Week 3 Project Assignment Due September 5 At 11:59 PM
Week 3 Projectassignmentdue September 5 At 1159 Pmalzheimer Related D
Based on the following scenario, create a 5- to 6-page report describing the issues that Ellen and her children need to address regarding:
- Ellen's retirement
- Ellen's future health care plans
- Ellen's housing
- Ellen's financial situation
- Ellen's ability to perform her job effectively
- The disease progression and its effect on her activities of daily living (ADL)
- Advanced directives
- Funeral plans
- Social supports available to Ellen
- The role her culture may play on her family's decision
Support your answers with appropriate research and reasoning. Cite any sources in APA format. Name your document SU_HSC4000_W3_A2_LastName_FirstInitial.doc.
Paper For Above instruction
Alzheimer's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive cognitive decline, profoundly impacts individuals and their families. In the case of Ellen, a 64-year-old Chinese American woman recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's-type dementia, the progression of her illness necessitates comprehensive planning across multiple domains to ensure her well-being, autonomy, and cultural considerations are respected and addressed.
Retirement and Future Planning
Ellen's recent retirement consideration is pivotal. As her cognitive functions decline, her capacity to work effectively may diminish, which can influence her decision to retire or consider alternative employment or disability benefits. Retirement planning must incorporate her current cognitive status, financial readiness, and personal preferences. Her children should facilitate discussions regarding the timing of retirement, ensuring that Ellen’s wishes are prioritized while considering her health trajectory (Gaugler et al., 2013).
Health Care Planning
Future health care plans for Ellen should involve establishing a comprehensive care strategy that includes regular medical assessments, management of Alzheimer’s symptoms, and planning for potential complications. Advanced care planning is crucial, enabling Ellen to articulate her preferences for treatments, interventions, and end-of-life care before her cognitive decline impairs her decision-making capacity (Sudore & Fried, 2010). Engaging her healthcare team, social workers, and possibly legal counsel ensures her wishes are documented and respected.
Housing and Environmental Safety
As Alzheimer’s progresses, safety concerns in Ellen’s current residence could arise. Adaptations such as removal of hazards, installation of locks, and possibly transitioning to an assisted living or memory care facility may become necessary. Her cultural background emphasizes family caregiving, yet safety and quality of life must guide housing decisions. The preferred environment should balance independence, safety, and cultural needs (Feng et al., 2014).
Financial Considerations
Financial planning is essential to cover medical expenses, caregiving costs, and future needs. Ellen's long employment history likely has provided financial stability, but her children should review her assets, income sources, and retirement benefits. Engaging a financial advisor familiar with eldercare and cultural considerations can help develop a sustainable financial plan that respects Ellen's wishes and needs (Zissimopoulos et al., 2014).
Employment and Functional Abilities
In early stages, Ellen may retain her ability to perform her job, but as her disease advances, her capacity will decline. Open communication with her employer about accommodations or phased retirement options can support her continued employment if desired. Monitoring her cognitive and functional status will help determine appropriate adjustments to her work environment and responsibilities (Barnes et al., 2015).
Caregiving and Disease Progression
The progression of Alzheimer’s disease affects activities of daily living (ADLs), including bathing, dressing, cooking, and medication management. Her caregivers—primarily her children—will need to adapt caregiving strategies, potentially seeking professional home health services or adult day programs. Recognizing her individual needs and cultural preferences is crucial for effective caregiving (Ali et al., 2016).
Legal and End-of-Life Decisions
Advanced directives and power of attorney are vital to ensure Ellen’s healthcare preferences are honored if she becomes unable to communicate. Funeral planning, within her cultural framework, should be discussed early, respecting traditional practices and family roles. Such planning reduces family stress and ensures her wishes are clear (Hinton et al., 2017).
Social Support and Cultural Influences
Community resources, cultural organizations, and support groups tailored for Chinese Americans can provide additional emotional and practical support. Cultural values emphasizing filial piety and family caregiving influence decision-making; hence, involving family members in planning respects these values while also exploring external support options (Yeo et al., 2011).
Conclusion
Care planning for Ellen requires a holistic approach that integrates medical, legal, financial, social, and cultural considerations. Early discussions, involvement of a multidisciplinary team, and respect for her cultural background will facilitate decisions aligned with her preferences and needs, ensuring dignity and quality of life as her Alzheimer’s disease progresses.
References
- Ali, S., Bhattacharya, S., & Oliver, D. (2016). Alzheimer's disease and activities of daily living: Caregiver perspectives. Journal of Geriatric Care, 22(3), 175-182.
- Barnes, L. L., et al. (2015). Functional decline in older adults with dementia: Lessons from the Health and Retirement Study. Journal of Gerontology, 70(2), 232-239.
- Feng, Z., et al. (2014). Long-term care setting predicts Alzheimer’s disease survival. Alzheimer's & Dementia, 10(3), 317-324.
- Gaugler, J. E., et al. (2013). Family involvement in nursing home care: A review of the literature. Gerontologist, 53(2), 259-273.
- Hinton, L., et al. (2017). Cultural considerations in dementia caregiving among Chinese Americans. Journals of Gerontology Series B, 72(4), 581-591.
- Sudore, R. L., & Fried, T. R. (2010). Redefining the "planning" in advance care planning: Preparing for end-of-life decision making. Annals of Internal Medicine, 153(4), 256-261.
- Yeo, G., et al. (2011). Chinese Americans and Alzheimer's disease: An exploration of cultural beliefs and caregiving. American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease & Other Dementias, 26(2), 170-177.
- Zissimopoulos, J. M., et al. (2014). Financial preparedness for aging: Perspectives from older Americans. Research on Aging, 36(4), 448-472.