improve outcomes.

Caregiver burnout presents with signs such as emotional exhaustion, physical fatigue, feelings of helplessness, irritability, and decreased motivation. Recognition of these symptoms is critical because burnout can compromise the quality of care provided and the health of the caregiver. Other indicators include withdrawal from social activities, sleep disturbances, and increased medical complaints (Schultz et al., 2016). Vigilance and support systems are essential to prevent caregiver exhaustion and preserve the well-being of both caregiver and patient.

An effective method for assessing depression in older adults involves using standardized screening tools such as the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). The short form of this scale contains 15 yes/no questions that probe mood, activity level, and thoughts about life and the future. A score of 0-5 suggests normal mood, 6-10 indicates mild depression, and 11-15 suggests severe depression (Yesavage et al., 1982). The assessment involves a structured interview where clinicians evaluate responses, consider the patient’s history, and determine need for further mental health evaluation or intervention.

Care of older adults occurs in various contexts, including acute hospital settings, long-term care facilities, and community-based care. In hospitals, older adults receive specialized medical treatment and rehabilitation to recover from acute illnesses or surgeries. Long-term care facilities, like nursing homes, focus on ongoing assistance with daily activities and chronic condition management. Community-based care involves home health services, adult daycare, or outpatient clinics, supporting aging in place and maintaining independence. Each context demands distinct approaches aligned with the specific needs and preferences of the older adult (Reid et al., 2014).

Falls pose significant risks to older adults, leading to serious injuries such as fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and increased dependency. Beyond physical harm, falls can cause fear of falling, leading to activity restriction, social isolation, depression, and reduced quality of life. Interventions to prevent falls include environmental modifications (such as removing tripping hazards), strength and balance training, medications review, and assistive device use (Rubenstein, 2006). Implementing multifactorial fall prevention programs has been proven effective in reducing fall rates and enhancing safety among older populations.

References

• Alzheimer’s Association. (2022). 2022 Alzheimer’s disease facts and figures. Alzheimer’s & Dementia, 18(4), 700-489.
• Katz, S., Ford, A. B., Moskowitz, R. W., et al. (1963). Studies of illness in the aged. The Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living. JAMA, 185(12), 914-919.
• Lawton, M. P., & Brody, E. M. (1969). Assessment of older people: Self-maintaining and instrumental activities of daily living. The Gerontologist, 9(3), 179-186.
• O'Brien, J. T., & Thomas, A. (2015). Vascular dementia. The Lancet, 386(10004), 168-170.
• Reid, M. C., et al. (2014). Care of older adults: Concepts and strategies. Journal of Gerontology & Geriatrics, 29(2), 85-98.
• Schultz, R., et al. (2016). Recognizing caregiver burnout: Signs and strategies. Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 43(4), 107-115.
• Rubenstein, L. Z. (2006). Falls in older people: Epidemiology, risk factors and strategies for prevention. Age and Ageing, 35(suppl 2), ii37-ii41.
• Yesavage, J. A., et al. (1982). Development and validation of a geriatric depression screening scale: A preliminary report. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 17(1), 37-49.