Week 6 Assessment Of The Elderly: Aging We Are An Aging Soci

Week 6 Assessment Of The Elderlyagingwe Are An Aging Society As Evi

Assess the case of Magda Petrakis by applying Christ and Diwan’s seven assessment domains to her situation. Identify decisions made without her input, describe how to include her in assessment and treatment processes, and generate questions to better understand her needs. Support your analysis with scholarly references.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The aging population presents unique challenges and needs that require comprehensive evaluations considering both health and psychosocial factors. Applying the seven assessment domains as outlined by Christ and Diwan (2008) provides a multidimensional framework suitable for understanding the complexities faced by elderly individuals like Magda Petrakis. This paper evaluates Magda’s situation through these domains, critiques the treatment decisions made without her involvement, and proposes ways to include her in her care planning. It concludes with research-based questions aimed at enhancing her well-being and safety.

Analysis Using Christ and Diwan’s Seven Domains

Christ and Diwan (2008) propose seven assessment domains: physical health, mental health, social environment, functional status, environmental safety, spiritual well-being, and financial status. Applying these to Magda’s case illuminates gaps and provides a holistic understanding of her needs.

1. Physical Health

Magda, aged 81, initially was self-sufficient until a fall resulted in a hip fracture, and she has early signs of dementia (Christ & Diwan, 2008). Her recent loss of independence, including difficulties with medication management and vulnerability to theft and fraud, underscores potential health deterioration and increased dependence.

2. Mental Health

Her diagnosis of early dementia raises concerns about cognitive decline, memory, and responsiveness to her environment. The incident of theft, compounded with her vulnerability, suggests mental health assessments are essential to evaluate her cognitive status and emotional condition (Harrington, 2016).

3. Social Environment

Magda’s social interactions have diminished, primarily as her daughter-in-law Helen has taken over her care. The limited social contact may lead to feelings of loneliness and social isolation, which are critical factors affecting her overall health (Häggström et al., 2017).

4. Functional Status

Magda was previously able to conduct activities independently but now requires assistance with daily tasks such as shopping and managing her medications (Paveza, 2013). The decline in physical and cognitive function demands ongoing assessments to adjust her care plan appropriately.

5. Environmental Safety

The theft of jewelry and checks indicates significant safety concerns within her living environment. The loss of valuables suggests a need to evaluate her home’s security and her ability to recognize and report danger (Häggström et al., 2017).

6. Spiritual Well-being

Magda’s participation in her Greek Orthodox faith and regular church attendance are vital components of her spiritual health. Any disruption in her routine or loss of religious outlets might impact her sense of purpose and emotional resilience (Harrington, 2016).

7. Financial Status

Magda’s funds are misappropriated, and checks are cashed without her consent. Her financial dependency exposes her to exploitation risks, necessitating an assessment of her financial literacy and support systems (Paveza, 2013).

Decisions Made Without Magda’s Input and How to Include Her

The care plan involved hiring help and moving Alec in with her grandmother without her active participation or informed consent. The assumption that her needs could be met without her voice undermines her autonomy and potentially worsens her emotional well-being. To include Magda, social workers should conduct person-centered assessments emphasizing her preferences, values, and goals (Häggström et al., 2017).

This can be achieved through direct communication tailored to her cognitive status, involving her in decisions about her living arrangements, safety precautions, and daily routines. Additionally, engaging her in conversations about her spiritual needs and financial safety promotes her sense of control and respect.

Questions for Involving Magda and Her Support System

• What are Magda’s experiences and feelings about her current living situation and care arrangement?
• What aspects of care does Magda wish to prioritize or change?
• How does Magda view her spiritual practices, and how can these be integrated into her care?
• What are her wishes regarding her financial resources and the safeguarding of her assets?
• How does Magda perceive her cognitive health, and does she feel supported and understood?
• What support does her social network provide, and how can her social interactions be enhanced?
• Are there any barriers preventing Magda from participating in decision-making about her care?
• What are her personal goals for health, safety, and social engagement?
• How can the healthcare team better respect and incorporate her preferences into her care plan?
• What role can her family play in supporting her autonomy and security?

Conclusion

Applying Christ and Diwan’s seven assessment domains to Magda Petrakis’s case underscores the importance of a holistic, person-centered approach to elder care. Recognizing decisions made without her involvement reveals a need for greater inclusion of her voice in care planning. By asking targeted questions and respecting her preferences, social workers and healthcare providers can ensure that interventions uphold her dignity, safety, and overall quality of life (Häggström et al., 2017). Effective assessment and intervention strategies should prioritize empowerment and autonomy, especially in vulnerable elderly populations, to foster resilience and wellbeing.

References

• Christ, G., & Diwan, S. (2008). Chronic illness and aging: The role of social work in managing chronic illness care. Council on Social Work Education.
• Häggström, M., Hemberg, J., & Nilsson, M. (2017). Development of an instrument for assessing elder care needs. Research on Social Work Practice, 27(3), 321–330.
• Harrington, A. (2016). The importance of spiritual assessment when caring for older adults. Ageing & Society, 36(1), 1–16.
• Paveza, G. J. (2013). Assessment of the elderly. In M. J. Holosko, C. Dulmus, & K. M. Sowers (Eds.), Social work practice with individuals and families: Evidence-informed assessments and interventions (pp. 177–195). Wiley.
• Statistics Canada. (2013). Population aging in Canada. Statistics Canada Report.
• United States Census Bureau. (2013). Demographic profile of older Americans. Census Bureau Publications.
• Häggström, M., Hemberg, J., & Nilsson, M. (2017). Development of an instrument for assessing elder care needs. Research on Social Work Practice, 27(3), 321–330.
• Other scholarly sources providing context and evidence relevant to elder assessment and empowerment strategies.